Bahamas Integrates New CDC Requirements Into Existing Protocols
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that all air passengers flying to the U.S. from a foreign country will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test (PCR or Antigen test), taken no more than 3 days prior to the flight. This new regulation will apply to all travelers ages 2 and older, including U.S. citizens and international travelers. The order will go into effect on January 26, 2021.
Airlines will be responsible for confirming the negative test result or documentation of recovery for all passengers before they board, and will deny boarding to any person who does not provide the required documentation.
The Bahamas is a popular destination for Americans. U.S. travelers to The Bahamas as well as Bahamian citizens and residents are required to abide by the CDC’s protocols to enter the U.S. Now the Government of The Bahamas says it has successfully implemented stringent measures to protect its citizens, residents and visitors, and is well positioned to adhere to the new CDC order, seamlessly integrating the CDC’s testing requirements into The Bahamas’ existing COVID-19 protocols.
Currently, visitors to The Bahamas who stay longer than four nights and five days are required to take a rapid antigen test on the fifth day of their stay, with a number of testing sites throughout The Bahamas approved to administer tests. This means travelers and residents alike, readily have access to the viral tests, now required to enter the U.S..
“The Bahamas Government will continue to work in accordance with the CDC to curb the spread of COVID-19, which has been our top priority since the onset of this global pandemic,” said Dionisio D’Aguilar, The Bahamas Minister of Tourism & Aviation, said in a press release.  “Our journey has not been without bumps in the road, but we have made great strides in combatting this virus as evidenced by the very low case numbers we have now achieved. Visitors to our shores should have peace of mind knowing that we are making every effort to keep The Bahamas safe, and can now offer a turnkey, affordable and reliable testing process that meets U.S. requirements.”
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