Public Thoughts on Loosened Covid Restrictions

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Many locals and travelers are looking forward to the upcoming cancellation of The Bahamas health visa and testing for vaccinated passengers, but not everyone thinks this move is for the best.

Following the Biden administration announcing the lifting of Covid-19 testing requirements for travellers entering the United States, the President of The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association Robert Sands, urged the government to be “swift and decisive in eradicating testing requirements” .

And, so they have- the Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper announcing the upcoming eradication of The Bahamas health visa for travel and the elimination of pre-arrival testing for fully vaccinated travellers to The Bahamas, effective June 19th.

But the U.S. Centers for Disease Control still lists The Bahamas as having a “high level” of Covid-19 in the country, and according to the Ministry of Health and Wellness, between June 10th-15th, the Bahamas recorded 298 new cases of Covid-19.

Nearly 1 in every 3 of those cases had a confirmed history of recent travel.

Dr. Duane sands also recently sharing his concern that he was unsure the choice was data-driven.

Some people feel this step is a necessary one on the road to normalcy.

Others acknowledge the risk but feel safer as they’re fully vaccinated.

This Junkanoo performer had no worries about the relaxed regulations, instead resting fully on his faith in God.