New Bahamas Rules Nov 1

So, you're saying $34 for Chicken Teriyaki is over-priced. .

I agree, I think they've done a great job. There is a few hoops to jump through, but they are all straight forward and relatively easy. I think the "stress" & "fear" is the worse part. Just worrying about 14 people all passing all the tests, and the fear if someone fails. What happens then.

Several of my family members say it's just too much hassle for them. I tried to explain, it's a little bit of a hassle. But, it's the world we live in today. I choose to grin & bare it.

As for Charters, I'm new to this. We ran our boat as strictly private up to this point. So, I'm a complete newbie. But, I will say. Our interest has been amazing. We're only looking for about 4 to 6 charters. And at this point, it's not going to be an issue at all.

Prayers for your wife's speedy recovery. Unfortunately you're all still within the window from the initial infection (2 weeks) and you'll be in another window from your wife's infection. So be careful.

Thanks, I am. I've cleaned my closet, the basement, and watched all of NetFlix. Arg!

LOL

I'm finishing up 5-weeks of back to back to back trips, and know exactly what you mean. We've pulled them all off without any positive tests.
FYI- we're doing our own 5-day test aboard. I ordered a couple boxes when they were plentiful, and the've lasted us the whole time. Email test results for clearance.
Once again- kudos to The Bahamas.

We are planning on a trip to Bimini on 2/5/21. As per previous messages, my wife contracted COVID-19 upon our last trip to Bahamas, and tested POSITIVE on 1/9/21. She's fully recovered, thou her taste & smell is still recovering.

From my Captain & my research, you can get a Health Visa Waiver from the health minister if you've recovered from COVID.

So, I emailed them the "POSITIVE" test from 1/9/21, Doctor's "Clearance" Letter , and a "release from lockdown" letter from our local government. But, was unfortunately they denied our request.

This is when things got a confusing. The test on 1/9/21 was a Rapid Test (she took another on 1/10/21 which was positive as well). However, both were NOT PCR tests as Bahamas require. Thus, the waiver was denied.

According to CDC guidelines she's really not required to test, not to mention wasting avoid 'wasting' money on a PCR test, that most likely she'd fail. But, since I'm always for Plan A & Plan B. Plan A = Waiver, Plan B = Cross our fingers she does test NEGATIVE. She got a PCR test this morning with the rest of us.

So, after going back and forth this the Health Ministry. They are requiring the PCR Test today and if it's POSITIVE, they'll process the waiver with the doctor's letter. Of course, seeing is believing. At this point, I'm not exactly sure.

If she's NEGATIVE. That's good, I guess. We can go. But, a little worried about the Rapid test 5 days later.

Don't get me wrong. I'm very pleased with Bahamas trying to be accommodating. But, it's a very confusing process.

Understood. Of course, she wouldn’t have taken the test without symptoms, and since everyone else was negative. We didn’t were hopeful for a false positive, and did another test. To our dismay, it was positive as well. And of course, the loss of smell and taste confirmed everything.

All I can think of is the process for Bahamas is designed to start off with a PCR test. Thus, while I could argue until I’m blue in the face. It’s not needed, in our particular case. The procedure is the procedure.

Doesn’t really matter, we all got PCR tests today and are awaiting our results. All good. Thread is mostly to help others to know what to do, verses the ‘hours’ of research we’ve done. Hopefully, it helps someone in the future

Good News. Got the PCR Tests, Wife was POSITIVE (as expected). Resent eMail including this PCR result last night 930pm CST. Received Health Waiver before 11pm CST. Very impressive, a government worker working that late at night. Pretty sure that would not happen in the US.

One side note, they only charged my wife $40 for Health Visa verse typical $60. Probably because she doesn't require the Rapid Test. Correction. The VISA the provide for $40 was for only a day. I had to extend it for 9 days. Another $30. Not a big deal

Overall, I'm very impressed with their entire system. The Health Portal is very well done, payment is easy, and the people are helpful. Bahamas is really trying to keep things safe, yet accessible. Hat's off to the Bahamas!

I agree 100%

FYI, They changed the rules on customs. You need to also present your Covid Results in addition to the Health Visa. This is different than in December. Make sure you print them , and bring them with you to speed the process up

Hmm. I guess we got lucky over New Years

To sit in 1 of the 50 file folder boxes they have stacked up in their office that nobody will ever look at again!