COVID Management Rules Tabled

Advertisement

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Minister Of Health and Wellness Dr. Michael Darville tabling the Health Services Rules that will replace the Emergency Orders for managing the COVID-19 pandemic, when they expire on November 13, 2021.

Dr. Darville explained in parliament that the guidelines laid out in the Health Services (COVID-19 Prevention and Management of Community Spread) Rules, 2021 and Health Services (COVID-19 General) Rules, 2021 outline protocols for businesses, social gatherings, and other activities.

So what would the rules entail?

According to the Health Services COVID-19 General Rules, the minister shall appoint an advisory committee to advise him on current epidemiological status, inclusive of key indicators of the COVID-19 outbreaks, and the implementation of measures to guard against the spread or reoccurrence of the deadly virus, among other things, including the sufficiency of hospital supplies and testing capacity.

When it comes to public health protocols like wearing masks in public, practicing social distancing, they will continue to be enforced.

Violation of the health rules could attract penalties that range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Individuals found not wearing masks could be fined $250. Those breaking quarantine could be fined $500.

A business owner, manager, or operator of any business convicted of failing to enforce any COVID-19 protocol could also face fines.

When it comes to vaccinations, the rules also state that anyone who is convicted of using a fake vaccination record can be fined up to $10,000 or to two years’ imprisonment or to both.