Good evening Bermuda,
As we begin to move into Phase 2 with the relaxing of some of the regulations, I will provide a general overview on the following:
1) Curfew Exemptions;
2) Large Group Exemptions;
3) Enforcement by the Bermuda Police Service; and
4) Quarantine Guidelines for non-immunised persons.
Even though some restrictions are being rolled back, these continue to be concerning times for our community.
And as we work to manage the COVID-19 virus it's important that we remain vigilant.
Here are some important points to note during this next phase.
Curfew Exemptions
The Royal Bermuda Regiment will also be on hand if needed’ to enforce the rules on the water.
With the curfew now being from 10.00 pm until 5.00 am, it's important to remind the public of the process for applying for an exemption.
Applications to be away from your residence can be found at the following link on the Government website: forms.gov.bm/covid19/curfew.
You do not need to apply for an exemption for the following:
• If you are driving someone who is permitted to be out for example.
• Going to and from the airport.
• Going to work as an essential worker or to a residential care home. If you are a licensed fisherman; a registered commercial farmer; or staff of these businesses.
• If you must respond to emergency calls to buildings if an alarm system has activated or emergency work has to be performed.
Large Group Exemptions
Large Group exemptions can be submitted via gov.bm. A form will be available for people to fill-in online.
Enforcement by the Bermuda Police Service
The Bermuda Police Service will continue to enforce the COVID-19 regulations. This includes visits to various businesses and restaurants to ensure that patrons and establishments are engaging in the appropriate health and safety guidelines.
The Royal Bermuda Regiment will also be on hand if needed to enforce the rules on the water.
Specifically as it relates to boats and pleasure crafts on the water during this next phase, the public should be aware of the following:
A water curfew is in place. Boaters must be off the water by 8.00 pm, and raft ups are not allowed.
We're encouraging anyone who sees any breaches of the regulations to please call 2-11.
Quarantine Guidelines for Non-immunised Persons
Lastly, here are some general guidelines regarding the mandatory supervised quarantine for non-immunised travelers arriving in Bermuda by air on/after June 6, 2021.
By ‘mandatory supervised’ quarantine, it is meant those hotel/guest house properties that have been designated as such by the Government.
All non-immunised persons travelling to Bermuda are subject to mandatory supervised quarantine and will be required to bear all costs for the hotel/guest house they choose from amongst of participating properties.
The Disaster Risk Reduction Mitigation (DRRM) Team will oversee the mandatory 14-day quarantine for all incoming non-immunised travelers.
You can only book your hotel up to 14 days in advance of your arrival.
You must ensure that you have a confirmed (pre-paid) booking at a government-authorized hotel before boarding a flight coming to Bermuda.
If rooms aren’t available for your preferred dates, you must change your flight for a date when a government-authorized hotel is available or, you should book at another hotel.
You could face a fine if you don't provide evidence of pre-paid accommodation at a government-authorized hotel prior to arriving in Bermuda.
You can only book your government-authorized hotel stay through the ResQwest portal.
Reservations made through travel agencies or online booking companies will not be accepted.
Non-immunised travellers coming to Bermuda should follow these steps:
1. Have your traveler details ready.
2. Choose and book your hotel.
3. Get a confirmation to show at the time of arrival in Bermuda. Non-immunized foreign nationals who arrive in Bermuda without a confirmed (pre-paid) booking at a government-authorized hotel will not be landed and will be immediately returned to their place of origin.
Government-authorized hotels
You may choose one of the following hotels for your 15-day mandatory quarantine:
There are three approved quarantine locations:
a) Coco Reef Resort - $200 for single and $230 for double occupancy. Available rooms – 32+ rooms; each unit is equipped with WiFi, A/C, refrigerator, room safe
b) Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa ($291.88 pp/ +$12.50 for additional person/ 3x per week maid service). Each unit equipped with WiFi, A/C, refrigerator, room safe. Maximum of 4 persons per room. Meal plan available for $64.35 pp daily. No pets.
c) Hamilton Princess & Beach Club - $289.30 for a Deluxe Garden view room; $356.30 for a Deluxe Harbor view room.
Last year, the Government spent over $1.5 million on quarantine expenses. This was due in part to the fact that the hotels were closed. This year, the government is simply not in a position to subsidize the cost of quarantine accommodations.
We do appreciate that these are significant costs, however the prices are comparable to other jurisdictions.
We will however continue to look for options that may be more affordable.
Here are some additional quarantine guidelines for non-immunised travelers.
The following persons are exempt from mandatory supervised quarantine and are allowed to quarantine at home:
1. Minors – Defined as 17 years or younger and parents travelling with a child aged 4 or less;
2. Seniors – Defined as 65 years or older;
3. Medical – Defined as either a) having a medical certificate; or b) certified essential medical travel; or c) certified essential medical companion;
4. Bona-fide residents who left Bermuda before May 6 and are unable to meet requirements through no fault of their own – Will need to define proof of residence and proof of inability to get vaccine;
5. Essential travel to escort a Minor to or from an educational institution. Applies to both parents OR guardians - no more than 2. – Defined as showing proof of travelling with minor and proof of school enrolment.
All exemptions are to be handled by the Ministry of Health Quarantine Authority - as they approve exemptions under the Quarantine Act.
In closing, I'd just like to say to the people of Bermuda - for the most part, we have managed this pandemic extremely well, thanks in large part to the health guidance and recommendations put in place.
So I want to thank all of Bermuda for their compliance and their cooperation. And as we go into Phase 2, above all, please stay safe and please continue to make responsible decisions to protect you and your families.
Thank you.