Good evening Bermuda.
I'm joined at today's press conference by the Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, who will give an update on the continued work of the Ministry of Health in battling COVID-19. We also have the Minister of National Security, Wayne Caines, who will discuss the murder and other acts of violence which took place this weekend.
Minister of Finance, Curtis Dickinson will discuss the island's financial response to COVID-19 and plan for our economy. I also welcome the newly appointed Minister of Labour, Jason Hayward, who will update us on the unemployment insurance benefits, and the work of his newly created Ministry of Labour, ensuring that we protect the rights of Bermudians in the workplace.
This holiday weekend, where we remember the contributions of our national heroes, was a distressing time for many in Bermuda. The actions of few have changed the lives of family and friends who lost a loved one, through the senseless death of a 22 year old Bermudian. On behalf of the government and of the people of Bermuda, I extend our condolences to his family and to his friends.
The Minister of Health will now provide an update on the testing which took place over the weekend against the backdrop of more confirmed cases which reported on Saturday. Minister.
MINISTER OF HEALTH READS HER REMARKS.
Thank you Minister of Health.
The news of no new cases, following days of testing is certainly welcome news. However, it is important and a reminder that we must continue to keep our guard up by wearing our masks, and maintaining our physical distance when out in public and socializing. Everything we have done thus far, must continue. Whether that is washing your hands, good cough hygiene, or the utilization of hand sanitizer. These are all public health measures that will help us continue to keep this virus at bay.
The pop-up testing locations have proven to be extremely popular and I encourage everyone to visit coronavirus.gov.bm to get the details and locations and times, and to book an appointment to get tested today. Even though she's going to upset with me for saying it, even my mom, went to get tested today, and she commented and said 'it wasn't as bad as I thought', because it is not as bad as you may think.
During phase 3B, which will commence, on Thursday, the full range of personal care services will become available. This includes the grooming of beards, waxing services and massages. As stated last week, public health guidelines will provide for the frequency of tests for personal care service providers, engaged in high risk activities which to date have not been allowed.
For providers of those services, who got tested this weekend, including my barber, I, and other clients look forward to seeing you later this week. Those who have not yet been tested, please visit coronavirus.gov.bm to book an appointment so you can keep yourselves, your clients and Bermuda safe. With that Minister Caines will now give his update this evening to the country. Minister.
MINISTER OF NATIONAL SECURITY READS HIS REMARKS
Thank you Minister Caines. We are joined by the Police Commissioner this evening, who is also on hand to answer any questions, which we may have afterwards.
The events this weekend serve to remind us that the work is never ending if we are to address the root causes of the violence and anti-social behaviour in our community. These are systemic issues that require a targeted and deliberate approach.
The government's increased investments in education, training, mental health, and programmes like Redemption Farms, as well as new programmes for those people who have aged out of the Department of Child and Family Services will be continued. Because it is through these programmes, and our focus on dismantling systemic racism that we will effect the change we need to see in our young people.
As we move through each phase, our goal was to make sure that we open our economy safely, and at the same time put Bermudians back to work. The Minister of Finance, Curtis Dickinson, will give details around the work necessary to support those in Bermuda financially, and also his efforts in reinvigorating the Bermuda economy. Minister Dickinson.
MINISTER OF FINANCE READS HIS REMARKS
Thank you Minister of Finance. As you have shared, there's much work going on to provide relief to Bermudians and to Bermuda's businesses that are battling the economic impacts of this pandemic.
As I've said over the past few weeks, employers who are reopening their businesses must put Bermudians first. Likewise Bermudians who are asked to return to work should do so, and should not be collecting unemployment benefits. It is not appropriate for employers to deny work to Bermudians, and if we learn of instances where Bermudians have refused to return to work in order to continue to receive the unemployment benefit, this behaviour will be addressed appropriately.
I now welcome the Minister of Labour to the podium to provide his first update to the country since his appointment. Minister Hayward.
MINISTER OF LABOUR READS HIS REMARKS
Thank you, Minister for that update. It is clear that the work of this government continues through the actions of the Minister of Labour.
As schools around the island prepare to close, summer day camps will be opening. The Minister of Community Affairs and Sports, the Hon. Lovitta Foggo, last week, announced the opening of government camp registration. However, within a few hours, the spaces were all taken and a waiting list established. This has caused anxiety amongst parents who are looking for safe summer activities for their children.
The Ministry is looking closely at how we can accommodate more students, working with the Ministry of Health. Camps have instituted protocols that are in keeping with the Ministry of Health's guidance, as well as best practices from leading global health organizations.
There are fewer spaces than normal this year to ensure physical distance requirements are adhered to. However, as has been stated, we are looking to make sure that we can expand these services, as we know, this is something that is desired by a great many parents. Certainly in a time of economic distress, more affordable programmes are needed to make sure that our students can be engaged in enriching activities and also to provide for those college students who may be home and may not have the opportunity to work, due to some cancelled internship opportunities. We believe this is a win-win, and we're exploring how we can expand those particular services.
As I close, I must thank all those who continue to work on the frontlines of our protection against this pandemic. For those who have worked tirelessly, whether you are public health professionals, a member of one of Bermuda's testing labs, a medical professional, a technical support member or a member of the public service to ensure that services are made available to the general public. Your selfless contribution is appreciated by a grateful country.
We have come a long way, and we still have a very long way to go. We are a community that must successfully move forward together. And as long as we remain united, I'm confident that we will make it through this pandemic. I now welcome any questions that members the media may have.