International travel to The Bahamas could restart by July, said Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.

In a national broadcast last evening,

Minnis said commercial transportation to the archipelago could begin on or

before July 1, however that is contingent on the efforts to contain the

coronavirus.

He said decision regarding the phased

reopening of the economy and aspects of daily life would be made on advice

provided by the health authorities.

“We must abide by regional and global

health protocols as we reopen our economy and society,” he said, adding“if

advised by health officials, we will return to certain phases or re-impose

certain restrictions in order to limit community spread.

“I fully understand the anxiety and

frustration of many Bahamians and residents to reopen our economy. But we must

act with prudence and good judgement. We have to balance the health, economic

and social needs of citizens and residents.

“As you know, we are still in Phase 1B

of the national reopening plan, but we have started to introduce components of

Phase 2 as the country fully transitions into the second phase of the plan,” he

said, adding that as of Monday, at Island, Long Island, Abaco and Andros will

now be able to resume commercial activity.

“Let me reemphasize to all of the

Family Islands that are able to resume commercial activity that weekday curfews

and weekend lockdown measures still remain in place, as do physical distancing

measures and the requirement to wear masks.”

However, Minnis said the administration

is advanced in its planning of its reopening of the tourism sector. “Our

resorts, our airports and our seaports are finalising the health and safety

protocols that will be necessary for us to provide for a re-opening.”

There have been 96 cases of the virus

in The Bahamas with 11 deaths recorded.