Ports

The Bahamas announced a series of new health protocols that it hopes will negate the need for visitors to quarantine.

Beginning November 1, the Bahamas will not require tourists to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Instead, a series of new protocols will be put into place so they can immediately begin enjoying their time there.

These new protocols will require visitors to obtain a RT-PCR (swab) test no more than seven (7) days prior to their travel to The Bahamas. 

The British Virgin Islands announced it plans to reopen its borders to visitors on December 1.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie said that the Government is optimistic and is vigorously preparing for the re-opening of the Territory to welcome back tourists among others.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is using a phased approach to the Territory’s borders amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Phase 1 of the Controlled Border reentry process commenced on June 2 for Virgin Islands, Belongers, Naturalised citizens and Permanent Residents.

The Bahamas Minister of Tourism released a new phased plan for how tourism will return following the global health crisis.

Minister of Tourism & Aviation Dionisio D'Aguilar presented his plan to the public on Monday that involves four phases, with cruise ship return part of the final phase.

Phase 3 of the Tourism Readiness & Recovery Plan will begin on October 15, which includes the reopening of beaches and major hotels.  

Some Key West residents are proposing the city restrict, if not ban, big cruise ships from stopping at the island.

Florida Key News reports the PAC "Key West Committee for Cleaner, Safer Ships" has outlined three goals it hopes to pass as law in Key West:

Last week, Puerto Rico's Governor announced the island will reopen and remove nearly all the restrictions it had in place, which includes the reopening of beaches and international travel prohibitions.

Gov. Wanda Vázquez said Puerto Rico will welcome tourists back beginning on July 15.

Antigua's new cruise ship pier progress is still progressing, despite the COVID-19 impact felt around the world.

Global Ports Holding issued an update that the marine contractor, Meridian Construction Ltd., with the exception of the brief suspension of construction activity during the first ten days of the government curfew and a few manufacturer delays caused by COVID-19, the majority of the project components are on schedule.

The Government of Canada announced it has extended its ban on cruise ships through the end of October 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marc Garneau, Canada's Minister of Transport, made the announcement that cruise ships with overnight accommodations allowed to carry more than 100 persons are prohibited from operating in Canadian waters until October 31, 2020.

Canada had already banned cruise ships from April through the end of June.

Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism published an economic prediction report that expects no cruise ship passengers until the second half of 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a major downturn in Hawaii's economy, and it is noteworthy that the report includes an assumption that there will be, "No cruise visitors until second half of 2021."

The Bahamas is mulling over reopening its borders for travel "on or before" July 1.

Tribune Business reports Bahamian Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced the country is considering plans to resume domestic travel.

"We are looking at a possible date for commercial travel on or before July 1 of this year," he said. "These dates may change depending on the circumstance. I want to repeat, however, that this date is not final."