Bahamas: Dr. Hubert Minnis, Prime Minister of Bahamas, made some essential contributions to the extension of the emergency proclamation debate from the House Of Assembly held on 27 January 2021.
The highlights are:
-Following consideration by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Bahamas is expected to be moved to a Level 3 Travel Health Notice from the more severe Level 4.
-NIB’s Unemployment Insurance Allowance to be lengthened again through February to provide necessary financial support to families still suffering from the economic dislocation caused by the pandemic.
-To ensure all Bahamians and citizens who choose to take the coronavirus vaccine can be vaccinated safely and quickly, extensive plans are underway to ensure a safe and effective roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout The Bahamas.
-Vaccines recommended for use in The Bahamas have met the strict and uncompromising standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).
-The vaccine will not be obligatory and available free of charge for adults who choose to take it. So far, recommended vaccines will only be administered to adults.
-The Bahamas has presumptively acquired enough doses to vaccinate 20 percent of the population once available through the COVAX Facility supported by WHO and PAHO.
-Additional recommended vaccines may also be obtainable through the African Medical Supplies Platform (ASMP) via CARICOM and direct contact with recommended vaccine providers.
– vaccines will be used and precisely when they will arrive in-country is still being worked out.
-Working agreements for public officers are under review for the orderly and safe return to the workplace as early as Monday 1 February 2021. Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Department will communicate with employees.
A Facebook user commented, “At this time, it should be about safely opening up the economy so people can get back to work or ways to empower people starting with employment. People tired of handouts and begging.”
