Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis speaks on Friday. (BIS photo: Yontalay Bowe)
By LEANDRA ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
lrolle@ttribunemedia.net
DESPITE low new COVID-19 infections being recorded in New Providence for the past several weeks, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis revealed on Friday that he has no intention of relaxing curfew hours for the island at this time.
He said it is not the recommendation of health officials.
“The scientists, the medical professionals, they are monitoring the situation and they will advise us of the way forward. It’s not a political decision. It’s strictly science,” he told reporters on Long Island.`
“(But) I am not considering extending the (curfew) not at this particular point and time and that was not the recommendation put forth, but we continue to monitor the situation and make definitive decisions as we go.”
New Providence is currently under a 10pm to 5am curfew, according to the latest Emergency Powers Order.
Many residents have been calling for an ease of the restriction given the stable COVID-19 situation.
Some observers have even pointed to Dr Minnis’ decision in February to reduce the curfew on Grand Bahama after low COVID-19 cases were being reported there at the time.
Since then, the island has seen a recent uptick in new cases, a situation health officials said they are continuing to monitor.
When pressed about the matter, Dr Minnis was adamant that he is not considering relaxing the curfew for New Providence, saying he is guided by the advice of health professionals.
But while relaxation of curfew restrictions may not be in the pipeline for New Providence residents at the moment, Dr Minnis suggested that Bahamians can look forward to Independence Day and Junkanoo celebrations possibly being held later this year.
The cultural events did not take place in their usual fashion last year due the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in Junkanoo parades being cancelled and the national independence events being celebrated virtually.
“We are coming now I could say to an end of COVID here in The Bahamas,” Dr Minnis said.
“With the progression of this post COVID era, I can most likely say that we will have independence in July this year—though modified—and for those junkanooers who are listening, we will most likely have Junkanoo in December and start to move back to our life.”
As the country looks to move beyond the pandemic, Dr Minnis also urged people to take the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available.
He also reassured Bahamians that the vaccines are “safe” and “effective.”
He said as soon as the government procures more vaccines, officials “will come to Long Island” to administer the doses there.
Since the roll out of the country’s national vaccination campaign on Wednesday, many have questioned when residents on the Family Islands will be able to book appointments for the jab.
Asked about the matter on Friday, Dr Minnis replied: “You would realise that we got 20,000 (doses) initially. We’re aggressively pursuing both the COVAX vaccines and we’re in discussions with other entities to determine and try to obtain as many as possible and we will segmentally roll it out but again, the whole programme is written by and put together by the vaccine committee and we’ll be driven by them so that nobody could cherry-pick to say this one or the next one.”
It is not clear how many people have been vaccinated to date, with officials remaining tight-lipped on the matter.
With vaccinations now underway, Dr Minnis was also asked about the possibility of the COVID-19 Emergency Powers Order finally coming to an end when it expires at the end of May.
However, he replied: “That would be my greatest and happiest moment to release the emergency orders. I would be elated and in fact on that particular day, you would probably see me jumping and kicking my two feet together.”
According to the Ministry of Health, 24 new COVID-19 infections were recorded on Thursday, bringing the nation’s total to 8,839. Twenty-five people are currently in hospital with the virus.
Comments
John 3 years, 2 months ago
This is definitely a mixed kettle of fish and definitely not a Covid-19 scientifically based decision. Yes, the country is basically wide open and things are basically back to normal. The schools are open and there are many crowded bars and hangout spots. And as was predicted, even without one single full two-part dose of those that require two or any of the Johnson and Johnson vaccines being administered, cases remain minimal. Yes this country may be at the end of the corona pandemic. BUT what happens if the emergency orders are lifted too soon or the country fully lets its guard down. Look what is happening in Jamaica, for example. That country has recorded more new cases and more new deaths since January than it did during the entire period since the pandemic began last year. Many European countries are experiencing surges and going back into lockdowns and increasing other safety measures. The spring break parties are in full swing in the US and there is an uptick in that country’s numbers over the past few days. So yes, there is need to continue to exercise caution. BUT, and unfortunately, the increasing corona numbers is not the only concern in this country. CRIME and especially MURDER! Almost THIRTY in barely two and a half months. Clearly indicating that this can be another year of triple-digit murder. Not good for the Minnis administration as the country heads into elections. Especially not good for spend-aholic Marvin Dames, who spent so many millions of the people’s money on crime fighting toys. And are yet to produce tangible results. At least not enough to justify the millions spent. So Minnis is in a quagmire. Have to kill, at least, two birds with one stone. Happy hunting!
moncurcool 3 years, 2 months ago
I agree it is a double edge sword and a lot to consider.
My only thing I was wondering is who are the scientists? I didn't know we had scientists in the Bahamas? At what institute?
John 3 years, 2 months ago
We do have scientists here but he is speaking of the level of Dr Fauci, I assume.
liv242 3 years, 2 months ago
This is not pratical anymore as unemployment numbers rise, violent crime as it relates to homicide rising but covid numbers are declining and its the FNM government sole objective, I guess those other numbers have no statistical significance.
Francis_James 3 years, 2 months ago
Your report needs correction. The underlying trends of infections are upwards, the 7-day, 15-day and 29-day. The new wave of cases in Grand Bahama and New Providence do not look good. The "science" would suggest caution.
Bobsyeruncle 3 years, 2 months ago
Agreed. 27 new cases in Grand Bahama & 13 in Nassau suggests people are letting down their guard and asking for more lockdowns
Socrates 3 years, 2 months ago
So whats with the appointments ? If you want to make getting jab convenient why not just say where to go and when for those eligible and then do first come, first served ptovided you ptoduce photo ID with birthdate.
ThisIsOurs 3 years, 2 months ago
appointments are much better.
tribanon 3 years, 2 months ago
This lout is becoming more churlish by the day.
John 3 years, 2 months ago
There will be spikes and spurts of new infections as the Covid-19 struggles to survive and creates more variants. And so this is a most crucial period where the safety measures must be maintained. Mask wearing, hand washing and sanitizing and social distancing. The virus is attempting to create a variant that is more resistant and more contagious. If it cannot spread and infect more people, it will become weak and eventually die. Unfortunately some countries have relaxed their measures and some countries are in the peak of spring real. So there will be spikes and surges over the next few weeks. Then there are countries, like Jamaica. They had very few cases in the beginning so the virus is now infecting a lot of people who have never been exposed to the virus.
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