The Bahamas ends mask wearing and Covid testing mandates

The Bahamas has dropped its mandatory wearing of face mask as of October 1 as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to show signs that it is slowly fading away and face coverings have now become optional.

The COVID 19 testing entry requirement for the un-vaccinated has also come to an end. 

The mask wearing option however does not apply to everyone as medical facilities, aged care centers and schools will keep the rule in place as a precautionary measure.

It is believed that by dropping these Covid management measures that the Bahamas will be more attractive as a leading tourism destination, more affordable and more accessible.

That decision was welcomed by President of the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union, Darrin Woods who noted that the move will undoubtedly improve tourism numbers and contribute to the nation’s economic recovery.

President of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association, Robert Sands also weighed in on the decision, stating that the time for the mask mandate and Covid-19 testing for un-vaccinated travelers had long passed.

He believes that the removal of these measures will now level the playing field since many rivals in the tourism industry have already done so.

As of September 30, the Bahamas had recorded a total of 37,290 Covid-19 infections and 833 deaths with 173,000 Bahamas residents fully vaccinated.

In a September 26 health report there were 132 active cases in the Bahamas with three patients in intensive care.