By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Senior Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE Ministry of Health will recommend Cabinet revisit how it gradually opens businesses after long lines and crowds were seen around New Providence yesterday, according to Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Delon Brennen.
“We are very concerned about the long lines,” he said. “We’re not conflicting any decision that has been made, but the execution has been compromised. The thought process was to open some types of businesses for one day during the week and that could be a way to slowly open up the economy. However, the way it was executed on the ground and how people flooded to particular areas is a potential threat for the expansion of COVID-19.”
Social media lit up with photos and videos yesterday of what appeared to be hundreds of Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union members jumbled in lines on Tonique Williams Darling Highway to get food vouchers.
A notice of the event seen by The Tribune called for a drive-through arrangement — however this was abandoned to the large turnout — and for people to adhere to social distancing rules. However, this was not always followed.
The union members flocked to get vouchers redeemable at Cost Right and Solomon’s shops.
According to the notice, union members will be allowed to get the vouchers until Thursday.
“We have to be careful as to how any business, social activity or recreational activity is allowed and be very calculated,” Dr Brennen said.
He added that it appeared some businesses were open when they were not supposed to be.
“Some business took advantage of the fact that other businesses were allowed to open,” he said.
While the 24-hour curfew remains in place, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced on Sunday that some businesses will be allowed to operate starting this week.
Auto parts stores will be allowed to operate on Tuesday from 8am to 5pm.
Hardware and home stores will be allowed to operate on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8am to 8pm.
Plant nurseries will be allowed to operate on Mondays and Thursdays 6am to noon.
Landscaping and property maintenance will now fall under essential businesses and will be allowed to operate during the 24-hour curfew, Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm.
There is concern in some quarters that allowing these businesses to reopen may stunt the progress made thus far due to strict COVID-19 lockdown measures.
Comments
ThisIsOurs 4 years ago
Monday's crowds were a function of the weekend lockdown. The roads were clear today.
Kiley 4 years ago
For people that is so posed to by smart the height of stupidity is astounding. You lock people up and then tell them they can go to only a few spots and think it is funny that the lines are long there. What did you expect? Please stop this foolishness and let people go back to work.
SP 4 years ago
Lol well said!!
joeblow 4 years ago
… in the Bahamas, this incompetent ministry of health team will probably be rewarded with bonuses after this debacle is over!
bcitizen 4 years ago
The longer the lock down and the more restrictive it is the longer the lines will be when you open up something. It does not take a lot of thinking to come to that conclusion.
At some point things have to open up. For those who still want to quarantine, well quarantine and stay home for those who want to take the risk then let them out. This has to be about personal responsibility and what one considers is in their best interest and the risks involved.
tetelestai 4 years ago
Except, Bcitizen, we who want to quarantine could be affected by you, who have the absurd idea that quarantining is a bad thing. So it is not a matter of personal responsibility.
bcitizen 4 years ago
Is someone going to break down the door of your house and breath in your face? You can do all the things you are doing now if the government did not have one restriction in place. Staying at home, staying 6 feet away from another person, only going out when you need necessities, not going to work/work from home, wearing a mask, washing your hands etc.etc. I always amazes me at this new found discovery about washing your hands often. This is something that should have been practiced before corona and long after corona. Now you might have to have a serious conversation with your close family members and friends about close contact and their habits but, then again personal choices and risks. You probably have more chance of dying or being seriously injured n a car accident in New Providence and that is you being affected by others but, we still go and drive our cars around. We have no rules about smoking in public and that affects others health.
TalRussell 4 years ago
Governments globally, including US, Canada, France, UK, and Spain all hold daily briefings where the media gets ask unscripted blunt questions of the president/prime minister, senior health officials, health minister, and the finance minister - so get with it Imperialists red shirts.** Nod once for yeah, twice for no?
SP 4 years ago
Long lines should be expected everywhere after so many stores were closed for such long periods and people were not able to make needed purchases and social distancing in effect.
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