By KHRISNA RUSSELL
Tribune Chief Reporter
krussell@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has suggested that in order for omni buses in the country to again operate, certain health metrics have to be met in the country’s COVID-19 fight.
Under the most recent Emergency Powers orders, the use of omni buses as a mode of transportation is prohibited.
Bus owners and operators have voiced concerns that buses continued to be disallowed from operating.
Asked about it Friday, Dr Minnis told reporters following a tour of BAIC that officials were working on a plan for a phased approach that will rely on certain metrics.
“We are putting together a phases opening and that is being done not only by us but we have what you call a national COVID committee, which comprises of elements of the private sector, the chamber of commerce etcetera,” Dr Minnis said.
“We’re asking them to look at metrics and therefore we know that once the COVID number is at a certain level then you can move to another phase. Once the hospitalisation is to a certain level you can move and therefore the bus drivers and everybody can just look at the phase, at the metric and they know what’s being advanced.”
Later, during a Ministry of Health press conference, officials said several factors were considered.
Health Minister Renward Wells said passenger numbers and the rate of transmission were a part of discussions.
He said: “I will say from the perspective of health with respect to the amount of individuals on a particular bus. Obviously we are in the process of a phased reopening and so given the fact that we do still have numbers that are extremely high in New Providence we are observing the trend in regards to the spread of COVID and the government at this stage is going to look at the transportation business and I do believe soon and very soon we may be able, given the numbers, look as to how we can allow the omni bus service to operate.
“We are allowing the taxis to operate because I think it’s evident you have three or four persons in a taxi verses 30 or 40 inside a bus.
“The potential for a greater spread if someone in there was positive I think it’s obvious to all.”
Chief Medical Officer Dr Pearl McMillan made similar comments.
Dr McMillan said: “Certainly from a health perspective we would make our recommendations as it relates to the coming together, the potential for transmission in certain areas.
“But as we move forward with ensuring that we get the necessary data that gives information with respect to how well we are doing on a particular island then certainly have made recommendations to relax restrictions so I would say that once we are there we would go ahead and make that recommendation.”
Comments
birdiestrachan 4 years, 2 months ago
After all of this time the competent Authority. the one man . is putting together A COVID 19 committee.
Exactly who does he think he is fooling.??
Perhaps the dictator. is spent.
tribanon 4 years, 2 months ago
He supposedly put a Covid-19 committee together back in March, but you wouldn't know it either by the lack of its effectiveness or by Minnis's unwillingness to seriously consider its recommendations.
thps 4 years, 2 months ago
“We are allowing the taxis to operate because I think it’s evident you have three or four persons in taxi verses 30 or 40 inside a bus."
Het comparing a bus at capacity vs. other modes of transport not at capacity?
He should be comparing intended capacity then assess the risk. of spread.
trueBahamian 4 years, 2 months ago
If he's opening up beaches, you might as well let the bus drivers earn an income. Between 5am to 9am with the beaches, you can be sure you will have half the island out. If you're allowing for businesses to open, you have to keep in mind some of the employees at some of these businesses take public transportation. So either they have to find someone to give them a ride or they have to pay for a cab. Last time I checked some people only make minimum wages, so cab fare wouldn't be a part of their budget.
On the cab drivers, there are not many tourists about and they for the most part are allergic to locals, so what was the rationale for allowing them to operate now. I see a greater need for public buses than taxis as stated above.
rodentos 4 years, 2 months ago
nope, covid is here to stay!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM7NLlW…
listen to him
proudloudandfnm 4 years, 2 months ago
Now is not the time for stupid anti-vaccine garbage....
birdiestrachan 4 years, 2 months ago
When doc toured BAIC there was no social distancing. Something is very wrong. he says one thing but he does another.
But he did say" if I say I am going west and I go east I changed my mind"
How can the Bahamian people put any confidence in him? Willy
birdiestrachan 4 years, 2 months ago
Willy Nilly that is doc all the time
mandela 4 years, 2 months ago
Why is it that wholesale liquor stores are not allowed to provide curbside services like the other businesses? The Chinese don't hire Bahamian workers but Rabbit and Kirki's wholesale bar does and these young ladies also need to eat and have families to feed, the incompetent authority and his advisors are still playing politics, they say beaches are open between 5 am to 9 am, how many persons go to the beaches at these hours, the sun doesn't even arise until 6.30 am, these people making up these rules as they go along really takes Bahamians for idiots. They pretend like they are doing something when they are actually doing nothing, they will give us corned beef and then try to convince us that it's steak.
moncurcool 4 years, 2 months ago
“We are putting together a phases opening and that is being done not only by us but we have what you call a national COVID committee, which comprises of elements of the private sector, the chamber of commerce etcetera,” Dr Minnis said.
Fine, but how do you seek to open up on Monday without those metrics? The metrics should have already been in place and communicated to the public. I see a third wave coming.
truetruebahamian 4 years, 2 months ago
Mandela is right about the beach hours of access, however he is wrong about the Bahamian Chinese. They usually staff their establishments with family .and they ARE Bahamian!
tribanon 4 years, 2 months ago
Minnis has most deservedly lost the faith, trust and confidence of the Bahamian people forevermore. No Bahamian in their right mind would ever again cast their precious vote for this disgracefully incompetent and certifiable lunatic.
Topdude 4 years, 2 months ago
Mr/Ms Tribanon there you go again with your invidious and visceral attacks on our Prime Minister. Have you looked at yourself recently? Please straighten up and fly right. Please.
tribanon 4 years, 2 months ago
You've become way too detached from the silent majority. Those posting their many justified grievances about Minnis on this website are but a handful of the thousands and thousands of Bahamian voters who have now rightly turned their backs on him forevermore. The FNM party had better wake up and soon free itself of Minnis's control, before its too late. As the saying goes: The writing is on the wall for all to see!
Topdude 4 years, 2 months ago
You are wishing and hoping for a reality that does not exist. From my knowledge and the empirical evidence, thousands and thousands of Bahamians support the Prime Minister.
If wishes were horses beggars would ride. Get serious and quit trying to say your wishes are those of the supporters of the FNM.
tribanon 4 years, 2 months ago
We certainly didn't wish to become a nation of beggars under the rule of Minnis without even a donkey (let alone a horse) to ride. But that's exactly what has happened.
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