Sands: Testing is A Double-Edged Sword

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Covid testing at major resorts is a double-edged sword, according to the President of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association. He says employers are still grappling with how to balance who pays for tests and how often.

BHTA President, Robert Sands says while some employers require employees to be tested once every 10 days, some are cutting that time in half, mandating tests every five days. Then there’s the issue of who pays for tests.

Sands says the government’s recently introduced free testing pilot program on New Providence has helped to fill the gap for some who need to be tested on a regular basis, but cannot afford private testing.

Government has underscored the role testing will play in economic recovery and managing the Covid-19 pandemic. Sands agrees.

The Bahamas was recently bumped up to a level four on the United States Centers for Disease Control’s travel advisory list, encouraging Americans to avoid travel to The Bahamas. Sands says everyone has a role to play to make The Bahamas a safer place.