Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis has announced special Christmas season provisions for New Providence and islands still under the 5am to 10pm curfew.
In a National Address on Sunday 6 December, the Prime Minister said that from 24 December 2020 through 3 January 2021, church and religious services may be held after 10pm to accommodate midnight mass, watch-night and other liturgical services on New Providence, Abaco, Grand Bahama, Exuma and Eleuthera.
“In the event that any of our churches require additional provisions to appropriately celebrate the birth of Christ during this sacred season, please make them known to the Competent Authority,” said Prime Minister Minnis. “Consideration will be given to these requests
On New Providence, Abaco, Exuma and Eleuthera, social gatherings will be permitted with a maximum of 10 people, during the period December 2020 through 3 January 2021.
Retail operations on New Providence and Abaco will be permitted on Sunday 13 December and Sunday 20 December.
Gyms may also resume operations on New Providence and Abaco, starting Monday 7 December.
In-person church services may resume on Exuma and Eleuthera.
Prime Minister Minnis also announced that quarantine will no longer be required for travelers leaving New Providence to go to the Family Islands, effective Monday 7 December.
Travelers from New Providence and Grand Bahama to the rest of The Bahamas will be required to obtain the travel visa, to complete the daily health questionnaire and to take the Rapid Antigen Test on the fifth day after their travel.
“This is the same protocol in place for international travelers to The Bahamas,” noted the Prime Minister.
As of Monday 7 December, a RT PCR test will no longer be required for people traveling from Exuma to other islands of The Bahamas.
The RT PCR test requirement for travelers from New Providence and Grand Bahama to other islands of The Bahamas remains in place.
Prime Minister Minnis said measures were being relaxed in order to celebrate Christmas and because The Bahamas is doing generally well at the moment.
“The sacrifices we have made as a country have paid off,” said the Prime Minister. When we look around the world, we can see how well we have done because we worked together.”
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