Covid 19 Protocols for travel to the Bahamas

For travel updates visit https://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates.
The new protocols will require visitors, and returning citizens and residents to obtain a RT-PCR
(swab) test no more than five (5) days prior to their travel to The Bahamas.
 and then again four days (96 hours) after arrival in The Bahamas.
Specifics are as follows:
Prior to Travel:
• COVID-19 RT-PCR Test: All persons traveling to The Bahamas must obtain a negative
COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more than five (5) days prior to the date of
arrival. The name and address of the lab, where the test was performed, must be
clearly displayed on the test result.
• Children under the age of ten (10) and pilots and crew of commercial airlines,
who remain overnight in The Bahamas, are exempt from obtaining the RT-PCR
test.

• Bahamas Health Travel Visa: Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test, all
travelers will then be required to apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at
https://travel.gov.bs/ (click on the International Tab) where the required test must be uploaded.

The cost of the visa will depend on the length of stay.
Upon Arrival
Day of Arrival: Rapid Test – All persons entering The Bahamas, at an approved Port of
Entry, will receive a Rapid COVID-19 antigen test.

American Airlines has indicated that, beginning in late October, they wish to provide
each passenger traveling to The Bahamas from Miami with a Rapid COVID-19 antigen
test before boarding the plane. These passengers, along with the passengers of any
other airlines wishing to provide a similar service, will not be required to complete the
Rapid Test upon arrival in The Bahamas.
After Arrival
• Day Five (96 hours after arrival): Rapid Test – All persons who entered The Bahamas,
and who are staying longer than four nights and five days, will be required to take a
second Rapid COVID-19 antigen test. To be clear, all visitors departing on Day Five will
not be required to obtain this test.
The cost of the rapid tests on and after arrival will be included in the cost of the visa.
The rapid tests are easy, quick and will yield results in 20 minutes or less with results being
provided electronically.
Many hotel properties will provide relevant information on testing arrangements, while others
will facilitate the required rapid test for their guests.
 

The On Island Experience:

All islands in The Bahamas require the wearing of masks and appropriate social distancing in
public places.
The Bahamas has remained diligent in its efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19
throughout the islands, and these measures are imperative to ensure that remains the case.
The health and well being of both residents and visitors remain the number one priority of our
public health officials. It is important to note, however, that due to fluidity of the COVID-19
situation, both in The Bahamas and worldwide, protocols are subject to change.

TO OUR USA GUESTS RETURNING HOME

You may be aware of the New Requirement for All Air Passengers Traveling to the USA Starting- January 26, 2021.  All air passengers traveling into the United States, including by private flights, air charter, and general aviation aircraft, will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 Antigen Rapid test result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. All passengers must complete an attestation affirming their compliance with the CDC requirements and provide it to their aircraft operator. The test must be taken within three days before their flight to the USA departs. Before boarding the flight, they must provide proof of the negative result, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline. Fortunately, the existing Bahamas Travel Health Visa website will include the ‘USA Arrivals Test’ for a nominal fee.

There is a rapid antigen testing site in close proximity to the resort in George Town. The clinic, Di-Ara is closed on the weekends

WHAT WILL YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH US AT SAINT FRANCIS BE LIKE?

For your protection, and that of fellow guests, and employees, we ask for your cooperation as we have made the following temporary modifications to our customer service protocols:

– You will be required to wear a face mask in all common interior areas and when walking to and from the room, as well as during any interaction with staff.

– We ask you to practice social distancing by staying 6 feet from other people, space permitting.

– For your protection, and those of our team members, no employee will enter your room during your stay, apart from emergency maintenance. This means there will be no housekeeping service, but towels, linen, and bathroom amenities will be delivered upon request, in a con-tactless manner, as well as retrieving any trash. Please feel free to speak to our Front Desk  regarding any special requests.

– Our restaurant, when open, will serve Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, with tables spaced out according to social distancing requirements, and bar service will only be for outdoor consumption and service.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Our team is committed to providing every guest with the peace of mind to relax and enjoy their time with us.

– All team members are screened for COVID symptoms before their shifts and are instructed to stay home if they do not feel well.

– Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be worn by all team members, based on their role and responsibilities, and in adherence to local regulations and guidance. This includes masks, gloves, and goggles.

– Our team is trained on how to respond swiftly in handling guests or associates exhibiting any of the symptoms of COVID-19.

SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING

Social and physical distancing is one of the most effective tools used to control and reduce the spread of Coronavirus, and we appreciate your cooperation for the safety of other guests and our staff.

– Seating in all public areas is positioned at least 6 feet apart.

HAND SANITIZER

Hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed at all guest and employee entrances and contact areas such as dining areas

ENHANCED CLEANLINESS STANDARDS

Our cleaning protocols include EPA-approved disinfectants that meet CDC requirements for use and are effective against viruses, bacteria, and other airborne and bloodborne pathogens.

PUBLIC AREAS

– High touch areas, such as but not limited to doors, door handles, handrails, furniture in public spaces, signature pads, and credit card readers are cleaned and sanitized on a frequent and routine basis.

– Our team upholds a strict schedule of routine hand sanitation throughout their time on the property.

– Public restrooms are cleaned with increased frequency with locks, toilet seats, sinks, faucets, and doors being disinfected during each service.

GUEST ROOMS

– Rooms are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected upon departure, including the use of hospital-grade disinfectants.

High touch areas, such as, but not limited to door handles, light switches, thermostats, lamps, power outlets, remote controls, and sinks and faucets, are cleaned and sanitized in an enhanced manner.

For our guests’ safety we have removed numerous touch points in our guest rooms such as hairdryers, coffee makers, cups and ice buckets. Please ask the Front Desk if you require any of these items.

We have put in place measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Guests are responsible for abiding by any rules or guidelines we have put in place for their protection. Guests understand that there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where other people are present.