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Old 30-12-2021, 15:03   #1
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Bahamas Covid Disruption

Has anyone sailed into the Bahamas since recent Covid changes? Is Bahama Immigration strict on the 72 hour PCP test prior to entry, difficult for sailboats from US mainland?
Also, are the Abaco cruising and anchor grounds safe from hurricane debris?
Planning sail over in late Jan.
Thanks for any input.
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Old 30-12-2021, 15:24   #2
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Re: Bahamas Covid Disruption

I entered the Bahamas the first week of November. So I can’t really help with the current Covid rules. I did over run the 5 day rule when I arrived. I figured likely to happen with a direct sail from Virginia. I emailed ahead of time and received an approval before I left to arrive after 5 days if I was at sea the whole time. Perhaps this option is still a good idea?
I spent time in the Abacos and the harbors are generally clear. A few obvious sunken boats but never came across hidden dangers. Most of the islands are up and running to some degree. Not all Restaraunts or marinas are open. But fuel, food, groceries, phone cards, etc available at many locations. Dinghy docks rebuilt.
The Abacos is making an effort to rebuild as fast as possible given some supply issues. But they really need, and really appreciate the cruisers that come by.
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Old 30-12-2021, 16:07   #3
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Re: Bahamas Covid Disruption

Thx Peew, The recent official Bahamian notice seems to emphasize the 72 hr limit and the PCP only test(vs rapid antigen) result. Hoping this is not strictly enforced for slow sailboats. Good to hear the islands are working to reopen.
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Old 30-12-2021, 16:12   #4
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Re: Bahamas Covid Disruption

Quote:
Originally Posted by delphys44 View Post
Thx Peew, The recent official Bahamian notice seems to emphasize the 72 hr limit and the PCP only test(vs rapid antigen) result. Hoping this is not strictly enforced for slow sailboats. Good to hear the islands are working to reopen.
You mean PCR test. You might want to avoid telling Customs officials you've got the PCP - since that's angel dust.
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Old 30-12-2021, 17:03   #5
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Re: Bahamas Covid Disruption

We crossed end of November. It was still antigen(for vaccinated) and 5 day. As of the 23rd, it changed to 72 hours, but antigen is still accepted (for vaccinated) until end of the 6th. On the 7th of January, rules change to PCR only and 72 hours, so not in effect yet.
By the end of January the protocols may have improved, but who can say.
There is a provision for sailors who can prove that they have been at sea, causing them to be beyond the 72 hours. The association of bahamas marinas shares all updates.
https://www.bahamasmarinas.com/procedures-and-protocols
Facebook group bahamas land sea also keeps up to date info and support
https://facebook.com/groups/bahamlandsea/
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We went thru the abacos in April, heading north, and hurricane debris was present but in no way inhibited anchoring or mooring. Some docks weren't quite rebuilt, but most were well underway. I recomend at least trafelling thru, they could use some business.
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Old 30-12-2021, 17:08   #6
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Re: Bahamas Covid Disruption

There is a lot of discussion on the Bahamas Land and Sea Facebook group.

New rules don't apply until 1/7. Main difference is that a PCR test is required independent of vaccination status and the time period is 72 hours (was 5 days).

I've read that they make an exception for yachts in that sea time isn't counted against those 72 hours. So basically that means that once you get your test, you have 3 days to depart, not arrive there, so that's not too bad. I haven't seen anything official stating that, however.

I still plan on heading over and it will be after 1/7. Folks went last year and didn't have much of a problem after the initial scare early in the year.
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Old 31-12-2021, 09:42   #7
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Re: Bahamas Covid Disruption

Thanks for info. Sounds as if the 72 hr limit after PCR test may have some leeway for sailboats that can attest to not stopping elsewhere after the test.
Will give it a try in next weather window.
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Old 31-12-2021, 09:51   #8
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Re: Bahamas Covid Disruption

Might want to peruse the Tropic Breeze thread from a planning perspective. Fuel may be a bit harder to get than normal in the outer islands.
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