Prime Minister of the Bahamas Dr Hubert Minnis has declared that travellers from the United States will not be allowed into the country, come Wednesday (July 22).

Minnis, in an address to the Bahamian

people on Sunday, said the decision comes as the commonwealth confirmed 15 new cases

of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the national total to 153.

It’s a stark contrast to the 104 confirmed cases the Bahamas had when it decided to reopen its international borders earlier this month, with the 49 new infections recorded since leading to a reversal of the Minnis administration’s mandate.

The Bahamas said US citizens in The Bahamas have until Wednesday to LEAVE the country. — Ÿ‡»Ÿ‡¬| neeka |Ÿ‡»Ÿ‡¬ (@niquadhaboss) No longer welcomed Ÿ¥´

The Bahamas said US citizens in The Bahamas have until Wednesday to LEAVE the country. — Ÿ‡»Ÿ‡¬| neeka |Ÿ‡»Ÿ‡¬ (@niquadhaboss) No longer welcomed Ÿ¥´July 20, 2020

“Regrettably, the situation here at home has already deteriorated since we began the reopening of our domestic economy. It has deteriorated at an exponential rate since we reopened our international borders,†he explained.

The Bahamian leader further noted that

while the outbreak has only affected the country’s more populated areas, the

national battle with COVID-19 will last for some time and now is not the time

to drop its guard.

“Like other nations that responded well at the outset to the pandemic, The Bahamas is working through that same balancing act. Our current situation demands decisive active if we are to avoid being overrun and defeated by this virus,†Minnis continued.

To this end, international commercial

flights will not be permitted to enter, except for flights from the UK,

European Union and Canada, effective midnight, Wednesday.

Welp, the Bahamas closed their borders to us.— Becky, Baroness of Bunzy, Bulldozer Driver (@BeckyBunzy) Every day we’re getting greater and greater.

Welp, the Bahamas closed their borders to us.— Becky, Baroness of Bunzy, Bulldozer Driver (@BeckyBunzy) Every day we’re getting greater and greater.July 20, 2020

The national carrier, Bahamasair, will cease

its outgoing flights to the US, effective immediately. Outgoing commercial

vessels and flights will be still allowed to depart The Bahamas, except Grand

Bahama

Additionally, private aviation as well as

pleasure craft and yachts are still permitted to enter and depart the Bahamas.

Posted by

Posted by Office of the Prime Minister – The Bahamas on Tuesday, June 23, 2020

A new daily curfew will take effect on Grand Bahama from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am.

Effective Wednesday, the island will see no

international or domestic flights or sea vessels in or out, except for emergency

and essential purposes.

Looks like you going to a different Bahamas broski. WE CLOSED. — IVAR L (@iam_ivar)

Looks like you going to a different Bahamas broski. WE CLOSED. — IVAR L (@iam_ivar) https://t.co/r7A33QKr8LJuly 19, 2020

Indoor dining across restaurants is again prohibited (outdoor dining, curbside, takeaway and delivery allowed); all beaches and parks will be closed, and all congregate activities banned (national exams not included).