IMPORTANT TRAVEL UPDATE”On June 17, 2020, Minister of Tourism Dionisio DAguilar announced that all tourists and returning residents who come to the Bahamas when commercial international travel resumes on July 1st, 2020, WILL NEED to present a negative COVID-19 test.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Travel Health Card Registration
TESTING
COVID-19 PCR TESTING AT CVS
COVID-19 PCR TESTING AT WALGREENS
Mail Order Testing
Broward County Testing
Miami Dade County Testing
Monroe County Testing
Palm Beach County Testing
OTHER RESOURCES:
Bahamas Tourism Reopening FAQ
Bahamas Ministry of Health Website
Bahamas Covid-19 Webpage
Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM): https://bahamasmarinas.com/ ABM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABMMarinas/
Required Travel Documents
All guests traveling to the Bahamas must:
¢ Present negative COVID-19 test results valid within 10 days of travel (links to test sites above)
¢ Complete a Travel Health Card
¢ Complete a health questionnaire and temperature check upon check-in to SCYC
MAKERS AIR:
Please click here to see the Makers Air statement regarding this situation.
Bahamas Preparing to Resume International Tourism on July 1 with New Health & Safety Protocols in Place
NASSAU, Bahamas, June 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, along with the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Committee, a group comprised of public and private sector partners, announced today a collaborative plan for re-opening the country’s borders and tourism sector, as well as the resumption of international commercial travel starting July 1. A press conference provided details of the “Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan” to be used as an approved, comprehensive guide of health and safety protocol to be followed consistently across the country.
SCYC OPERATIONS:
The following information applies to all guests. We will update with any modifications for travel as we receive the information.
Masks, Temperature Checks & Social Distancing
To protect yourself and our Bahamas, all guests are kindly asked to wear a face mask and follow social distancing measures when out and about on SCYC property. Masks are required when walking around the property and upon entering and exiting the check-in area, restaurant, and bar. Temperature checks will be performed at check-in, as well as prior to entering the restaurant and bar area.
Nightly Curfew
A nightly curfew remains in effect daily from 10pm to 5am. You are required to remain on SCYC property during this time period. SCYC will close at 10pm each night to remain in compliance with the curfew.
Dining
Effective immediately, indoor dining will re-open at 50% capacity with physical distancing measures in place. All guests will be required to wear a mask when entering and exiting the restaurant and bar. SCYC is pleased to let you know that we have also added outdoor dining tables to accommodate our guests with full beverage and dining service provided by our stellar SCYC servers!
Snorkeling Gear
For everyone health and safety, SCYC will no longer offer snorkel gear rental. You are more than welcome to bring your own gear or else purchase a snorkel set at check-in. A $25 voucher per cottage will be offered to our current Package Plan guests who booked their reservation prior to June 9th, 2020 in lieu of snorkel gear inclusion.
From procedures pertaining to entering and departing The Bahamas via airports and seaports, to a Clean & Pristine certification program implemented across hotels, restaurants and other consumer-facing tourism entities and touchpoints, the plan outlines extensive health and safety protocols that will be enforced throughout The Bahamas to mitigate risks for all visitors and residents alike.
“Our top priority has and will always be our commitment to the health and well-being of our residents and visitors,” said Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Director-General, Joy Jibrilu. “We must remember that we are living in a new normal in the wake of COVID-19 and a lot is going to change across the tourism sector. We are putting an even greater emphasis on making sure The Bahamas is safe and clean for everyone, and look forward to once again providing travelers with the tropical experience our islands are known for.”
A Phased Approach
The Bahamas’ tourism-dependent economy will gradually come back online, following a strategic, phased approach that ensures critical health and safety protocols are being adhered to, and that the Health sector remains well equipped and ready to respond as necessary.
- Phase 1, beginning on June 15, will allow for boaters, yachters and private aviation to return to the destination.
- These smaller special interest groups will allow a more controlled segment to test the country’s new measures.
- All returning persons will continue to have to register at a Bahamas embassy or consulate and obtain a COVID-19 test with a negative result.
- It is anticipated that during this period of time there will be a reduced flight schedule as airlines begin adding The Bahamas to their schedules once again.
- Phase 2, beginning July 1, allows for the resumption of international travel including:
- Commercial airlines, both international and domestic
- Hotels and vacation rentals, inclusive of Airbnb and HomeAway
- Transportation ranging from taxis to jitneys and buses
- Accommodations:
- Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals will enforce extensive health and safety protocols like enhanced cleaning for guest rooms, public spaces, high touch point areas on frequent, regulated schedule
- Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be readily available across properties
- Employee health monitoring and temperature check points will be enforced
- A limited number of guests will be permitted in elevators at one time
- Unnecessary literature in guest rooms will be eliminated
- Taxis and Independent Cars:
- Passengers and drivers should wear face masks at all times throughout their journey.
- Vehicles must reduce the maximum number of people by 50% (sedans can carry up to two persons and SUVs up to four persons) and passengers should not ride in the front seat.
- Excursions, tours, local attractions and shopping:
- Businesses must establish a maximum number of guests and limit the duration of each guest visit to allow for social distancing.
- When possible, guests will be encouraged to use personal gear (such as snorkeling gear) and businesses will have items available for purchase.
- Guests will not be allowed to touch products unless with the intent to purchase and cashless sales will be encouraged.
- Beach chairs must be arranged to allow six feet of social distancing between family units.
- A regular cleaning timetable and checklist must be established, reviewed, and maintained.
- Vessel and Ferry Operations
- Staff must wear a water-repellent or marine grade face mask during all passenger interactions and where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
- A maximum number of passengers permitted on-board will be reduced by 50% and passenger seating may be assigned to ensure proper distancing.
- Vessel sanitizing must take place before any passenger embarks the vessel and between all passenger exchanges. All high touch surfaces must be constantly and consistently cleaned during passage and at the end of each day.
- Restaurants, Food & Beverage Services
- Buffets will be discontinued until further notice. All meals must be single or prepackaged.
- Businesses must utilize disposable menus or offer on monitors or static display boards.
- Staff must wear PPE (disposable mask and gloves).