MINISTRY OF HEALTH INTER-ISLAND TRAVEL PROCESS
New Providence, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas Ministry of Health has released important information about the Inter-Island Travel Approval Process as communicated by the Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis during his National Address to the Nation on Sunday 17th May 2020.
According to the Prime Minister Minnis the process will begin on Wednesday 20th May 2020, with each person required to be examined by a doctor and given a travel card if approved. He noted that nearly every doctor in the private sector has committed to assist with risk assessments.
“Individuals must also submit to an evaluation by a Ministry of Health-authorized physician, in the public or private sector,” he said. “This evaluation will include a risk assessment via a questionnaire to determine the individual’s level of risk for COVID-19 infection, plus or minus a physical exam to determine the presence of any symptoms consistent with COVID-19.”
Minnis said: “If deemed low risk and the physical exam does not reveal any symptoms, it is expected that the person will be issued a COVID-19 Authorization Travel Card that will allow travel to the Family Island. “If the individual is deemed a higher risk or has symptoms that may be consistent with COVID-19, the individual will be referred for testing to definitively determine their COVID- 19 status.
“However, the healthcare provider may still decide that a person who is low risk may need to be tested for COVID-19.” In the first phase, residents of Family Islands who have been stuck in the capital will be allowed to return home..
Prime Minister Minnis said residents on uninfected islands will be able to travel between those islands without a COVID card by plane or boat. Residents from uninfected islands will also be able to travel to New Providence or Grand Bahama, but will need to complete the evaluation process to return. Individuals are asked to call 511 to register, or email covid19travel@bahamas.gov.bs.
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