MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FLA. (WSVN) - The Bahamian government has announced it is closing its borders to commercial flights and ships from the United States, as the island nation prepares to enforce additional travel and safety restrictions in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19.
In a statement posted to the web page of the office of Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, Sunday night, officials confirmed that Bahamasair, the national airline, has ceased all outgoing flights to the U.S., effective immediately.
The total number of cases in the Bahamas is 153. Officials said about one third of these cases were a result of opening their borders within the last few weeks.
In the statement, which includes an extensive list of restrictions, Minnis said the country is implementing the travel restrictions due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in the U.S.
It reads in part, “Our current situation demands decisive action, if we are to avoid being overrun and defeated by this virus. We cannot allow our hospitals to be overrun. Many priorities must be balanced, be they health, social and economic. Chief amongst these, though, is the health.”
The restrictions include limiting entry to the country’s airports and seaports.
Officials said, “International commercial flights and commercial vessels carrying passengers will not be permitted to enter our borders, except for commercial flights from Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union.”
Officials added that “international and domestic borders will be closed to all incoming and outgoing flights and sea vessels to and from Grand Bahama, except for emergencies and to transport essential services and goods.”
These restrictions are set to go into effect Wednesday at midnight.
In addition, officials said, all returning Bahamians and travelers not included in the international ban must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
Officials said outgoing commercial flights for visitors scheduled to leave after Wednesday will be permitted.
7News has learned American Airlines will continue flying to the Bahamas through Wednesday.
Officials also announced the closure of public and private beaches and parks on New Providence, Paradise Island, Rose Island, Athol Island and surrounding cays until further notice. This restriction is set to go into effect Monday at 5 a.m.
Officials confirmed restaurants at Arawak Cay and Potter’s Cay will also be required to close, effective Monday.
In terms of the new curfew, officials said, it will apply to Grand Bahama and extend from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., starting Monday night.
Anyone with questions and concerns about the coronavirus can call the Florida Department of Health’s 24-hour hotline at 1-866-779-6121.
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