Sands: New Health Rules a Step in the Right Direction

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – New COVID-19 Health rules tabled this week are a step in the right direction, according to Former Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands. However, Dr. Sands says there are some peculiarities with the rules.

Berthony McDermott reports.

Former Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands heralding the upcoming end to the Emergency Orders as a move that was long overdue. However, he notes that while most of the new proposed rules are reasonable, some guidelines are not.

For instance, Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville told parliamentarians there will be no curfew once the state of emergency ends.

Dr. Sands says abandoning some principals prematurely may be a mistake.

The bill, tabled on Monday, also eliminates the need for a re-entry COVID test if a person traveling from The Bahamas returns within 24-hours. The Bahamas has been under a state of emergency since March 2020, with the prime minister operating as the competent authority.

The former Elizabeth MP called for an end to the state of emergency multiple times while in parliament.

Dr. Sands suggests the government should also revisit mask requirements, moving forward.