EDITOR, The Tribune.

COVID19 entry regulation change

Regulations have been dramatically revised. The maximum time between COVID PCR swab test and Bahamas entry has now been reduced from seven days, or 168 hours (October 4) to only five days (120 hours).

We made our airline reservation on the basis of the seven-day rule of October 4. This five-day rule creates a major barrier for visitors, particularly from Canada where 72 to 96 hours is the expected time to get a PCR test result.

The Bahamas October 31 update states that it can take up to 72 hours to obtain a Travel Health Visa after submission of the test results.

72+72 =144 hours, versus 120 hours, makes it unlikely or impossible for tourists to visit the Bahamas.

It is hereby requested that the Regulations please be amended by either returning to the maximum seven day rule in lieu of the five day rule, or accept the legitimacy of the 15 minute antigen rapid test procedure five days before entry (accepted by most of the world where tourists originate).

THE SPECTOR FAMILY

Residents of the Bahamas for 35 years

November 3, 2020.