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The Bahamas Tracking Hurricane Isaias

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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.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Anita Johnson-Patty, General Manager, Global Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

ajohnson@bahamas.com

Weber Shandwick, Public Relations

Bahamas@webershandwick.com

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

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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.

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