Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis announced additional and extraordinary emergency measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 which include a 24-hour curfew.

The new measures are outlined in the new Emergency Powers COVID-19 (No.2) Order which was announced by Dr. Minnis yesterday during his televised national address.

“A curfew is imposed every day for 24 hours except as provided [in the orders] or may be approved by the commissioner of police,” Dr. Minnis said.

 “In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID 19, every person shall remain confined to their place of residence (inclusive of their yard space) to avoid contact outside of their family except – (A.) essential workers who report to work;

“(B.)Workers required to work under Order 5; (C.)For essential travel to doctor, grocery store, bank, pharmacy or to refuel; (D.)For outdoor exercise, whether alone or together with family members living under the same roof, not exceeding an hour and a half per day between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. provided that such person must ensure at all times to distance himself at least six feet from any such person.”

These new emergency powers and regulations become effective at 9 a.m. today and will expire on, March 31 at 9 a.m.

According to the prime minister, essential workers include officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Fire Services, the Department of Correctional Services, the National insurance Board, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Environmental Health Services, the Department of Immigration the Customs Department, waste and sanitation companies, any hospital, health care or medical facility.

“Essential workers also include essential officers of any water, electricity or other sector encompassing the provision of electronic communications including print and electronic media,” Dr. Minnis said.

“All of these essential workers should at all times carry personal identification.”

The prime minister also announced that effective immediately, all airports and seaports are closed for the purposes of preventing, controlling and suppressing the spread of COVID-19.

“No visitor shall be permitted to enter and disembark for any reason including transmitting through The Bahamas,” Dr. Minnis said.

He added, “The Fish Fry situated at Arawak Cay and other occasional markets throughout The Bahamas shall close. The Potters Cay Dock and every other dock throughout The Bahamas shall be closed to any commercial activity and sales of anything to the general public, including fish, conch or any such catch.

“I wish to note that all public beaches shall be closed.”