July 22, 2020

The Bahamas locks-down, bans flights from U.S.

Effective today, all commercial flights to the Bahamas will be ceased except for those departing from Canada, the UK, and the European Union, per CNBC. The move is aimed directly at the U.S. mainland amid the coronavirus pandemic, which is worsening here.

Private international flights, pleasure craft, and yachts will still be accepted regardless of departure point, but all overseas travelers must have an approved Health Visa. They must also present a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 10 days old, says Prime Minister Hubert Minnis. In an additional step, national airline Bahamasair will cease all outgoing flights to the United States.

The Bahamas has also announced a two-week lockdown of the island of Grand Bahama, which is leading a wave of new infections after being coronavirus free for months.

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, speaking before a cabinet meeting Tuesday, said the lockdown will take effect at 7 p.m. Thursday and run until 5 a.m. August 7.

The Royal Bahamas Defense Force, Minnis warned, will also form a perimeter around the island to prevent any boats from leaving or entering the island.

The Bahamas had been free of COVID-19 cases for two months when it began accepting commercial airlines on July 1. Since then, it has seen dozens of new cases, per Travel and Leisure. "If we do not take these measures now, we will pay a higher and deadlier price later," says Minnis. He adds "while there are countries that continue to make progress, such progress can be reversed because of what is happening in neighboring and other countries."

Even if you are allowed entry, many beaches and parks are closed.