MOH not Ruling out Extending Travel Ban

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – As a new variant of the coronavirus spreads across the globe, Minister of Health Dr. Michael Darville says officials are not ruling out expanding a travel ban beyond eight African nations.

He hinted that recently relaxed COVID safety protocols may be adjusted this holiday season.

Jasmin Brown reports.

The government announced travel restrictions on individuals who have visited eight African countries as a result of the spread of the new variant.

Darville called the situation fluid, as he revealed there is a lot currently being discussed by the Ministry of Health’s technical team including requiring PCR tests for those entering the country.

South African scientists have been praised for first detecting the new variant and alerting global health authorities to it.

Since then, Omicron has now spread to about 20 other countries, amid mounting concern that it could be significantly easier to pass from person to person.

Canadian officials revealed the Omicron variant has reached North America.

Japan and France confirmed their first cases of the new variant on Tuesday.

Dr. Darville says so far there is no sign of the variant in The Bahamas, but he noted the national reference lab has been put on alert.