Atlantis Resort Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas.

As of Wednesday, July 22, you can add The Bahamas to the growing list of countries not allowing Americans to visit this summer. Prime Minister Hubert Minnis announced the move during a National Address on Sunday, July 19, saying it was in response to an increase in Covid-19 cases49 new occurrences since the countrys borders officially opened to travelers on July 1. Flights from Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union, however, are still permitted at this time.

While there are countries that continue to make progress, such progress can be reversed because of what is happening in neighboring and other countries. Progress can also be reversed because of how citizens and residents within countries are following or ignoring health guidelines, said Minnis. Regrettably, the situation here at home has already deteriorated since we began the reopening of our domestic economy. It has deteriorated at an exponential rate since we reopened our international borders.

As a result, starting Wednesday, July 22, regular international flights and commercial sea vessels from the United States will not be allowed to enter The Bahamas, while flights from Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union will be allowed to continue. Interestingly, a tweet by the Prime Ministers account and the Bahamian Tourism website states that private international flights and charters and private pleasure crafts and yachts are still allowed to enter The Bahamas from all countries.

Travelersbasically, anyone who isnt carrying a U.S. passportare able to enter the country as long as they acquire a health visa electronically and show they have a negative RT-PCR Covid-19 test result from a test taken no more than 10 days before their trip. Those without the proper documentation and test results are required to quarantine in a government-identified facility for 14 days at their own expense.

While in The Bahamas, social distancingstaying at least six feet from anyone outside your groupand mask-wearing are mandatory anytime youre in public. This includes anytime youre waiting in line for attractions, restaurants, taxis, or hotels, when youre coming to or from the beach, or before and after exercise. Anyone not following the rules is subject to a $200 fine, a month in prison, or even both, so dont chance it. Also be aware that gatherings on the beach are limited to five people or fewer and due to a countrywide curfew, you must be back at your hotel, Airbnb or other accommodation between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The Prime Minister also announced that as of July 20, beaches and parks in New Providence, Paradise Island, Rose Island, Athol Island, and other surrounding cays would be closed indefinitely, as will the restaurants at Arawak Cay and Potters Cay.

On Grand Bahama, where 31 of the latest 49 cases have occurred, all beaches and parks are closed and a curfew is in place from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Ferry service between East End in Grand Bahama and Crown Haven in Abaco has been suspended, as well as all indoor dining on the island, while outdoor dining, delivery and pick-up are still permitted. All bars and Fish Frys are also closed until further notice.

Like other nations that responded well at the outset of the pandemic, The Bahamas is working through the same balancing act, Minnis said during the National Address. We are trying to get Bahamians back to work and to promote economic activity, while also limiting the spread of the virus. We are trying to open parts of our economy and our society while promoting and requiring health measures to protect lives.

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The Bahamas Bans American Travelers Due To Covid-19 Concerns - Forbes