Category Archives: Bahamas

The Ministry of Health has reported that the territory has recorded 2more deaths attributed to COVID-19.

This is in addition to 62 newly confirmedcases, bringing the totalnumber of cases to 1,765 with 1,504 of those active.

Concerning the deaths a 45-year-old woman and a 65-year-old woman, bothfrom the island of New Providence, died on Friday night and Saturday morning.

One of the dead women was a nurse at the Sandalins Center.

The latest fatalities bring the toll to 29.

And there are reports that a baby is 1 of the latest COVID-19 cases.

One of the parents of the child spoke with one media house in theBahamas.

It is said the baby may have gotten the virus from an adult in the housewho is a health care worker.

The parent told of the ordeal the family has faced since the childstarted showing symptoms.

There has been no official word yet from the authorities on thisinfection.

However Health Minister Renward Wells has offered condolences to thefamily of the registered nurse, Bernadette Rolle who died as a result of thevirus.

The rest is here:

Ministry of Health in the Bahamas reports 2 more COVID deaths - i95.5 FM

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

Link:

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

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.

See original here:

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

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

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 this article:

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

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)

Read the rest here:

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

By INIGO 'NAUGHTY' ZENICAZELAYA

FROM the travelling quarantined, to the new MOH, to the leader of the oppositions special request, to local lockdown rates and a no nonsense judge, it turned out to be quite the week uptown off the farm.

Lets have a closer look:

D AVERAGE ALIVE AND WELL

We as a nation, can blame the Competent Authority for many failings and shortcomings. Especially his recent decisions in regards to the COViD-19 global pandemic protocols.

Truthfully though (despite it being the norm these days) we cant blame the PM for everything, as easy as it seems.

We as a populace can take issue with the PMs single-minded, impulsive decision making, and his love for calling last-minute lockdowns during this whole, God-awful pandemic.

We cannot, however, blame the PM for the selfishness and stupidity displayed by some citizens.

Forrest Gump had a great line, stupid is, as stupid does. That famous line has sadly come to life in The Bahamas recently. Certain members of society who have tested positive for COVID-19, (who Im convinced were denied oxygen in the womb) have thrown medical advice and caution to the wind, and decided to go out and about, meeting and greeting and socialising.

As a result, we now have more cases recorded, including one incident where a mother and daughter spread the virus to ten others. These are the selfish, inconsiderate actions of two non-disciplined citizens, who obviously have no conscience.

Again, people, if you must go out, masks, gloves, sanitisers and proper hygiene is still the order of the day.

Continue to social distance, at least six feet apart, avoiding the elderly and those who appear to be sick at all costs.

If you feel you may have the symptoms of COVID-19, contact your physician or community clinic immediately.

Remain home, until further instructed by a medical professional.

Selfish actions and ill advised decisions, by a minority, could prove fatal for the majority.

Let your conscience be your guide, and let common sense intervene where and when necessary.

NEW MOH KNOWS ABOUT MEDICINE... WELL MAYBE

As you all know by now, I consider the barbershop the last bastion of free speech in this country.

During my latest visit, I was privy to a hot political exchange between to veteran politicos, one a die-hard FNM and the other a from-the-womb to the tomb PLP. Their exchange went something like this:

PLP: Wells is the new MOH? He aint no doctor.

FNM: The PLP had plenty non doctors serve as MOH, including Perry Christie.

PLP: Yeah but none of them was as lost as Wells.

Ouch! Check and mate!

I hope the new MOH still has his track shoes because he needs to outrun the lousy reputation he has built in one short week.

BOLD AND BRAVE REQUEST

I really didnt want to get back into this, seeing how Briland Gate still gets me fired up to inferno like proportions. But sadly, foreign residents, are getting preferential treatment over Bahamians, and to make matters worse, some are expecting it. Im still trying to figure out how this has become the norm these days.

So after not attending an emergency meeting of Parliament, PLP leader Philip Brave Davis asked Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to waive new wedding rules for one of his constituents on Friday.

However, confirmation that Dr Minnis approved the request arrived in Bahamian time, in other words, it came too late for the couple to host a full-fledged wedding with more than five people.

How ironic, Mr. Davis along with the members of the opposition, skipped an emergency meeting of Parliament, and tending to the peoples business, in these desperate times of COVID, but he wanted to ensure his constituents wedding would still go on with no restrictions.

Priorities Mr. Davis, priorities. The jury is still out on you and the PLP amongst the voting populous as far as the next election is concerned.

There are lingering trust issues in relation to both Davis and the PLP party. This was a golden opportunity to shed a different light on both respectively, and all we got from Mr. Davis was more of the same old all buck up go governance weve been getting for the last fifty years.

LOCAL LOCKDOWN RATES

Businesses, especially the smaller local hotels are getting creative, in an all out effort to generate revenue from the local market. Adds for Lockdown Specials have been in heavy rotation in the press and on social media, encouraging Bahamians to take advantage of all the hotels amenities allowing guests to ride out the lockdown in comfort and style.

Then the government said you need a proper COVID-19 test? And then they changed their mind. That was a problem for all of 24 hours, but looks like those special local rates are good to go.

MAD MAGISTRATE

Its clear the effects of all things related to the COViD-19 global pandemic are taking their toll on all Bahamians.

Bahamians from all walks of life have been affected and continue to feel the effects of curfews, lockdowns, a semi-police state, unemployment, etc.

The coronavirus hangover has even hit the judiciary. Its apparent the judiciarys patience is wearing thin in regards to the lockdowns and the reason behind said lockdowns.

Despite it being totally and politically incorrect, Magistrate Andrew Forbes, said a mouthful in regards to the lockdowns, a mouthful that needed to be said - The purpose of the lockdown isnt to shack-up, the purpose of the lockdown is to try to separate persons. There are two heads on a male. Use the one on your shoulders. Magistrate Andrew Forbes.

Yes, we need to separate, socially distance and continue to be vigilant and aware as we are fighting an invisible enemy. Now is not the time for nonchalance and slackness. Please, take your boungie inside, and keep it inside. I will see you all, down on the farm next week with the next chapter of the Covid Chronicles.

View post:

A COMIC'S VIEW: Stupid is as stupid does in The Bahamas - 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.

See the original post:

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

The Bahamas, which reopened for tourism at the beginning of July, is urging travelers to the destination that there are several protocols they need to follow.

Crucially, all travelers to The Bahamas must present proof of a COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more than 10 days before their date of travel (children under 10 do not need a test).

All travelers also need to fill out an electronic health visa application prior to departure (you can find it here), which includes uploading the test results and filling out contact information.

Those applications can take up to 72 hours to process meaning you should fill them with enough lead time.

Once approved for a health visa, travelers will get a green code and must present that upon check-in and arrival to The Bahamas.

All travelers to The Bahamas need to wear face masks in any situation where it is necessary to enforce physical distancing guidelines such as navigating air and sea terminals, collecting luggage, the full duration of taxi rides and while waiting to be seated at dining establishments, the countrys Ministry of Tourism said.

For more, visit Bahamas Tourism.

CJ

Excerpt from:

Traveling to The Bahamas: What You Need to Know - Caribbean Journal

Officials in the Bahamas say that starting Wednesday, it will ban travelers from the United States due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Officials say the large increase in COVID-19 cases throughout the United States and other countries is the reason for the ban; however, some international travel will be permitted, although it will be confined to Canada, Britain, and the European Union. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus.

The ban marks a sudden shift from the Bahamas decision three weeks ago to reopen to virtually all international tourism.

Those still permitted to travel to the Bahamas under the new requirements must test negative for COVID-19 from an accredited lab 10 or fewer days before traveling, or otherwise quarantine themselves for 14 days.

Regrettably, the situation here at home has already deteriorated since we began the reopening of our domestic economy, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said Sunday. It has deteriorated at an exponential rate since we reopened our international borders.

The prime minister also said, Our current situation demands decisive action if we are to avoid being overrun and defeated by this virus. He said these strong actions were being taken to save lives.

Bahamas airline, Bahamasair, is halting all flights to and from the United States.

The new travel bans are an attempt to halt the increase of the virus in the Bahamas. According to the Johns Hopkins Universitys COVID-19 dashboard, the Bahamas has 153 confirmed cases with 11 deaths.

We cannot risk the death of Bahamians and residents. We must be resolved in our collective willingness to save lives, said Minnis.

Go here to read the rest:

Bahamas to Ban International Travel Amid COVID Concerns - Voice of America