The Tribune

BLUE Lagoon Island will resume operations on July 11, following three months of closure.

The top-rated private island destination has implemented “a comprehensive enhanced safety programme” to ensure that as local and international guests are welcomed back, every step is being taken to protect them, staff and animals, according to a press release.

“We have been hard at work during this unforeseen shut down to revamp our operation in accordance with local and international requirements and best practices as well as to provide assurance to our industry partners that they can recommend Blue Lagoon Island as an excursion to their clients,” said public relations manager Jessica Robertson.

“Providing peace of mind to all of our guests – both local and international – as well as to our staff members is our top priority. When we do resume operations, it will be done in a way that our guests and our partners have confidence and can trust that we have the necessary protocols and measures in place.”

To prepare for reopening, management and staff have completed training, including the compliance training certificate programme from the Ministry of Tourism.

Prior to the reopening, team members will be back on the island for training on new safety measures and customer service in the new environment, the destination said. The company has engaged a local physician to offer further training on the safe use of personal protective equipment.

Safety measures include reduced guest capacity, increased sanitisation, masks required for all staff and guests in stipulated areas, temperature checks for staff and guests, relaxed sick day policy to encourage staff to stay home if not well, flexible cancellation policy, physical distancing markers, chairs and tables spaced to enable physical distancing, buffet removed per government regulation, hand sanitiser at boarding and stations throughout the welcome centre, open-air ferries and Blue Lagoon Island, increased hand wash stations and cashless transactions only.

In its initial reopening phase, Blue Lagoon will be open to the public on Thursdays and Saturdays only. These days are subject to change based on demand.

In accordance with Bahamian law, all guests will be required to wear masks while on the open-air ferries, inside any buildings, retail outlets, restrooms, the photo and video lab and when walking inside the Shifting Tides restaurant and also in any other areas where physical distancing is not possible.

Ms Robertson said interest in bookings is already high and there have been lots of queries.

“We are particularly excited to see so many Bahamians and residents reaching out for booking information,” she said. “The Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday morning that beaches can reopen on June 29 was met with tremendous excitement. A private island with many beautiful beaches, lifeguards, safety precautions in place, physical distancing enforced and a full range of activities and amenities to take advantage of is exactly what people are looking for.

“Bahamians are seeking a safe place to gather with family and friends, celebrate milestones that have happened during our collective shut down and just get out and enjoy the beauty that our Bahamas offers.”