The Commonwealth of the Bahamas is gearing to officially

reopen its international borders come Wednesday, July 1, even as it gradually

allows sections of the economy to resume operations.

In a statement on Thursday (May 28) Bahamian Prime Minister

Hubert Minnis said that while the country looks to enter its third phase of the

national coronavirus response, he warned citizens and tourists to remember that

the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is still active.

“Because we are making progress, we are moving into Phase 3 of the reopening of the economy and the country. Even as we reopen, we must remember that we are living in a new normal, in which we must continue to practice: physical distancing, proper sanitisation and wearing masks,” he explained.

Minnis, speaking in Parliament on Thursday, advised that the

Monday-to-Friday 24-hour curfew is to be lifted, effective Tuesday, June 2.

What’s more, a resolution to extend the state of emergency

to Monday, June 29 was tabled in the House of Assembly.

“As of Tuesday, a new and reduced curfew, from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am, Monday to Friday will come into effect for all islands of the Bahamas. Weekend lockdowns will continue from Fridays 9:00 pm to Mondays 5:00 am for all islands of the Bahamas,” Minnis said.

Bahamians will be allowed, however, to exercise in their immediate

neighborhood during the weekend lockdowns.

Also effective Tuesday, June 2, public beaches and parks

will be open for use on all islands of The Bahamas—with the exception of

Bimini, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Harbour Island, New Providence and

Paradise Island, and San Salvador.

In-sanctuary worship services may now take place in the

sanctuary on Saturdays and Sundays, between 7:00 am and 1:00 pm, on New

Providence, Grand Bahama and Bimini, according to health protocols.

Revised order takes effect as of Saturday, June 6.

Additionally, commencement and graduation ceremonies,

funerals, and weddings, in groups of no more than thirty may take place with

the approval of the competent authority, come Tuesday, June 2.

The Bahamas has confirmed 101 COVID-19 cases to date, with

roughly 44 per cent of the national caseload being active infections.

Eleven patients have died and another 46 have completely

recovered.

A state of emergency was declared on March 18; the

commonwealth closed its borders on March 27.