“The omicron virus is rewriting the principles”
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Several major holiday events have needed to be canceled or postponed and refunds issued after the federal government implemented additional COVID-19 protocols for gatherings amidst an uptick in COVID-19 cases.
On Sunday, the Ministry of Health advised it would not approve any large gatherings and suspended all current approvals.
Organizers of events planned for Boxing Day, similar to the favored Lite Vibes and One Blood XXL – All-Inclusive Old School Reggae Party, advised patrons of postponement and warranted that tickets shall be honored.
Meanwhile, upcoming events for New 12 months’s Day — similar to Hide’s New 12 months’s Brunch, the Corporation’s NYE Event and Alpha Sound’s “Emerge” — have also needed to make similar statements to their supporters, advising of expeditious refunds.
A neighborhood event is canceled resulting from new health protocols introduced amid spread of the new omicron COVID-19 variant.
A neighborhood event is canceled resulting from new health protocols introduced amid spread of the new omicron COVID-19 variant.
A neighborhood event is canceled resulting from new health protocols introduced amid spread of the new omicron COVID-19 variant.
A neighborhood event is canceled resulting from new health protocols introduced amid spread of the new omicron COVID-19 variant.
In line with the newest protocols, gatherings with greater than 30 people outdoors and 20 people indoors won’t be permitted until further notice.
The restrictions, nevertheless, don’t apply to gatherings at hotels, confirmed Latrae Rahming, director of communications within the Office of the Prime Minister.
“The federal government is reviewing all activities that can lead to the potential spread of omicron COVID-19,” he told Eyewitness News.
The COVID-19 task force is seeking to discover additional measures to decelerate the present spread of COVID-19.
– Minister of Health & Wellness Dr Michael Darville
“We approached different categories of events in another way. All are currently under assessment or review.
“The COVID-19 task force is seeking to discover additional measures to decelerate the present spread of COVID-19… The situation stays extremely fluid.”
Atlantis is anticipated to host a serious concert on New 12 months’s Day featuring renowned music artist Doja Cat.
The Bahamas recorded a record variety of COVID-19 cases in a single day over the weekend, with 330 cases confirmed on Christmas Day, taking the variety of cases within the country to 23,960.
Health officials advised that 320 new infections were confirmed on New Windfall, three on Grand Bahama, and one each on Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, and Andros; while three infections have locations pending.
The variety of lively cases as much as Saturday stood at 1,294, though hospitalizations were relatively low with just 19 cases.
In an announcement on Sunday, Minister of Health Dr Michael Darville said the federal government will announce details for the rollout of free COVID-19 testing on New Windfall and in addition provide details regarding the distribution of free medical-grade masks.
Darville echoed warnings from the prime minister last week that “activities that were relatively secure just last week are not any longer secure”.
He noted that while it was a difficult decision to not allow the Christmas carnival to open, it was “the best one”.
The health minister further advised that the federal government is finalizing technical guidance for businesses, churches and others to enhance ventilation and air filtration.
“The omicron virus is rewriting the principles. It is rather, very easy to catch,” he said.
“But that doesn’t mean giving up — there are plenty of steps you’ll be able to do to guard yourselves and your families.”
