NASSAU, Bahamas, March 16, 2020– The Bahamas Ministry of Health is working closely with all pertinent government agencies throughout the destination to execute the Bahamas National Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19. At this time, there is one confirmed case of coronavirus in Nassau, The Bahamas. The patient is in isolated quarantine following the guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Ministry of Health is currently conducting full contact analysis and more details will be shared as they become available.
The
Ministry of Health is encouraging preventative measures and protocol to
minimize the potential spread of the illness, and The Bahamas implemented new border
control and quarantine measures for persons travelling from highly infected
areas. Given the growing public health concern and to protect the health and
well-being of the population of The Bahamas, effective Thursday, March 19, expanded
travel restrictions will be introduced. Foreign nationals and foreign
individuals who have travelled within the last 20 days from the United Kingdom,
Ireland and Europe will be prohibited entry into The Bahamas. This is in
addition to restrictions already in place for China, Iran, Italy and South
Korea. This restricted travel list of countries will be continuously monitored
and updated as necessary.
The
Bahamas is conducting COVID-19 testing and is actively employing several
measures used globally to screen visitors and residents and to manage the
response to individuals of concern, in line with international health best
practices. Traveller health questionnaires and a screening protocol are used at
ports, hotels and rental properties to identify guests who may require
surveillance or treatment. In addition, all Bahamian nationals and residents
returning to The Bahamas through any point of entry from any of the restricted
countries or an area where community infection and spread is present will be
quarantined or be placed under self-isolation upon arrival and are expected to
follow the protocols of the Ministry of Health.
A
destination-wide education campaign is underway to remind the public of the
basic hygiene practices that can be used to prevent the spread of the virus
including frequent, proper hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, frequent disinfection
of surfaces and avoiding close contact with those exhibiting signs of
respiratory illness.
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 (8am – 8pm EDT) /
242-376-9387 (8pm – 8am EDT).