Cooper notes omicron has not been shown to be more dangerous than delta variant
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Tourism, Investments and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper said yesterday that the Ministry of Tourism is closely monitoring reports of the COVID-19 omicron variant so as to shift with the most recent data, noting that there’s prone to be minimal impact on the vacation season.
Cooper said in a press release: “Given the USA’ new requirement for a one-day negative COVID-19 test result for travelers who’re returning to the US, the Ministry of Tourism is adjusting with the change.
“The Ministry of Tourism has been monitoring reports of the omicron variant of COVID-19 closely so as to shift with the most recent data.
“We’re currently ramping up access to testing with our partners in The Bahamas in any respect of our essential island destinations.”
We hope that there will likely be no quarantine measures for those returning to the USA, as that would prove harmful to our tourism industry and our economy.
– Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper
Cooper added: “We consider we’re well positioned to administer this case without it causing an amazing deal of inconvenience.
“For the time being, we don’t consider this variation will greatly impact our holiday season.
“Nonetheless, we note that the omicron variant, though concerning, has up to now not been shown to be more dangerous than the delta variant, and has not been reported in The Bahamas.
“We hope that there will likely be no quarantine measures for those returning to the USA, as that would prove harmful to our tourism industry and our economy.”
US President Joe Biden recently introduced stricter COVID-19 travel rules because the country reported several cases of the omicron variant.
International travelers to the US, including Americans, must take a COVID test not more than someday before travel no matter vaccination status.
The newest COVID-19 variant was identified in late November by scientists in South Africa and has since been detected in greater than 20 countries.
