Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis in the House of Assembly on Thursday. Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune staff
Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced in the House of Assembly on Thursday that the Bahamas is moving into Phase 3 of the country’s reopening.
While warning that we must continue to follow the advice and recommendation of health professionals, the Prime Minister announced changes to the current restrictions, including:
• The weekday 24-hour curfew will be lifted on Tuesday 2 June for all islands. The new curfew is now 9pm to 5am Monday to Friday. Weekend lockdowns remain in effect.
• During Whit Monday and the Labour Day holidays the lockdown will remain in effect but grocery stores may open 6am – 7pm, and food takeaways and drive-thrus, as well as restaurants with curbside and delivery services may open from 6am-7:30pm.
• Public parks and beaches will open on all islands except for Bimini, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Harbour Island, New Providence and Paradise Island and San Salvador, effective 2 June.
• Worship services are now allowed in sanctuary for New Providence, Grand Bahama and Bimini, effective 6 June, 7am - 1pm – following health and safety protocols.
• Effective Tuesday, 2 June, commencement and graduation ceremonies, funerals and weddings, in groups of no more than 30, may take place with the approval of the competent authority.
• All islands of may resume normal commercial operations, except for New Providence, Grand Bahama and Bimini, effective 2 June.
• For all non-essential storefront business, in-store operations are permitted on New Providence, Grand Bahama and Bimini, Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, effective 2 June.
• Gaming House operators may operate with physical distancing and sanitisation protocols, from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, effective 2 June.
• Law firms, Justices of the Peace, and real estate agencies may now extend their operating hours to 5pm. Financial services, inclusive of accounting services, may operate with physical distancing and sanitisation protocols between the hours of 9am to 5pm.
• Restaurants, except for curbside and deliveries, bars, gyms, hair salons and barbershops, movie theatres, cultural facilities, and entertainment facilities remain closed on New Providence, Grand Bahama and Bimini. Dr Minnis assured restaurant operators, hair salons and barbershops that the government is working with the National COVID-19 Coordination Committee and industry partners to finalise protocols for operations.
Comments
DWW 4 years, 7 months ago
vote of no confidence yet? no? too early?
K4C 4 years, 7 months ago
and after that vote an election to return the PLP, and what point will the Bahamas say, time for REAL change or will it remain the same as Einstein said insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results
joeblow 4 years, 7 months ago
@K4C Minnis has to go, anybody else with common sense could do a better job. He has singlehandedly destroyed the premise that doctors are suppose to be smart people!...
K4C 4 years, 7 months ago
is there an actual good alternative to either the FNM or PLP ?
Thought so
BTW Doctors are smart persons, but here is your issue, Minnis is a politician, that in itself disqualifies him from being smart
Back to you
joeblow 4 years, 7 months ago
... the issue is not with the parties, but with those chosen to lead! Stalwart councilors don't make their decisions for party leaders by principles or merits, but by self interest. That will always give the electorate the short end of the stick. However, Minnis is clearly not the sharpest knife in the drawer!
K4C 4 years, 7 months ago
in that case I am going to suggest Bahamians, BTW that's me as well get going and search for someone that's going to prove of his/her's worth, since we all KNOW either the FNM or PLP, it's the insiders who get their way
DWW 4 years, 7 months ago
At what point do we all say "enough of this BS?"
licks2 4 years, 6 months ago
When their party gets voted out. . .when the gravy train stops and "ween getting fix up" no more!! That's the biggest pile of BS in Bahamian politics. . . every body eyes "get closed" when it comes to their party. . .their eyes are open to every little thing when they are out of office!! They talk all kind of nonsense when their party is doing the "teifin" or the nonsense of the day!!!
We are at the point where the only thing that will change this is a removal of those responsible for politics in this country. . .politicians and their cronies. . .everybody looks out for themselves.
themessenger 4 years, 7 months ago
"During Whit Monday and the Labour Day holidays the lockdown will remain in effect but grocery stores may open 6am – 7pm, and food takeaways and drive-thrus, restaurant curbside and delivery may open from 6am-7:30pm."
Did I miss something here, how are people going to patronize these establishments over these holidays if the lockdown remains in effect???
I need some new drugs.............SMT.
heath 4 years, 7 months ago
It seems that this fool of a PM, doesn't understand basic human nature. We all want this nonsense weekend lockdown to end, but since we can only go to the supermarket, most of us will do so, even if it is to buy one item. the man is either a complete idiot or a complete idiot.
thephoenix562 4 years, 7 months ago
So he want things to be different.Your point of view.Why does that make the PM an idiot.
licks2 4 years, 6 months ago
So what am I? Not the "WE" who want the week end lock down to end? When did "we" had this talk to appoint you arbitrator for "we". . .to the idiot pm you talk about? Chill. . ."we" want our nation to be safe. . .keep ya mouth out of "we" business unless we "ELECT" you to manage our country!! If you hate Doc. . ."WE" allow you every 5 years to deal/move Doc. . .until then. . .speak for yaself!!
ohdrap4 4 years, 7 months ago
This is what happens to people who missed the venn diagram lesson in 8th grade. They never learn logic.
joeblow 4 years, 7 months ago
... or the common sense lecture in while at home in grade one. Good one and true!!
thps 4 years, 7 months ago
Actually many people eat Wendys and stuff on holidays.
If you ever went to or drove past Xtra Valu on a holiday you'd see people there a well.
But whats the issue if they didn't anyway. its a good thing I think, At least with this aspect.
stillwaters 4 years, 7 months ago
Go read the Nassau Guardian....they explained it better.
moncurcool 4 years, 7 months ago
Not they didn't do anything different. However, do you not think it is unethical to try promote another paper where you can't comment online on a newspaper site that allows you to comment?
stillwaters 4 years, 7 months ago
Wow....
joeblow 4 years, 7 months ago
@moncurcool... actually the Guardian is a much better paper in terms of the quality of their journalism and editorials! Much better!!
licks2 4 years, 6 months ago
No. . .no new drug. . . "willful blindness" or you may be one of those persons who must be "led" so as to make a conclusion!! It is so simple. . .just like we have been shopping for months during the 24/7 curfew. Ya feel ma?
heath 4 years, 7 months ago
So we can do what we please between 5 am and 9pm but not on weekends, and not on public holidays but I can now go get a takeaway on lockdown days? I am either too stupid to understand this enlightened policy or this Prime Minister is the biggest idiot to hold office in the history of this wonderful nation!!
joeblow 4 years, 7 months ago
... and you can go into food stores, gas stations and pizza parlors to pick up orders, but you cannot go into a wine store to select a bottle of wine with a mask on while practicing social distancing. The man is an idiot!
DWW 4 years, 7 months ago
So you can't leave your house without permission from "the authority" but church can open and stores can open and you can go to the beach and the parks (except for the islands that actually have parks). So basically the entire country, every man woman and child is now a criminal. Brilliant legal minds here. simply brilliant. Such contradictory Effin BS. I think someone should have a strong drink so they can start to think straight.
thephoenix562 4 years, 7 months ago
Say what?
immigrant 4 years, 7 months ago
So these people can flock to the church but we can’t go for a swim on the beach with social distancing. Make sense of that PM.
UN 4 years, 7 months ago
Public transportation the last to resume (they’re assuming everyone has someone to fall back on). Having to walk around in hot, humid weather (‘she makes us feel like something, at least we’re not walking - stalking is more honorable than walking’).
stillwaters 4 years, 7 months ago
I don't get why all the griping. He basically opened everything again, but isn't that what people wanted, isn't that enough?
DWW 4 years, 7 months ago
it may be open but you can't go unless you have permission from the authority no?
Hoda 4 years, 7 months ago
When the govt announces that they have deposited 10,000 in everyone’s account...maybe.
licks2 4 years, 6 months ago
Leave them there alone. . .they can't be that stupid. . .so I deduced that they just "running on". . .let them stay they tails home then. . .I would not want dumb people like them driving around in the roads nohow!! Don't explain anything to them anymore. . .if they just playing the fools. . .I DON'T WANT THEM ON THE ROAD ANYHOW. . .LET THEM RUN ON!!!
Honestman 4 years, 7 months ago
The Government is in a difficult position here. One small mis-step could have devastating consequences in allowing the virus to spread. We are told that the country only has around 40 available beds in ICU. This seems wholly inadequate given the potential for this virus to spread. Given these circumstances, the PM has to tread very carefully. I agree with the lock down over the two holiday weekends for if everything was to open up for these holidays then social distancing would go out the window. However, I don't agree with opening up the churches for public services even with protocols in place. This is a risk government doesn't need to take at this time. Overall, government is doing a good job in suppressing the virus and the public, in general, deserves huge credit for its level of compliance. However, our success in keeping this invisible foe at bay causes another problem in that it is likely that few of us have built up any immunity to the virus. Government is going to have to invest heavily in testing kits so that we can begin a strategy of reintroducing tourists to our islands whilst closely monitoring any increase in infection rates. We all want something close to our previous way of life to return as soon as possible but the transition is fraught with danger and we need to cut government some slack. This is by far the biggest challenge any Bahamian government has faced since independence.
DWW 4 years, 7 months ago
hows that koolaid taste?
joeblow 4 years, 7 months ago
... the government has done a horrible job suppressing the virus. Do you realize that Minnis is personally responsible for causing Bahamian to congregate in groups that would encourage the spread of the virus on multiple occasions with his previous orders. Remember that 80% of those infected will have no symptoms, this can only mean that a significant proportion of our population has been infected and now have antibodies to the infection and are unable to get it again. But we are not testing for antibodies, so we have no idea what is going on!! Our leader is an idiot!!
licks2 4 years, 6 months ago
Ya wasting ya time here. . .this a swine and pearls moment here!! It's is a matter of national security here. . .LEAVE THESE PEOPLE ALONE. . .COMMON SENSE IS WASTED ON THEM!! If we continue with these dimmers. . .the world may think we are all got hollow heads!!
stillwaters 4 years, 7 months ago
The scary part for me is the amount of morbidly obese people....... with many chronic illnesses that just don't see , or just don't want to see the danger ahead........... for them in particular.
TalRussell 4 years, 7 months ago
It does not make sense that Brent Symonette of all redcoats House elected MPs, should've stood up like some sheep on floor House on this trying day to sing the praises of a man who after firing him, did publicly accused him of lying about discussing on the telephone the post office lease?
How could've comrade Brent have risen in praise a man who after he fired his crown minister health not only appointed heself to head the health portfolio - he has now during a killer virus pandemic - reduced the colony's health budget by $100 million - whilst increasing the salaries the viruses and hurricane reliefs political appointees by a whopping $10 million?
Just can't make these ongoing redcoats sagas up. Just, can't. Nod once for yeah, Twice for no?
avidreader 4 years, 7 months ago
In response to "Honestman"'s comment posted earlier: In line 15 you couldn't have expressed it better and I quote "Overall, the government is doing a good job in suppressing the virus and the public..." There can be little doubt that you have written the truth. Thank you very much.
stillwaters 4 years, 7 months ago
Wow.......
rodentos 4 years, 7 months ago
Government just "governing".... open this open that, close that and these.... as if it ever made any difference. Best government is when they just do nothing, then they can't do bad.
TalRussell 4 years, 7 months ago
The comrade redcoats this May 28 day, 2020 will be remembered as the House elected MP's who all joined in the thumping their desks each time a redcoat stood up on the floor of the House to repeat that NO new COVID-19 cases were occurred anywhere on all colony's 700 out islands and cays over the past five days but is it the truth? Nod once for yeah, Twice for no?
ohdrap4 4 years, 7 months ago
Keep talking folks, but remember that he announced a 10000 fine or 18 months in prison for tossing garbage out of cars.
To stop rats from taking over.
Also roadside vendors will be regulated and only allowed in specific places and be mandated food handler's certificates.
TalRussell 4 years, 7 months ago
How many PopoulacesPurse's salaries and pensions will the newly self-appointed "official" minister of health now be entitled to collect at the same time as a broke coconut water seller teenager was arrested, jailed and brought before the courts to fined, lectured by a supreme judge.
He, Mr. Minnis, me comrade Tal. at no time over the immediate two day period was there a single moment during Mr. Minnis standing up to speak on the House floor, did the member-elect for the constituency of Killarney, speak in the voice of the colony'snew self-appointed health minister?
Even more so was left that more confused, instead why was it that it was left to the former health minister Dr. Duane to be the one to have stood spoke on the House as still being an official in good the colony's ministry of health?
Nod once for yeah we need this "fake news" live before the cameras occurrence clarification, Twice for no clarification required?
DWW 4 years, 7 months ago
Basically every single person in the country is now a criminal who has violated the emergency order, but meh...!
TigerB 4 years, 7 months ago
I saw Trump open up the beaches for memorial day last week...the people gone wild. This morning CNN reported that there was not a peep from him when they passed, 100,400 plus deaths. Almost one third of the world's death belongs to our neighbor next door. So Brave and the opposition is complaining on behalf of the people they say. We need to be careful what we ask for, we just might get it.
licks2 4 years, 6 months ago
It is not like we do not know what Davis, Mitchell et al (except Cooper) are like in government. . .one never knows anything in his ministries. . .or having thugs attacking his PS right in government office, or the other almost never in this country. . .known as "FLY AWAY FRED". . .clownish!! They MUST show better than they are doing. . .or should I say. . .NO WAY FOR THE PLP. . .AND SOME FNM!! I am hoping for a fresh and progressive new party to come on the scene. . .but all I see now is a cannibalistic and staggering FNM and the gangster mentality PLP!! I am back at the choice between the town drunk and the town thief. . .the FNM presents a stale breath in government (honoring incompetence, especially in the department of education. I blame doc for that mess) and we know them PLP will "tief ya eye out"!
CatIslandBoy 4 years, 7 months ago
I just don't understand all of the complaining and whining. The government is trying its very best to save lives. All of the protocols, curfews, and lockdowns, are intended to save lives. Yet some of you have the unmitigated gall to criticize as if you could do better. Let's hear your plan
geostorm 4 years, 7 months ago
Catislandboy, Bahamians just love to complain. I feel sorry for us.
The_Oracle 4 years, 7 months ago
Abstract thought is learned between ages 7-12. Usually from parents. If the parents talk to their children. Ask any properly qualified primary school teacher. Abstract thought is the "what if" or "imagine if". Without that, everything is black or white (not racial) It is one of the primary reasons we have no anger management and kill each other over Girlfriends (or sluts) and petty cash. perceived slight. but it also severely hampers logistical thought, or the "what if" in otherwise supposedly intelligent people (read educated) So, zero logistical skills or foresight. Repeating mistakes. Oh well. PLP FNM is but a side show to this main event, which thus far is a non event. No follow through, no action and consequence. To expect more than what we are getting is to expect Miracles from Manure or Silk from cows ears.
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