All the virus secrets are revealed in the numbers – Bahamas Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

Being a Philomath and in particular a Matholephile, I created a mathematic model for the Bahamass Coronavirus cases and death. This is not accurate but it gives a ball park figure. It is similar to predicting the weather; things could change but there is a high probability it will occur.

The model predicts the following: March 2020, 10(1)= 10, April 2020, 9(2)= 81, May 2020, 4(3) = 64, June 2020, 4(4)= 256, July 2020, 4(5) = =1024, August 2020 3.5(6) = 1838, September 2020 3(7) = 2 187, October 2020, 2.65(8) = 2432, November 2020, 2.4(9) = 2.210 = 2 656, December 2020, 2.1(11) = 3 503, January 2021 2(12) = 4 096, February 2021, 1.9(13) = 4 205 March 2021, 1.8(14) = 3 748. Microbial growth goes through 4 stages: lag, growth, steady and decline, The COVID-19 should start to decline unless, there is a third wave due to an unforeseen agent(s).

The Bahamas should have about 70 deaths by April 2021, using the current death rate of 1.6%. There should be between 4 000 to 4 500 cases of COVID-19 detected in the Bahamas within a year. Using the flu which infects 3% to 11% of a population annually, the Bahamas should have 11 814 to 43 319 cases of COVID-19. Since everyone is not tested, the number of cases detected will be much lower.

Lockdown and quarantine will change the timeline but the final result will be similar. This is how virus and bacteria usually behave. I am making this model public to start the discussion on long-term projections.

PS: numbers are raised to the power eg, 2 to the 12 power 1.8 to the 14 power (in brackets).

BRIAN E PLUMMER

Nassau,

August 23, 2020.

Go here to see the original:

All the virus secrets are revealed in the numbers - Bahamas Tribune

In Lawsuit, Cruise Line Crew Members Say They’re ‘Effectively Held Hostage’ on Stranded Ships, Working Without Pay – TIME

Crew members say theyve been trapped aboard Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line ships for months without pay, effectively held hostage during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a class action lawsuit filed in federal court on Tuesday.

The suit alleges that thousands of workers have been unnecessarily kept on the ships for months on end, many thousands of miles away from their homes and families and suffered lost wages and lost employment opportunities as a result. After the pandemic shut down cruises in March, crew members were required to continue cleaning, cooking and maintaining their ships without pay, according to the lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

This egregiously delayed repatriation is tantamount to false imprisonment of the crew, the lawsuit states.

In a statement, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line said the company has worked tirelessly with local governments around the world to repatriate as many of our crew members as possible.

To date, more than 90 percent have safely returned home. For those whose governments have closed their borders and not permitted them to return, we have provided accommodations, food, and onboard credit for incidentals, the statement said. While we understand the strain that these difficult times have placed on our crew, in particular those who have been unable to return home, we are confident in the approach weve taken to treating all team members with transparency and care.

In an earlier statement on July 21, announcing that it would not resume sailing operations until October per new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rules, the cruise line said it had followed all required guidelines, including adhering to strict requirements for our onboard crew members, and installed the best safety protocols in the industry across our fleet to protect our guests and crew, who are always our top priority.

Dragan Janicijevic, the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, is a Serbian citizen who was employed on one of the cruise ships as a casino dealer. He told the Miami Herald that he and other employees had asked to be sent home in April, but were told the cruise line could not afford charter flights, which were initially required by the CDC to prevent disembarking crew members from potentially spreading the virus on commercial flights. They were keeping us captive, Janicijevic, who left the ship in late June, told the Herald.

When sailing operations were halted in March, the cruise line forced all crew members aboard the ship to sign a document stating they were voluntarily staying onboard, without pay, according to the lawsuit.

The crewmembers were forced to sign these agreements by being threatened that they would not be rehired if they did not sign, the lawsuit states. This system of requiring crewmembers to work, without pay, is the equivalent of forced labor or peonage.

In July, the CDC extended its no-sail order for cruise ships through September. Other cruise ship companiesincluding Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdingshave been paying working crew members, but not paying the non-working crew who remain on their ships, the Herald reported.

For your security, we've sent a confirmation email to the address you entered. Click the link to confirm your subscription and begin receiving our newsletters. If you don't get the confirmation within 10 minutes, please check your spam folder.

Write to Katie Reilly at Katie.Reilly@time.com.

More:

In Lawsuit, Cruise Line Crew Members Say They're 'Effectively Held Hostage' on Stranded Ships, Working Without Pay - TIME

Belgium and the Bahamas off safe list – ABTA Magazine

Change comes into place on 4am on Saturday August

Travellers arriving in the UK fromBelgium, Andorra and the Bahamas will be forced to quarantine for 14 days after the countries were removed from the governments travel corridors list.

The Department for Transport said that data from the joint biodiversity centre and Public Health England indicated a significant change in both the level and pace of confirmed cases in the countries.

The change comes into place on 4am on Saturday August 8. Scotland has also withdrawn the countries from its list.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office now advises against all but essential travel to Belgium, Andorra and the Bahamas.

Data shows we need to remove Andorra, Belgium and The Bahamas from our list of #coronavirus Travel Corridors in order to keep infection rates DOWN. If you arrive in the UK after 0400 Saturday from these destinations, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days.

Belgium recoded more than 70,000 Covid-19 cases this week, meaning it has a rate of 27.8 new cases per 100,000 people. This is compared to the UKs 8.4.

Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia,Slovenia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines were added to the list on July 24, butSpainwas removed on July 25 andLuxembourgwas removed on July 31.

More: Get information on overseas travel in our travel advice sectionMore: Sign up to our Weekly Digest for an overview of travel news

The government is under increased pressure to implement a testing regime at borders amid the confusion caused by changes to thetravel corridors list.

In the wake of the Department for Transport removingSpainfrom its safe list and the change in FCO advice, which was subsequentlyextended toinclude the Canary and BalearicIslands, the chief executive of Heathrow has renewedcalls for testing.

As many of our customers have experienced, its difficult to plan a holiday that way, let alone run a business.Testing offers a way to safely open up traveland trade to some of the UKs biggest markets which currently remain closed, John Holland-Kaye told BBC Radio 4sTodayprogramme.

He said: The UK needs a passenger testing regime and fast, adding that without it, Britain is just playing a game of quarantine roulette.

Matt Hancock has said he hasabsolutely no regrets about the quickchange in advice on Spain and saidmore countries could be removed from the exemption list within days.

The health secretary said officials were looking all of the time at coronavirus cases in other countries.

See original here:

Belgium and the Bahamas off safe list - ABTA Magazine

Belgium, Andorra and Bahamas have been added to the UK quarantine list – heres why – Leighton Buzzard Observer

Travellers arrivng in the UK from Belgium will now be required to quarantine for 14 days (Getty Images)

Travellers arriving in the UK from Belgium, the Bahamas and Andorra will be required to quarantine for 14 days.

The new measure comes into place from Saturday 8 August, except in Wales where the restriction is already in place.

The trio of countries follow Spain and Luxembourg in having a quarantine reimposed, with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office warning against all but essential travel to the three countries.

When do the measures get underway?

The Transport Secretary revealed the changes on Thursday night.

He tweeted: Data shows we need to remove Andorra, Belgium and the Bahamas from our list of [coronavirus] travel corridors in order to keep infection rates DOWN.

"If you arrive in the UK after 0400 Saturday from these destinations, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days."

Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousuf said there was a shared understanding between all home nations that the measures were required.

Wales have already implemented the quarantine restrictions.

The measures apply to anyone travelling through Belgium on their return from other European or World destinations.

Why have the measures been introduced?

Belgium has seen a rise in cases in recent weeks with data showing 27.8 new cases per 100,000 people compared to UKs 8.4.

The weekly case rate has spiked in The Bahamas at 77.8, while Andorra has seen a five-fold increase in cases since mid-July.

According to the Guardian measures could be introduced for France amid a rise in cases.

Are there any new travel corridors?

UK travellers have been told it is now safe to travel to Malaysia and Brunei following a significant dip in cases.

Vaughan Gething, the Welsh health minister said the public health risk posed by a decreasing prevalence was now low enough to open up a travel corridor to the southeast Asian countries.

More:

Belgium, Andorra and Bahamas have been added to the UK quarantine list - heres why - Leighton Buzzard Observer

US issues level 4 advisory warning against travel to The Bahamas – Loop News Jamaica

Residents of the United States have been cautioned against travelling to The Bahamas.

On Thursday the US State Department issued a level four travel advisory for the Caribbean territory citing health and safety concerns and COVID-19 related conditions.

The advisory which was issued on Thursday said: "Do not travel to The Bahamas due tohealth and safety measures and COVID-related conditions.Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due tocrime. Some areas have increased risk."

The State Department warned US residents to exercise extreme caution if they decided to venture to the Caribbean territory.

Included in the advisory was a country summary which read: "Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault, occurs even during the day and in tourist areas. Although the family islands are not crime-free, the vast majority of crime occurs on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands."

The Bahamas is the first country within the English speaking Caribbean to be on the receiving end of a level four travel advisory since the start of the pandemic.

The United States has approximately five million confirmed cases and has recorded over 160 thousand virus-related deaths.

On Thursday the Bahamas Ministry of Health recorded 10 new cases of COVID-19 bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 761.

Of the 10 new cases, 7 were recorded in New Providence, 2 in Bimini and 1 on the island of Abaco.

With concerns raised over the rate of infection in the territory, persons travelling from The Bahamas to Sweden and the United Kingdom will now be subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

The Bahamas currently has 654 active cases of COVID-19.

Go here to see the original:

US issues level 4 advisory warning against travel to The Bahamas - Loop News Jamaica

Foundations Aren’t What You Think: The Little-known Bahamas Private Wealth Structure Explained – Wealth Management – Bahamas – Mondaq News Alerts

06 August 2020

Intertrust

To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com.

When you hear the word "foundation" your immediatecorrelation is probably "charity." But in the Bahamas,the definition has evolved from the classical philanthropic senseand foundations have become a formidable instrument to assist withprivate wealth planning.

The Bahamas Foundations Act, 2004 (later amended in 2007)relating to the appointment of a foundation agent, foundationcouncil and the rights of a beneficiary, is a relativelylittle-known private wealth vehicle. Over the years, we have seenthat certain instruments originating from common law jurisdictionsmay not be recognized in civil law jurisdictions, but foundationsare a dependable option due to their non-recognition, meaningthey're not subject to forced heirship statutes applied bycivil law countries.

Foundations are often referred to as a "hybrid," a termused because this instrument has attributes of a trust as well as acompany.

Here are the similarities of a foundation to a trust:

Has a settlor

The founder is similar to thesettlor

Settlor can have reservedpowers

Founder can have reservedpowers

Can be revoked

Can be revoked

Can be amended

Can be amended

Must have objects (assets)

Must have objects (assets)

Must have beneficiaries

Must have beneficiaries

No perpetuity period

No perpetuity period

May have a protector

May have a protector

After death of the settlor,probate is not necessary

After death of the founder,probate is not necessary

And here are the similarities of a foundation to a company:

Coupled with the Bahamas' stable regulatory framework,foundations are an untapped and practical private wealth option.Get in touch with an expert below to learn more.

The content of this article is intended to provide a generalguide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be soughtabout your specific circumstances.

POPULAR ARTICLES ON: Wealth Management from Bahamas

STA Law Firm

The asset management sector within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is responsible for sustainable growth of financial sectors ...

See more here:

Foundations Aren't What You Think: The Little-known Bahamas Private Wealth Structure Explained - Wealth Management - Bahamas - Mondaq News Alerts

Bahamas PM Assesses Isaias Damage on US Coast Guard Aircraft – US Embassy in The Bahamas

A U.S. Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry takes off from Odyssey Aviation in Nassau, The Bahamas, on the way to an overflight of areas affected by Hurricane Isaias | August 2, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Public Affairs Sectionhttps://bs.usembassy.gov+1 (242) 322-1181 ext. 4220Nassau, The Bahamas | August 2, 2020

Less than 24 hours after Hurricane Isaias passed over The Bahamas, the United States provided aircraft support so that Prime Minister the Most Honorable Dr. Hubert Minnis could assess the damage, and the humanitarian needs of those in the storms wake.

Charg dAffaires Kevin OReilly accompanied the Prime Minister on the overflight, along with U.S. Coast Guard District 7 Commander Rear Admiral Eric Jones. The Honorable Desmond Bannister, Minister of Public Works; Captain Stephen Russell, Director of the National Emergency Management Agency; and Leader of the Opposition, Philip Davis also joined the overflight.

As Hurricane Isaias was still roaring over The Bahamas on August 1, the U.S. Embassy was putting in place a plan to provide a U.S. Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry so that the Prime Minister could fly over affected areas to assess the damage from the storm. Based out of Air Station Miami, the overflight went over Andros and the Berry Islands, before returning to New Providence due to prevailing weather conditions.

In the coming weeks the United States will continue to work with Bahamian partners at every level of government to strengthen disaster response in The Bahamas. Before Isaias struck, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) activated a team of 11 Bahamas-based disaster experts to liaise with NEMA and humanitarian partners, and to help assess impacts and humanitarian needs, if required.

Long before Isaias had formed in the eastern Caribbean, the United States works year-round to reduce the riskand impactof disasters in the Caribbean. The USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance has provided training to NEMA staff and other national and local emergency responders in The Bahamas, including courses on disaster risk reduction, school safety, shelter management, risk program management, and damage assessment and needs analysis. NEMA staff are now certified to teach the courses to others first responders, ensuring the wide implementation of the information and protocols across The Bahamas, thereby strengthening the entire countries ability to respond to a disaster.

By U.S. Embassy Nassau | 2 August, 2020 | Topics: Press Releases

Continue reading here:

Bahamas PM Assesses Isaias Damage on US Coast Guard Aircraft - US Embassy in The Bahamas

Coronavirus UK live updates as arrivals from Belgium, Andorra and The Bahamas forced into quarantine – HullLive

People arriving into the UK from Belgium, Andorra and The Bahamas will have to self-isolate after a rise in coronavirus cases.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed on Thursday evening that the three countries will be removed from the UK travel corridor list.

It means anyone arriving into the UK from one of the three countries after 4am on Saturday will have to self-isolate for 14 days.

A statement on the Government website said: "Data from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and Public Health England has indicated a significant change in both the level and pace of confirmed cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) in all 3 destinations, leading to ministers removing these from the current list of travel corridors.

"There has been a consistent increase in COVID-19 cases per 100,000 of the population in Belgium since the middle of July, with a 4-fold increase in total cases over this time period. In Andorra, new cases per week have increased 5-fold over the same time period, while in The Bahamas the weekly case rate peaked at 78.6 last week, up from 3.1 in mid-July."

Mr Shapps tweeted: "Data shows we need to remove Andorra, Belgium and The Bahamas from our list of #coronavirus Travel Corridors in order to keep infection rates DOWN.

If you arrive in the UK after 0400 Saturday from these destinations, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days.

Meanwhile, a further 950 cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the UK on Thursday - the highest daily number for six weeks.

A total of 49 more deaths have also been confirmed, bringing the UK death toll to 46,413.

The worst affected areas in England remain Blackburn with Darwen, where there are 82.2 cases per 100,000 people. It is followed by Oldham, at 67.9, Pendle, at 58.6, and Leicester, at 52.2 cases.

Other areas where there have been increases are Swindon, Calderdale, Manchester, Preston and Tameside.

In Leeds, the city council has warned of clusters in Kirkstall and Harehills and says "further steps may need to be considered" if case numbers continue to increase.

In Hull, the infection rate in the seven days to August 3 is 1.9 - with five cases confirmed - compared to 3.5 in the seven days to July 27, when nine cases were confirmed.

Meanwhile, up to 135,000 people could lose their jobs at more than 100 of Britain's biggest firms due to coronavirus.

An audit carried out by the Daily Mail shows the severity of cuts likely to hit both here and abroad.

Analysis found that, of large firms that disclosed figures, 22,500 jobs are in retail, 18,100 in hospitality and 21,600 in travel and airlines.

For more of the latest updates, follow our live blog below.

Read the rest here:

Coronavirus UK live updates as arrivals from Belgium, Andorra and The Bahamas forced into quarantine - HullLive

Hurricane Isaias lashes the Bahamas as it bears down on Florida – TRT World

Hurricane Isaias has lashed the Bahamas as it churns towards Florida, bringing new dangers to a US state suffering record deaths from an unrelenting coronavirus outbreak.

Hurricane Isaias has strengthened slightly as it has lashed the Bahamas, bearing down on Florida.

Isaias was carrying top sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph) and was located about 125 km (80 miles) south-southeast of the Bahamas capital Nassau at 5 am (0900 GMT) heading northwest, the National Hurricane Center said.

Its centre was approaching Andros Island in the Bahamas and was due to pass over or near islands in the central and northwest Bahamas on Saturday, bringing a danger of damaging storm surges of up to 1.52 m (5 feet) over normal tide levels, the NHC said.

Meanwhile, officials in the Bahamas evacuated people on Abaco island, who have been living in temporary structures since Dorian. People living in the eastern end of Grand Bahama were also being moved.

Paula Miller, Mercy Corps director for the Bahamas, told The Associated Press that while the islands can normally withstand strong hurricanes, some have been destabilised by the coronavirus pandemic and the damage caused by Dorian.

With everything not quite shored up, property not secured, home not prepared, even a Category 1 will be enough to set them back, she said.

Two of those islands, Abaco and Grand Bahama, were battered by Dorian, a Category 5 storm that hovered over the area for two days and killed at least 70 people, with more than 280 reported missing. People are still living in tents on both islands, and officials said crews tried to remove leftover debris ahead of Isaias.

READ MORE: Dorian strikes Bahamas with record fury as Category 5 storm

Curfew imposed

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis relaxed a coronavirus lockdown as a result of the storm, but imposed a 10 pm to 5 am curfew. He said supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations and hardware stores would be open as long as weather permitted.

The Bahamas has reported more than 570 confirmed Covid-19 cases and at least 14 deaths. It recently barred travellers from the US following a surge in cases after it reopened to international tourism.

Measures in parts of Florida

The storm, a Category 1 on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale, prompted authorities in parts of Florida to close Covid-19 testing sites and people to stock up on essentials.

Isaias was expected to deliver heavy rains to the state's Atlantic coast beginning late Friday before hitting the eastern Carolinas by early next week, the NHC said.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis established a state of emergency for a dozen counties on the Atlantic coast, which makes it easier to mobilise resources.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper followed suit.

'No need to open shelters' in Miami

Public beaches, parks, marinas and golf courses were closed in Miami-Dade County on Friday.

Miami Mayor Carlos Gimenez said on Friday that 20 evacuation centres were on standby that could be set up with Covid-19 safety measures.

We still dont think there is a need to open shelters for this storm, but they are ready, he said.

Miami-Dade and Broward counties also closed drive-through and walk-up testing sites for Covid-19, as the state at the epicentre of the country's outbreak reported a record increase in coronavirus deaths for a fourth day in a row.

DeSantis said testing sites would remain open on Florida's west coast, and testing at hospitals and community centres may also continue.

READ MORE:US once again registers more than 70,000 new Covid-19 cases

Flooding and landslides

On Thursday, while still a tropical storm, Isaias toppled trees, destroyed crops and caused widespread flooding and small landslides in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, where hundreds of thousands of people were left without power and water.

Officials reported that a man died in the Dominican Republic when he was electrocuted by a fallen electrical cable. More than 5,000 people were evacuated, and more than 130 communities remained cut off by floodwaters.

In Puerto Rico, the National Guard rescued at least 35 people from floodwaters that swept away one woman who remained missing.

READ MORE:Hurricane Hanna threatens flash floods in coronavirus-hit Texas

Source: TRTWorld and agencies

View original post here:

Hurricane Isaias lashes the Bahamas as it bears down on Florida - TRT World

Talking the Tropics With Mike: Isaias to roll across the Bahamas through Friday night & near Florida over the – ActionNewsJax.com

There is an alleyway of sorts developing near the U.S. east coast/far W. Atlantic. A more organized Isaias seems to now be sniffing out that alley lending confidence to the more north & east solution in the long run. The approaching upper level trough moving into the Eastern U.S. should help eventually steer Isaias north then northeast. The trough may help with the upper level ventilation of the storm negating some of the effects of potential low level shear while along or near the east coast & Isaias may undergo a period of fairly solid intensification through the weekend/early next week as indicated by some models..... &, therefore, be even stronger - at times - than a Cat. 1 hurricane. However, there may also be some land interaction - especially on the west side of the circulation - over the weekend during the close approach to SE Florida. The GFS model has recently come in stronger as has the operational European & UKMET models & generally agree on a painfully close approach to SE Fl. while turning north then well east of Jacksonville. The GFS remains decidedly faster (by 12+ hours) than either the European or UKMET models. A compromise between all three is the prudent route at this juncture & probably will end up closest to reality.

Follow this link:

Talking the Tropics With Mike: Isaias to roll across the Bahamas through Friday night & near Florida over the - ActionNewsJax.com

Hurricane Isaias Moves Through Bahamas as Category 1 Hurricane, Projected to Strike Brevard County on Sunday – SpaceCoastDaily.com

Hurricane Isaias Carrying 80 mph max sustained winds

ABOVE VIDEO: Hurricane Warning issued for Brevard County by the National Hurricane Center. Space Coast Dailys Zach Clark reports on the latest developments.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA National Hurricane Center is continuing to monitor Category 1 Hurricane Isaias after a Hurricane Warning was issued for Brevard County on Friday.

The system is carrying 80 mph max sustained winds and moving to the northwest at 15 mph. The Category 1 hurricane is expected to slow down forward progress as it moves through the Bahamas early Saturday morning.

Experts project tropical storm-force winds could impact Brevard County as early as Saturday late afternoon around 3 p.m. The main portion of the hurricane will move near or over the Floridas East Coast, including Brevard County, throughout the day on Sunday. The strongest winds will arrive Sunday night around 8 p.m.

National Hurricane Center is expecting Hurricane Isaias to gain strength tonight as it moves off the Bahamas Friday night and early Saturday morning.

Brevard County could be impacted by winds as high as 85 mph.

Isaias is expected to carry storm surge around 2-4 feet for Brevard County, along with the entire east coast of Florida. The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the right of the center, where the surge will be accompanied by large waves.

In addition to storm surge, rainfall amounts is also a concern as Isaias is producing a vast amount rainfall. Brevard County is expected to receive 2-4 inches of rain, which could cause isolated flash flooding, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas.

Finally, Brevard County will begin seeing swells spread along the coast by Saturday afternoon. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Those traveling to the beach on Saturday should adhere to local government warnings regarding dangerous rip currents as Isaias begins to descend on the area.

A local State of Emergency has been declared for Brevard County on Friday in response to the pending threat of Hurricane Isaias.

A local state of emergency is declared in advance of a potential disaster event and enables government entities to readily seek response or recovery assistance from the state.

The emergency declaration will be signed by Brevard County Commission Vice-Chair Rita Pritchett, who is the appointed chair of the Policy Group, which consists of local, county, and state officials and is activated for emergencies.

An emergency declaration provides avenue for counties to expedite contractual procedures, rental of equipment, employment of permanent and temporary workers, acquisition of supplies, materials and facilities and appropriation and expenditure of public funds.

Gov. Ron DeSantis also declared a state of emergency on Friday.

ABOVE VIDEO: Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey talks about area sandbag locations for citizen pickup.

The Brevard County Sheriffs Office along with the Board of County Commissioners and our Public Safety partners continue to monitor the storm projections of Hurricane Isaias.

As a result of a potential impact to Brevard County, the Sheriffs Office will be distributing sandbags (at no cost) to our citizens, today and Saturday, at five different locations throughout Brevard County.

In an effort to expedite the process, we will be using inmate labor to fill and load the sandbags directly into our citizens vehicles at the five different locations.

This will be conducted under the direct supervision of the Sheriffs Office employees. Each vehicle can obtain up to 10 free sandbags so they can help prepare and protect their homes and businesses.

The five locations will be open for distribution Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. or until supplies are gone.

*The five locations are:

NORTH BREVARD AREAChain of Lakes Park2300 Truman Scarborough WayTitusville, FL 32796

COCOA/PORT ST. JOHN/CANAVERAL GROVES AREABrevard County Jail (*across the street*)855 Camp Road, Sharpes

MERRITT ISLAND AND BEACHESMitchell Ellington Park575 Hall RoadMerritt Island, FL 32953

CENTRAL BREVARD AREACalvary Chapel Church2852 Fellowship PlaceViera, FL 32940

SOUTH BREVARD AREAEastern Florida State CollegePalm Bay CampusPalm Bay, FL, 32909

Please continue to monitor the potential track of this major storm and take the necessary precautions to protect you, your family, your pets, and your homes as we face another hurricane season together in Brevard County.

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS

Read more from the original source:

Hurricane Isaias Moves Through Bahamas as Category 1 Hurricane, Projected to Strike Brevard County on Sunday - SpaceCoastDaily.com

Red Cross in Bahamas preparing for Hurricane Isaias, while balancing COVID-19 response and Hurricane Dorian recovery – International Federation of Red…

Panama/Port of Spain, 31 July 2020 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is working alongside the Bahamas Red Cross to prepare for Hurricane Isaias.

A hurricane warning is in effect in the Bahamas with storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and heavy rainfall expected on the south eastern islands today and continuing through the weekend.

Effective preparedness and early action in disaster saves lives and livelihoods. The Red Cross is working with communities to ensure they are ready to address possible hurricane conditions during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bahamas Red Cross is working closely with the National Emergency Management Agency supporting plans for preparedness and response, including the opening of shelters. The Bahamas Red Cross is sharing information about how-to be ready for disaster, and the latest information about the storm. Red Cross volunteers have been trained in using personal protection equipment and are ready to mobilize in response to Hurricane Isaias.

The team in the Bahamas is managing three difficult emergencies simultaneously: they are preparing for Hurricane Isaias, addressing and supporting people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and continuing to help in recovery from Hurricane Dorian, said Ariel Kestens IFRC Head of Country Cluster for the English and Dutch Speaking Caribbean.

The Red Cross is continuing our work, as well as monitoring the situation to determine our ongoing course of action and how to continue to best meet the needs of vulnerable communities during these difficult times.

To mitigate the impacts of a hurricane and associated flooding, the Red Cross has pre-positioned humanitarian relief supplies in key areas throughout the region. Across the Caribbean, Red Cross volunteers are sharing early warning and preparedness messages, and they are urging people to have food, water, and other necessities available, and to consider personal protection measures, such as masks and hand sanitizer for emergency go bags.

Latin America and the Caribbean are disaster-prone regions. The IFRC advocates for climate change adaptation measures to mitigate the humanitarian impact of these disasters.

See the original post here:

Red Cross in Bahamas preparing for Hurricane Isaias, while balancing COVID-19 response and Hurricane Dorian recovery - International Federation of Red...

Talking the Tropics With Mike: Isaias near & over the Bahamas through Friday night & very close to Florida ov – ActionNewsJax.com

There is an alleyway of sorts developing near the U.S. east coast/far W. Atlantic. A more organized Isaias seems to now be sniffing out that alley lending confidence to the more north & east solution in the long run. The approaching upper level trough moving into the Eastern U.S. should help eventually steer Isaias north then northeast. The trough may help with the upper level ventilation of the storm negating some of the effects of potential low level shear while along or near the east coast & Isaias may undergo a period of fairly solid intensification through the weekend/early next week as indicated by some models..... &, therefore, be even stronger - at times - than a Cat. 1 hurricane. However, there may also be some land interaction - especially on the west side of the circulation - over the weekend during the close approach to SE Florida. The GFS model has recently come in stronger as has the operational European & UKMET models & generally agree on a painfully close approach to SE Fl. while turning north then well east of Jacksonville. The GFS remains decidedly faster (by 12+ hours) than either the European or UKMET models. A compromise between all three is the prudent route at this juncture & probably will end up closest to reality. Of note... the UKMET showing a ricochet-effect by sort of bouncing Isaias off the SE coast of Fl. then abruptly turning N/NE. The combination of frictional effects from land + the approaching trough make such an outcome plausible. Either way, the eye of Isaias looks to stay well east of Jacksonville in the long run.

Read this article:

Talking the Tropics With Mike: Isaias near & over the Bahamas through Friday night & very close to Florida ov - ActionNewsJax.com

Grand Bahama residents in 20 communities advised to evacuate – Bahamas Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

Grand Bahama residents in 20 communities along the coast and other vulnerable areas are being advised to evacuate, Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management, and Reconstruction Iram Lewis said on Friday.

This comes as the island - still recovering a devastating blow from Category Five Dorian last year is forecast to experience three to five feet storm surge as the system brushes the island on Saturday.

Given the potential surge, according to Minister Lewis, NEMA is advising the evacuation of communities along coastline, including McLean's Town, Sweeting's Cay, High rock, Dover Sound, Barbary Coast, Lucayan Glen, Forest Green, the Harbour area, Airport Zone, East Airport Zone, Queen's Cove, Lucayan Estates, the Heavy Industrial Area, and coastal areas of Williams Town, Russell Town, Pinder's Point, Bay Shore Road Eight Mile Rock; those on Rolle's Avenue and Quacko Street in Holmes Rock; Deadman's Reef, Bootle Bay, and the entire community of West End.

Also, the official shelter count has been increased from four to eight on Grand Bahama. They are Bishop Michael Eldon High School; Foster B Pestaina Hall (Special Needs); Calvary Temple, Maurice Moore Primary School (East Grand Bahama residents); Calvary Temple; St Georges High School Gym; Eight Mile Rock School; Central Zion Baptist Church; and Bethel Baptist Church.

The Emergency Operation Center has been activated, and Mr Lewis stated that persons in quarantine wishing to evacuate before the storm were able to call the EOC at 351-4902/3 to arrange transportation.

According to the minister, persons in quarantine not allowed to leave their homes were advised to have family members or persons in the public assist them with preparations for the storm.

"We have to abide by COVID-19 regulations, we have to be strict with that and ensure that those persons remain on lockdown, he stressed.

Rand Memorial Hospital Administrator Sharon Williams assured that the hospital is ready and prepared for the storm.

She said the emergency room is only open for emergencies and added that hospital patients are being accommodated at the A&E Section and Sunrise Medical Center. Ms Williams noted that the COVID-19 section at the Cancer Association Building is activated and is used to house COVID-19 patients and suspected cases.

Samaritans Purse tent hospital has been deactivated and is no longer being used to accommodate hospital patients, since April when it was impacted by severe weather.

When asked about visitors on Grand Bahama, Minister of State for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson said that the Ministry of Tourism is aware of all visitors on the island.

He said visitors wishing to leave the island can do so by private charter. As long as they have private charter they are allowed to leave, there are no restrictions on non-Bahamians who wish to leave, he added.

Minister Thompson also indicated that the OPM after receiving requests has considered on a case by case basis where hotels are required to open to receive evacuees during the storm.

He stressed that the island is being challenged again.

This is a very challenging time for GB and the entire Bahamas. It is challenging because we are continuing to recover from Dorian, and we see signs of that all over, said Mr Thompson.

We have done tremendous work and people have done tremendous work; and businesses have done tremendous work in recovering from what was the most devastating storm to ever hit this island. We are fighting with COVID-19; and not only are we fighting with COVID-19, but we are also at the center of the fight for COVID in the Bahamas. And now, we are faced with another storm, another hurricane, he said.

I believe we are as best as we can be prepared, given the circumstances we find ourselves in which are not at all ordinary circumstances, the minister said.

In preparation for the storm, residents flooded gas stations, the food stores, and hardware stores which were open until 8pm on Friday.

Grand Bahama Police will be closely monitoring the conditions at Fishing Hole Road.

Supt Doyle Burrows said the Police Command Center has been activated, but warned that no rescues will be carried during the storm. The numbers are 350-3084 or 350-3082.

Read this article:

Grand Bahama residents in 20 communities advised to evacuate - Bahamas Tribune

Hurricane Isaias Rakes the Bahamas on a Track for Floridas East Coast – The New York Times

MIAMI A hurricane warning was issued for parts of Floridas Atlantic coast on Friday, hours after Hurricane Isaias raked the Bahamas, parts of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

The National Hurricane Center issued the warning for over 150 miles of the Florida coastline, stretching from Boca Raton to the northern bound of Brevard County, according to an advisory on Friday afternoon. Hurricane warnings are still in effect for portions of the Bahamas through Saturday.

Hurricane watches, tropical storm warnings, a storm surge watch and a tropical storm watch are in effect for other parts of Floridas east coast.

The center forecast that the storm would near southeast Florida Saturday afternoon and through Sunday, and then travel north up the states eastern coast late Sunday. Isaias threatened strong winds, heavy rainfall and high storm surges late this weekend.

Isaias, a Category 1 hurricane, is expected to continue to strengthen Friday night and early Saturday and remain a hurricane for the next few days, but it is not forecast to strengthen to a Category 2, said Dennis Feltgen, a meteorologist and spokesman for the National Hurricane Center.

The storm, already the ninth named system of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, approached the Bahamas from the southeast on Friday morning, with maximum sustained winds of 75 miles per hour. Strong squalls and possible storm surges, forecast between three to five feet, threatened the islands, according to the center.

The potential storm surges were on top of astronomical tides, the centers director, Ken Graham, said on Friday. He described Isaias as a very large storm, with tropical force winds stretching out as far as 180 miles from the hurricanes center.

Its not just a point, its not just a track, its a very large area, he said.

Across the central Bahamas on Friday, conditions gradually deteriorated as the storm barreled across new ground. The threat from Isaias to the Bahamas comes less than a year after Hurricane Dorian ravaged Abaco and Grand Bahama, leaving residents in those areas especially unnerved. Many survivors of Dorian, who saw homes, schools, banks and whole communities crushed to rubble, are still living in tents and unrepaired homes.

The storm hit the Bahamas as it is grappling with a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus infections that has only accelerated in recent days, in what health officials are calling a second wave.

On Thursday night, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis announced the temporary relaxation of restrictions to give people more time to prepare for the storm. While there are formal hurricane shelters on Grand Bahama, it was unclear how officials would ensure social distancing in them.

In an interview with The Nassau Guardian, Melissa McPhee, 44, said her Grand Bahama home was protected only by a tarp on her roof, after having sustained significant flood and wind damage during Dorian. But she said that she had nowhere else to go.

Ms. McPhee said that, as someone with an underlying condition, she was at a high risk for complications from Covid-19. She was afraid to venture out to prepare for Isaias, she said, and felt that she could not chance staying in a crowded hurricane shelter.

Florida has also been grappling with a surge in coronavirus cases. There were more than 461,000 cases statewide and more than 6,500 deaths as of Friday since the beginning of the pandemic, according to a New York Times database. Friday was the third consecutive day that Florida set its record for the most deaths reported in a single day.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference on Friday that Florida was fully prepared for this and any future storm during this hurricane season. He said that the division of emergency management had been working at its most active level since March, allowing them to actively plan for hurricane season even while responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr. DeSantis added that early on, the division had created a protective equipment reserve for hurricane season, including 20 million masks, 22 million gloves and 1.6 million face shields.

This week, the states division of emergency management announced that state-sponsored coronavirus testing sites in 11 counties would remain open, but that others would close at 5 p.m. Thursday until it was safe to reopen.

At news conferences on Friday, the Miami-Dade and Broward County mayors said coronavirus testing sites would be closed until next week.

Meteorologists have forecast a busy Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, raising fears among emergency managers about how to handle a potential major hurricane landing during the pandemic. Evacuation orders typically call people into the close quarters of emergency shelters, or to crowded distribution centers.

Last week, Hurricane Hanna hit part of Texas as a Category 1 storm, landing near some of the cities and counties that have seen a sudden spike in Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations. San Antonio officials handed out hotel room vouchers for people who fled their homes, and the mayor of Corpus Christi urged people to wear masks at home if they took in relatives.

The average hurricane season usually produces 12 named storms, including three that develop into major hurricanes. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted an above normal season in the Atlantic, with as many as 19 named storms. Up to 10 of those storms could become hurricanes, and as many as six of those could develop into Category 3, 4 or 5 hurricanes.

Rachel Knowles Scott contributed reporting from Nassau, the Bahamas, and Christina Morales from Hialeah, Fla.

Read more:

Hurricane Isaias Rakes the Bahamas on a Track for Floridas East Coast - The New York Times

Getaway: 48-acre private island resort in the Bahamas to open in 2023 – SFGate

A 48-acre island in the Bahamas is getting a luxurious makeover, courtesy Montage Hotels & Resorts. When completed in 2023, Montage Cay will be a refined destination boasting seven white-sand beaches, a high-end spa, bespoke residences and a 46-slip marina.

We are honored to partner with the team at Sterling Global to bring Montage Cay to life and introduce our first Caribbean resort, said Alan J. Fuerstman, founder, chairman and CEO of Montage Hotels & Resorts. Surrounded by calm waters, warm breezes and panoramic beauty, Montage Cay will perfectly combine its breathtaking setting with signature Montage amenities and service. We have designed the resort to take full advantage of the islands natural beauty, setting the stage for one of the finest ultra-luxury resorts in the Caribbean. We are grateful to the Bahamian community for their warm welcome and look forward to bringing Montage to this special part of the world.

Currently known as Matt Lowes Cay, the redeveloped resort will rest on the shores of the Sea of Abaco. Montage International is partnering with Sterling Global Financial on the multiyear project.

When complete, the resort will host 50 all-suite accommodations and a limited number of Montage Residences. These units and dwellings will feature bespoke material palettes and serene views. In addition to a number of pools and public gardens, Montage Cay will also include outdoor showers, an indulgent spa, multiple dining destinations and space for events like weddings and other large celebrations.

The resorts marina will be able to accommodate vessels measuring up to 110 feet in length, allowing guests and residents access to aquatic adventures like fishing, snorkeling and boating.

Besides ocean views and sumptuous finishes, units at Montage Cay will come with plunge pools, outdoor showers and private gardens.

Dining options will abound as well. Besides all-day dining, there will be a signature dinner-only restaurant, a pair of bars on the beaches, pool bars, a juice bar and spa cafe.

Details

Property: Montage Cay, Abaco, Bahamas.

Features: Located along the Sea of Abaco in the Bahamas, Montage Cay will be a 48-acre private island resort when completed in 2023. The resort will host 50 ocean-view units, seven white-sand beaches and a 46-slip marina capable of accommodating vessels up to 110 feet long. Along with an assortment of swimming pools, outdoor showers and public gardens, the resort will include a superlative spa, children's program and venue for weddings and large celebrations.

The resorts comprehensive water sports and recreation center will provide the opportunity to explore coral reefs and watch marine life.

Residences at Montage Cay range in size from two to four bedrooms, and there will also be estate lots with custom homes showcasing the islands breathtaking sight lines.

Getting to the island wont be difficult, as its only a mile off the coast of Marsh Harbour. Once arriving at the small coastal town, the resort will be a brief 10-minute boat ride away. Seaplane access directly to the Montage Cay dock will also be available.

Of course, those with personal watercraft can dock their private boat at the Montage Cay marina.

Learn more at http://www.montagehotels.com/destinations/bahamas.

Contact: Montage Hotels & Resorts, 800-700-9977.

See the rest here:

Getaway: 48-acre private island resort in the Bahamas to open in 2023 - SFGate

Montage To Open Luxury Resort On Private Island In Bahamas – Forbes

Montage Cay is a 48-acre private island in The Abacos Islands in the Bahamas. Montage Hotels & ... [+] Resorts will develop 50 all-suite guest accommodations and a residential community on the island.

Montage Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in luxury hotel management, will open its first resort in the Caribbean. Located on Montage Cay in The Abacos Islands, the resort will include a five star hotel and a residential community on a 48-acre private island. The property will offer an unmatched resort experience in the Bahamas, with the same level of quality found at otherMontage properties.

Scheduled to open in 2023, the resort will be the first Caribbean-based property for Montage, which currently has a portfolio of hotels, resorts and residences that includes Montage Laguna Beach, Montage Deer Valley, Montage Kapalua Bay, Montage Palmetto Bluff and Montage Los Cabos. Montage is currently developing several additional resort properties, including Montage Healdsburg (opening in November 2020), Montage Big Sky (opening in 2021) and Montage La Quinta (opening in 2022).

Owned in partnership with Nassau-based Sterling Global Financial, the project is the redevelopment and rebranding of the private island of Matt Lowes Cay, re-emerging as Montage Cay, alongside the launch of The Residences at Montage Cay. The Abacos is a 120-mile chain of beautiful islands and cays that are dotted by mangroves and white sand beaches.

Surrounded by calm waters, warm breezes and panoramic beauty, Montage Cay will perfectly combine its breathtaking setting with signature Montage amenities and service, says Alan J. Fuerstman, founder, chairman and chief executive of Montage International. We have designed the resort to take full advantage of the islands natural beauty, setting the stage for one of the finest ultra-luxury resorts in the Caribbean. We are grateful to the Bahamian community for their warm welcome and look forward to bringing Montage to this special part of the world.

Montage Cay features a 46-slip marina that can accommodate vessels up to 110 feet in length.

Pristine Private Beaches And Stunning Views

Located on a private island in the Sea of Abaco, Montage Cay will be unlike other luxury resorts in the Caribbean due to its unique landscape and orientation. The 48-acre island boasts seven pristine beaches while a 46-slip marina will accommodate vessels up to 110 feet, allowing guests and residents of Montage Cay access to an array of world-class boating as well as some of the best fly-fishing, bone fishing, sailing, diving, and nature viewing in the Caribbean.

The island has a varied topography with elevated sight lines for expansive sunrise and sunset views, mature and diverse landscaping including coconut groves, as well as stunning scenery of the surrounding cays.

All-Suite Guest Accommodations, Turn-Key Residences and Custom Homes

The resort will have a hospitality component as well as residential offerings. Each of the fifty all-suite guest accommodations will feature light and airy ocean-view rooms with luxury outdoor amenities including plunge pools, outdoor showers, private gardens and lounge areas.

The Residences at Montage Cay will be a limited number of bespoke fully-furnished oceanfront Villa Residences and Estate Lots that will be developed with semi-custom homes.

We are honored to be partners with Montage International in the development of this spectacular project, says David Kosoy, Executive Chairman & Founder of Sterling Global Financial. I am confident that the combination of Sterlings development expertise and Montages operational expertise will result in an unparalleled private island escape and community that will set a new standard for luxury living.

Situated within private enclaves adjacent to the resort, the Villa Residences at Montage Cay will include stunning ocean views. Estate Lots will feature unique elevations and sight lines offering buyers the opportunity to create their own personalized Bahamian retreat with breathtaking ocean vistas.Residential owners will have access to a private beach and cabana area for their families and guests.

The Residences at Montage Cay are being thoughtfully designed to offer an exclusive opportunity to own a home on a private island with access to all of the amenities and services of Montage, in addition to a dedicated staff, says Fuerstman.

The island has seven pristine white-sand beaches as well as beautiful views of the Sea of Abaco and ... [+] the surrounding cays.

The Residences at Montage Cay will include a Montage Rental Management Program for homeowners who choose to participate. In addition, Montage Residential owners will have access to special privileges and benefits throughout the Montage Hotels & Resorts and Pendry Hotels & Resorts portfolios. Montage residential homeowner benefits include a curated collection of offerings that range from private aviation and home design to other travel and lifestyle offerings as well as benefits at other Montage and Pendry properties.

Details about the residential design, plans, layouts and views are in the conceptual phase and will be unveiled in the upcoming months, as well as the various partners and collaborators on the project, adds Fuerstman.

Watersports, Well-Being and Fitness Programs

Guests and residents will have access to incredible amenities including Spa Montage, wellness and fitness programming, unique culinary experiences, as well as days spent on the water exploring the marine life and various outdoor recreational activities.

The full-service Spa Montage will feature private treatment rooms in addition to an extensive health and wellness program. Spa Montage programming will be inspired by nature, using local elements to provide an authentic sense of place.

There will also be a fitness center, several swimming pools, tennis and pickleball courts as well as Montages signature Paintbox Childrens Club.

A robust water sports program and a recreation center will provide guests and residents with endless opportunities to explore some of the most important natural reserves in the Bahamas such as pristine coral reefs that showcase an incredible diversity of tropical marine life.

Food and Dining Programs

Montage Cay will also boast an array of unique restaurant and bar experiences including all-day dining, a signature dinner-only restaurant, two beach bar and grilles, lobby and pool bars, as well as a spa caf and juice bar.

The resort will also offer indoor meeting space, as well as wedding and social-event lawn space with unobstructed views of the clear blue sea.

Montage Cay is remote yet easily accessible as it is located less than one mile off the coast of ... [+] Marsh Harbour.

Getting There

Montage Cay is remote yet easily accessible as it is located less than one mile off the coast of Marsh Harbour. Guests and residents can easily get to the resort via several direct flights offered from major American and European markets to the Bahamas, as well as a modern FBO that welcomes private jets and charters. After arriving on Marsh Harbour, Montage Cay guests and residents will take a brief 10-minute boat ride to the resorts exclusive oasis or dock a private boat at the Montage Cay marina. Sea plane access directly to the Montage Cay dock is also available.

Montage Cay is destined to become one of the most exclusive ultra-luxury destinations in the entire Caribbean, as it will blend the companys award-winning, unparalleled service with the serene, natural beauty of the region.

For more information about Montage Cay, visit this link.

Read the original here:

Montage To Open Luxury Resort On Private Island In Bahamas - Forbes

A New Private Island Resort Is Coming to the Bahamas – TravelPulse

Montage Hotels & Resorts announced on July 28 it will be building its first venture into the Caribbean, a luxury resort and villa complex called Montage Cay located in the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas.

The resort will also include The Residences at Montage Cay, which comprises fully-furnished villas as well as custom-designed estate lots, both types sharing stunning views of the sea. Both the resort and The Residences will debut in 2023.

We are honored to partner with the team at Sterling Global to bring Montage Cay to life and introduce our first Caribbean resort, said Alan J. Fuerstman, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Montage International. Surrounded by calm waters, warm breezes and panoramic beauty, Montage Cay will perfectly combine its breathtaking setting with signature Montage amenities and service. We have designed the resort to take full advantage of the islands natural beauty, setting the stage for one of the finest ultra-luxury resorts in the Caribbean. We are grateful to the Bahamian community for their warm welcome and look forward to bringing Montage to this special part of the world.

Montage has partnered with Sterling Global Financial to build the 48-acre private-island resort and residential community in what was previously known as Matt Lowes Cay in the Abacos.

Montage Cay is committed to offering incredible amenities as well as a pristine natural environment. Its amenities will include private plunge pools, outdoor showers and private gardens and lounge areas complementing the 50 modern Bahamian-style suites.

Montage Cay boasts seven white-sand beaches and will include a 46-slip marina for access by ocean as well as access to all of the incredible ocean activities available, like snorkeling in the coral reefs.

We are honored to be partners with Montage International in the development of this spectacular project. I am confident that the combination of Sterlings development expertise and Montages operational expertise will result in an unparalleled private island escape and community that will set a new standard for luxury living, said David Kosoy, Executive Chairman & Founder of Sterling Global Financial.

Montage Cay guests and residents have many ways to travel to the island. The Bahamas has several direct flights from North America as well as Europe. The island will also have an area to land private jets and charter planes. Access by sea, along with the 46-slip marina, is also available. Montage Cay is only a ten-minute boat ride from Marsh Harbour.

For more information on Montage Cay, contact your local travel agent or visit http://www.montagehotels.com.

Link:

A New Private Island Resort Is Coming to the Bahamas - TravelPulse

New tropical threat for Caribbean and Bahamas, heat wave continues for East Coast – ABC News

July 28, 2020, 12:26 PM

4 min read

All eyes this morning are on the new tropical wave in the Atlantic moving towards the northern Caribbean islands for the end of the week.

The National Hurricane Center has given a 90% chance in the next few days for this system to become a Tropical Depression or Tropical Storm Isaias.

The storm will move near Puerto Rico by the end of the week and bring the island heavy rain, gusty winds and a threat for flash flooding.

The storm will move near Puerto Rico by the end of the week and bring the island heavy rain, gusty winds and a threat for flash flooding.

The storm will move near Puerto Rico by Thursday and bring the island heavy rain, gusty winds and a threat for flash flooding.

After that, the models take the system into the Bahamas over the weekend and somewhere off the Southeast U.S. coast sometime early next week.

For now, the majority of the models keep the system away just east of the U.S. mainland.

The models take the system into the Bahamas over the weekend and somewhere off the Southeast U.S. coast sometime early next week.

The models take the system into the Bahamas over the weekend and somewhere off the Southeast U.S. coast sometime early next week.

A heat wave will continue for the East Coast with a Heat Advisory issued for 12 states from South Carolina all the way up to Maine.

Already yesterday, several records have been tied and broken from Maine down to North Carolina.

Some of the records include Wilmington, Pennsylvania hitting 100 degrees, Hartford, Connecticut at 98 and Providence, Rhode Island, tying a record at 97 degrees.

Elsewhere, Binghamton, New York, hit a record high of 97 degrees yesterday making this the hottest temperature there in 4 years.

In Washington D.C., there were 25 days of 90 degrees of higher this month so far which ties for the most 90s ever recorded in the month of July. The area is expected to reach the 90s today as well and, if it does, it will officially break that record.

Today, more heat and some humidity will make it feel like its near 100 degrees from Boston to Raleigh.

There will be a cool front that will try to pass through the Northeast in the next 24 to 48 hours but not much relief is expected to come from it.

More 90 degree temperatures are forecast for the next three days for most of the major Northeast cities too.

More 90 degree temperatures are forecast for the next three days for most of the major Northeast cities too.

More 90 degree temperatures are forecast for the next three days for most of the major Northeast cities too.

Read more from the original source:

New tropical threat for Caribbean and Bahamas, heat wave continues for East Coast - ABC News

Everything you need to know if you have plans to travel to the Bahamas – MSN Money

Marianna Massey/Getty Images After reopening borders to international travelers, the Bahamas has implemented a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Marianna Massey/Getty Images

The Bahamas are home to 700 islands, some of the world's best beaches, delicious seafood, and deep turquoise water. Each year, millions of visitors travel to the country to explore its tropical atmosphere.

Like many other places, the Bahamas' tourism sector has been devastated by the coronavirus, and the country has been trying to figure out how to welcome back visitors without putting the health of its citizens at risk.

The Bahama's government thought it had made the right decision when it started welcoming international visitors on July 1, but after three weeks of being reopened, the country experienced a surge in coronavirus cases.

At the time of writing, the Bahamas has had 382 coronavirus cases and 11 confirmed deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 tracker.

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis announced on July 19 that borders would be closed to US visitors, but that decision was quickly reversed. US tourists will now be allowed into the country, but not without stipulations.

The biggest change is a mandatory 14-day quarantine for incoming travelers, which was first reported by The Nassau Guardian.

The quarantine will take place in a government facility at the visitor's own expense, according to the government's emergency order. Once the 14 days are over, the traveler will be tested for COVID-19 at their own expense.

This also means that incoming visitors will not be asked to bring a negative coronavirus test upon arrival, which was a previous requirement when entering the Bahamas.

The reasoning for the change was to create a "uniform stand of treatment for all visitors," according to a statement released by Attorney General Carl Bethel.

Additionally, international travel into or out of Grand Bahama, which is the Bahama's northernmost island, is prohibited.

The only way to get around the 14-day quarantine is if incoming visitors arrive via a private or chartered aircraft.

The government has placed a curfew on the island from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. every day.

Beyond remaining 6 feet apart and wearing masks in public spaces, tourists will also find many attractions closed. Casinos, bars, clubs, theaters, and museums remain closed, while restaurants, hotels, gyms, spas, and tourist attractions are operating at limited capacities.

A 19-page outline of what incoming visitors should expect can be found on The Office of the Prime Minister's website.

Travelers are itching to explore and get out of the house. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends avoiding all nonessential international travel during this time.

Consider exploring a nearby city or an unfamiliar state. Domestic travel across the US has been on the rise, and the tourism industry has witnessed an increased interest in road trips, RV rentals, and domestic trips.

For those determined to get on a plane, there are around 30 countries welcoming US visitors. However, travelers should do research beforehand to understand what policies are in place, as countries have a wide range of reopening plans and different requirements from incoming visitors.

Gallery: 12 Caribbean Islands Least Affected by the Pandemic (Reader's Digest)

Excerpt from:

Everything you need to know if you have plans to travel to the Bahamas - MSN Money