BAHAMAS

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis announced on May 28 that Bahamas is moving into phase three of the government’s phased reopening plan, allowing non-essential businesses to reopen with only those workers absolutely necessary for the businesses to function working. As of Tuesday, June 2, the 24-hour curfew will be replaced with a new one from 9 pm to 5 am, and a regulation to support this decision will be presented in the short term. Overall, the Prime Minister extended the state of emergency until June 29.  

The Prime Minister said that as of Tuesday, public beaches and parks will be open on all the country’s islands except for Bimini, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Harbour Island, New Providence, Paradise Island, and San Salvador. All non-essential storefront businesses may operate 9 am to 5 pm in-store hours from Monday to Friday, including furniture stores, clothing, cosmetic, jewelry and other miscellaneous retail outlets.

Restaurants except for curbside and deliveries, bars, movie theaters, cultural facilities and entertainment facilities will remain closed on the islands of New Providence, Grand Bahama and Bimini, whereas these services will be allowed to operate on the other islands. Finally, Minnis told restaurant operators that the Government is working with the National COVID-19 Coordinating Committee and industry to finalize operating protocols.