The Bahamas is an oasis of beauty, tranquility and often the top option for fun when it comes to planning an ideal vacation away. In these uncertain times, the Bahamas remains a beloved place in the hearts of visitors and locals alike, but as a whole, the country is taking the necessary steps to ensure the well-being of all as COVID-19 has spread across the globe.

 Guidelines Specific to the Bahamas

As of Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Prime Minister of the Bahamas, The Most Honorable Dr. Hubbert Minnis, declared an Emergency Powers order in response to COVID-19  in the Bahamas. This order is set to expire March 31, 2020, at which time it will be re-evaluated by the Ministry of Health and extended and expanded upon as needed. As related to travel restrictions, the order forbids boarding or disembarking vessels throughout the Bahamas, prevents the arrival of international flights through both private and fixed-based locations unless granted special permission and closes all seaports to regional, international and private boating. Residents of the Bahamas have been issued a stay at home order and should only be leaving home for essential goods between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm for a maximum of 1.5 hours per day. Social distancing of up to 6 feet is encouraged when out in public and at this time, all public beaches, docks and market places are closed until further notice.

General Recommendations to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 in the Bahamas

While the spring season can make it difficult to tell the difference between COVID-19 symptoms and allergies or a cold, the CDC has advised that COVID-19 symptoms tend to revolve around a fever, cough, and shortness of breath or chest pain. In the event you believe you may be experiencing symptoms, be sure to contact your physician virtually and if a trip to the office is necessary, be sure to wear a face mask. Regular handwashing is proving to be key in protecting yourself and those who are vulnerable to the spread of the illness. Handwashing should happen immediately after contact with items in public, a cough, or a sneeze and needs to include scrubbing under warm water with soap for at least 20 seconds. Staying home as much as possible is advisable during these times and when soap and water aren’t readily available, hand sanitizer is an appropriate alternative to keep germs at bay.

Looking Forward

While current times have us working hard to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Bahamas, the team at Island Real Estate is still as committed as ever to providing our guests with amazing island experiences when the time is right once more. We can’t wait to see you in the Bahamas when COVID-19 is a thing of the past! Until then, stay safe and well.