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The Bahamas Tracking Hurricane Isaias

August 1, 2020 by PressEditor

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation continues to track the progress of Hurricane Isaias, a Category 1 hurricane. Hurricane warnings have been discontinued for the Central and Southeast Bahamas, however, a hurricane warning remains in effect for the Northwest islands. This includes Andros, New Providence, Eleuthera, Abaco, Grand Bahama, Bimini and The Berry Islands.

Hurricane Isaias has slowed slightly and continues to move toward the northwest at about 12 miles per hour. On the forecast track, the center of the storm will move through the vicinity of Fresh Creek, Andros this morning and continue to move near or over the rest of

Northwestern Bahamas later today

Maximum sustained winds are near 85 miles per hour with higher gusts and hurricane-force winds extending outward up to the 35 miles.  Strong tropical storm to hurricane-force conditions will be felt in Andros, The Berry Islands and New Providence through this afternoon, while islands including Eleuthera, Abaco and Grand Bahama are now experiencing tropical storm force winds.

Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau remains closed until further notice. Hotels throughout the islands have activated hurricane preparedness plans, however, a number of hotels have remained closed due to COVID-19 precautions. Residents are being asked to complete all preparations to mitigate damages and are strongly advised to remain indoors. Any visitors with upcoming travel plans are advised to check directly with airlines and hotels regarding possible impacts on travel.

The Bahamas is an archipelago with more than 700 islands and cays, spread over 100,000 square miles; there could be a tropical storm or hurricane warning for parts of the country while other parts remain unaffected.

The Ministry continues to monitor this weather pattern and will provide updates at www.bahamas.com. For further information visit www.nhc.noaa.gov.

More news about The Bahamas.

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACT:

Anita Johnson-Patty, General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick, Public Relations

Bahamas@webershandwick.com

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: airlines, aviation, Fraport, Grand Bahama, minister, sandals, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism &amp

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Prepares for Phase 1 Reopening June 15

June 12, 2020 by PressEditor

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation has announced the destination will begin Phase 1 of the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan on Monday, June 15, which welcomes international boaters, yachters and private aviation back to Bahamian shores, across all The Islands Of The Bahamas. 

During Phase 1, hotels will also reopen for staff to return to work and put in place all the measures required to ensure they are ready to welcome guests at the onset of Phase 2.  Commercial airlines will also be allowed to bring in Bahamian citizens, legal residents, homeowners qualifying for economic permanent residency, or the immediate family members or significant others of any of these groups. It is anticipated that during this period of time there will be a reduced flight schedule as airlines begin adding The Bahamas to their schedules once again.

This is the first part of the strategic, phased reopening approach for the tourism sector that ensures critical health and safety protocols are being adhered to, and that the Health sector remains well equipped and ready to respond as necessary. The plan was constructed by The Bahamas Tourism Readiness and Recovery Committee, a group comprised of public and private sector partners. Allowing Phase 1 access to these smaller, special interest groups will allow a more controlled segment to test the country’s new measures. The second phase will commence on July 1 with the resumption of international commercial travel. 

Guidelines, Policies and Procedures for International boaters, yachters and private aviation visiting The Bahamas between June 15 – June 30 are, as follows: 

  • A COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test is required and must be presented upon arrival. Results must be no more than ten (10) days old. o Children under the age of two are not required to take a test. o Private pilots who do not deplane are not required to take a test.
  • All travelers – both domestic and international – are required to complete an Electronic Health Declaration Form at travel.gov.bs prior to departure and for any inter-island travel within The Bahamas. An automated response will be provided upon completion, and it is essential that travellers present proof of confirmation upon arrival in their destination This is an important step for contact tracing purposes.
  • No quarantine will be required upon arrival (if all steps are met).
  • Failure to comply with the test requirements and heath form submission will result in denied entry.
  • Boaters must inform marina at least 48 hours prior to vessel’s arrival.

This June 15 tourism re-entry builds on and supports existing government rules and regulations, which already allow for inter-island domestic travel for Bahamian citizens and residents. 

Per the direction of the Bahamas Ministry of Health, Bahamian Citizens, Residents and Homeowners Returning from CARICOM countries are not required to present a COVID-19 RTPCR Negative (Swab) Test upon arrival. However, they remain subject to other public health measures.

Reopening of borders will continue to be monitored and guided by The Bahamas government and health officials. Reopening dates are subject to change based on COVID-19 trends, if there is a deterioration in improvement, or if government and health organizations deem these phases unsafe for residents or visitors. 

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation believes it is an absolute baseline requirement for consumers to have a comfort level that The Bahamas is a safe and healthy destination to visit, and the ultimate goal is for that to remain the case. For more information, or to view the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, please visit: www.bahamas.com/travelupdates

All COVID-19 inquiries should be directed to the Ministry of Health. For questions or concerns, please call the COVID-19 hotline: 242-376-9350 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EDT) / 242-376-9387 (8 p.m. – 8 a.m. EDT).   

FAQs on Bahamas.com.

More news about The Bahamas.

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACTS:  Anita Johnson-Patty General Manager, Global Communications Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation ajohnson@bahamas.com ; Weber Shandwick Public Relations, Bahamas@webershandwick.com

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Filed Under: Travel & Tourism Tagged With: airlines, aviation, Bahamian, minister, residents.&nbsp, sandals, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism &amp

Bahamas re-opens for international tourism on July 1

June 2, 2020 by Forimmediaterelease

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, along with the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Committee, a group comprised of public and private sector partners, announced today a collaborative plan for re-opening the country’s borders and tourism sector, as well as the resumption of international commercial travel starting July 1. A press conference provided details of the “Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan” to be used as an approved, comprehensive guide of health and safety protocol to be followed consistently across the country.  

From procedures pertaining to entering and departing The Bahamas via airports and seaports, to a Clean & Pristine certification program implemented across hotels, restaurants and other consumer-facing tourism entities and touchpoints, the plan outlines extensive health and safety protocols that will be enforced throughout The Bahamas to mitigate risks for all visitors and residents alike.

“Our top priority has and will always be our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors” said Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Director General Joy Jibrilu. “We must remember that we are living in a new normal in the wake of COVID-19 and a lot is going to change across the tourism sector. We are putting an even greater emphasis on making sure The Bahamas is safe and clean for everyone, and look forward to once again providing travelers with the tropical experience our islands are known for.”

A Phased Approach

The Bahamas’ tourism dependent economy will gradually come back online, following a strategic, phased approach that ensures critical health and safety protocols are being adhered to, and that the Health sector remains well equipped and ready to respond as necessary.

  • Phase 1, beginning on June 15, will allow for international boaters, yachters and private aviation to return to the destination.
    • These smaller special interest groups will allow a more controlled segment to test the country’s new measures.

Also, during this phase, commercial airlines will be allowed to bring in Bahamian citizens, legal residents, home-owners qualifying for economic permanent residency, or the immediate family members or significant others of any of these groups.

  • All returning persons will continue to have to register at a Bahamas embassy or consulate and obtain a COVID-19 test with a negative result.
  • It is anticipated that during this period of time there will be a reduced flight schedule as airlines begin adding The Bahamas to their schedules once again.

Additionally, during Phase 1 hotels will re-open for staff to return to work and put in place all the measures required to ensure they are ready to welcome guests at the onset of Phase 2.

  • Phase 2, beginning July 1, allows for the resumption of international travel, including:
    • Commercial airlines, both international and domestic
    • Hotels and vacation rentals, inclusive of Airbnb and HomeAway
    • Transportation ranging from taxis to jitneys and buses

The timing of the other phases and sectors will be announced shortly.

What Travelers Should Expect

Travelers should expect to follow The Bahamas’ “Healthy Traveler Campaign” that encourages both visitors and residents to continue practicing social distancing measures, regularly wash hands or use hand sanitizers, and pack appropriate PPE such as face masks, just as they would their swimsuits and sunscreen.

At airports and seaports, temperature screenings for all incoming visitors will be conducted by healthcare personnel. Travelers will be required to wear a face mask in any situation where it is necessary to enforce physical distancing guidelines, such as when entering and transiting air and sea terminals, while navigating security and customs screenings, and at baggage claim. When departing, flights will be scheduled to every other gate to provide as much distance between flights as possible, and greater time will be provided for boarding to ensure that physical distancing can be maintained.

In addition, several new procedures will be present throughout the on-island experience, including:

  • Accommodations:
    • Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals will enforce extensive health and safety protocols like enhanced cleaning for guest rooms, public spaces, high touch point areas on frequent, regulated schedule
    • Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be readily available across properties
    • Employee health monitoring and temperature check points will be enforced
    • A limited number of guests will be permitted in elevators at one time
    • Unnecessary literature in guest rooms will be eliminated
  • Taxis and Independent Cars:
    • Passengers and drivers should wear face masks at all times throughout their journey.
    • Vehicles must reduce the maximum number of people by 50% (sedans can carry up to two persons and SUVs up to four persons) and passengers should not ride in the front seat.
  • Excursions, tours, local attractions and shopping:
    • Businesses must establish a maximum number of guests and limit the duration of each guest visit to allow for social distancing.
    • When possible, guests will be encouraged to use personal gear (such as snorkeling gear) and businesses will have items available for purchase.
    • Guests will not be allowed to touch products unless with the intent to purchase and cashless sales will be encouraged.
    • Beach chairs must be arranged to allow six feet of social distancing between family units.
    • A regular cleaning timetable and checklist must be established, reviewed, and maintained.
  • Vessel and Ferry Operations
    • Staff must wear a water-repellent or marine grade face mask during all passenger interactions and where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
    • A maximum number of passengers permitted on-board will be reduced by 50% and passenger seating may be assigned to ensure proper distancing.
    • Vessel sanitizing must take place before any passenger embarks the vessel and between all passenger exchanges. All high touch surfaces must be constantly and consistently cleaned during passage and at the end of each day.
  • Restaurants, Food & Beverage Services
  • Buffets will be discontinued until further notice. All meals must be single or prepackaged.
  • Businesses must utilize disposable menus or offer on monitors or static display boards.
  • Staff must wear PPE (disposable mask and gloves).

Reopening of borders will continue to be monitored and guided by The Bahamas government and health officials. Dates are subject to change based on COVID-19 trends, if there is a deterioration in improvement or if government and health organizations deem these phases unsafe for residents or visitors.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation believes it is an absolute baseline requirement for consumers to have a comfort level that The Bahamas is a safe and healthy destination to visit, and the ultimate goal is for that to remain the case. For more information, or to view the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, please visit: www.bahamas.com.

All COVID-19 inquiries should be directed to the Ministry of Health. For questions, or concerns, please call the COVID-19 hotline: 242-376-9350 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EDT) / 242-376-9387 (8 p.m. – 8 a.m. EDT).

More news about The Bahamas.

#rebuildingtravel

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Anita Johnson-Patty

General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick

Public Relations

Bahamas@webershandwick.com

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Filed Under: Press Release, Travel & Tourism Tagged With: #OnBoarding, Ferry OperationsStaff, Joy Jibrilu, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism &amp, Travel

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