10 Caribbean destination flagged in high-risk category

The government of The Bahamas says it was not surprised by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) move to put the destination in its highest-risk travel category for COVID-19.

The Bahamas is one of 22 nations, of which 10 are in the Caribbean, which the CDC has flagged with its highest-risk travel category of Level 4, signaling that travelers should “avoid travel to these destinations” regardless of vaccination status.

The Caribbean countries making it to the Level 4 category are The Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Maarten, Suriname and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The CDC, which is the United States’ national public health agency, places a destination at Level 4 when more than 500 cases per 100,000 residents are registered in the previous 28 days.

Bahamas responds to highest  risk inclusion

In response to The Bahamas’ inclusion in the highest risk category, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said the administration was not surprised at the move while admitting to an exponential rise in COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks.

Cooper, who is the country’s tourism, investments and aviation minister, stressed, however, that, during the latest wave of COVID-19 infections, there has not been a dramatic increase in hospitalisations for severe symptoms and deaths have been rare.

As previously stated by the country’s health minister, Cooper noted that The Bahamas is at or is nearing a peak in this latest wave of COVID-19 infections and that the Ministry of Tourism remains vigilant and poised to pivot when needed.

According to the tourism minister, “our hotel properties and tourism amenities are following proper protocols and have in place additional measures to make sure the travel experience is a safe one. Our health visa system for visitors remains in place, as does our testing regime for all travelers”.

He noted that the recently launched free testing system has given The Bahamas another tool in tracking the spread of COVID-19, highlighting that his ministry is actively engaging the Ministry of Health and stakeholders to ensure that we strike the appropriate balance to protect public health, maintain robust tourist arrivals and a vibrant economy.

Beefing up health care in The Bahamas

He noted that the destination’s healthcare system has recently been bolstered by additional nurses and doctors, and stated that “we are hopeful that we will see a drop-off in infection numbers in the coming weeks”.

Said Cooper: “When this happens, we are confident that the rating will be favourably reviewed.”