PRIME MINISTER STATEMENT ON EXUMA: INTRODUCED MEASURES TO REDUCE SPREAD OF COVID-19 IN EXUMA Prime Minister, Dr. Hubert Minnis announced the following restrictive measures for Exuma, effective Thursday, November 12:

1. There will be a 24-hour weekend curfew from 6pm Friday until 5am Mondays; businesses will not be allowed to operate during this time;

2. Weekday curfew will be from 6pm to 5am;

3. Commercial activity can continue through the week can continue save for fish frys, bars, and restaurants connected to bars;

4. Funerals are allowed at the graveside only and can have 10 people excluding the officiant; the same number of people is applicable to weddings – there will also be no repasts or receptions;

5. Church services are to be held virtually;6. Schools must be held virtually;

7. Effective tomorrow, domestic travel by air or sea is prohibited into and out of Exuma except in the case of emergency;

8. Anyone travelling from Exuma to any other island, must have a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test;

9. No public or social gatherings are allowed.Dr. Minnis said these measures do not apply to the Exuma Cays.“I know this is short notice but this is essential after seeing what has happened on several past occasions,” he said.

The prime minister further explained that Exuma has recorded over 30 new cases in the past week.There are 79 positive cases from the island of Exuma – 28 are active, two are hospitalized and there has been one COVID-19 related death, according to Dr. Minnis. The prime minister also announced that the number of health care professionals on the island have been “boosted.”

“The measures on New Providence and Abaco have helped to decrease the spread of the virus on these islands,” the prime minister said earlier. “I assure you that we can continue to make progress if we continue to work together and wear our masks and avoid large gatherings.”He also said all positive cases are in isolation in Eleuthera and all contacts are being monitored.