Good afternoon.
Today, people around the world are observing International Worker’s Day, also known as Labour Day or May Day in other jurisdictions. Though in Bermuda we celebrate Labour later in the year, I want to acknowledge the workers of Bermuda and the global struggle for better work conditions, better wages, and better lives for all. I commend our Island’s unions and their members for the contributions you have made over the years, and the contribution you continue to make for the betterment of our community.
From the start of this national health crisis, we have sought to be as bipartisan and inclusive as possible, as we believe that not only do many hands make light work, but many minds, working together on our collective problem is likely to produce better outcomes for all. COVID-19 does not care if or how you vote and at this time, neither should we. In perhaps what is a first in modern Bermuda history, I am joined at an official Government press conference by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Craig Cannonier who will be addressing you as well as the Minister of Health and the Minister of Education. The Minister of National Security, without his dog this afternoon, is also here to answer any questions you may have regarding the enforcement of our rules in phase one.
First, I would like the Minister of Health to provide an update on COVID-19 cases in Bermuda and the work being carried out by the Ministry of Health.
The Minister of Health reads her remarks.
Thank you very much, Minister of Health. I think that it is refreshing to note that as you said in your comments that Bermuda as a percentage of population tested is now in the top 10% of the world. That is a massive accomplishment over the last weeks where we've been able to ramp up our testing capacity, and I am grateful for the efforts of all persons who have been involved in that particular effort.
As Minister of Health ended on the technology solutions that are going to be launched to assist us in our battle with COVID-19, I do want to expand a little bit on those particular matters as some of these also live with myself as Minister responsible for technology for the Government of Bermuda.
I just want persons to know that we are evaluating a wide array of options, and our goal is to leverage technology as a tool to assist in reopening our economy as quickly as possible, while minimizing the risk of the spread of this virus. Managing this is certainly something that is complex, and we need to make sure that we can use technology to effectively: understand and evaluate trends of symptoms that could indicate a further spread; understand the movement flows and congregation of people as an aggregated group, not as individuals to better understand the risks; to continue to aggressively test our essential workers; and to make sure that when, in any case that there's a positive case, we can assist persons in identifying their contacts, so that we can isolate those cases and ensure that those persons can also be tested.
What is most important from a technology perspective, is the anonymous interactions that we are exploring potential community technology solutions to address and where cell phone based apps can help. But, they also require a large segment of the population using them to be effective. Therefore, it is essential that we focus driving that level of confidence in any choice that the Government makes going forward. Any solution must put privacy first. If not, it will not be successful.
Beyond that, we are looking for solutions that are cost effective, have active development communities, have a limited requirement for technical resources, and are compatible across all jurisdictions, as we look to eventually open our borders. While some countries like Singapore and Australia have rushed to launch apps, there are well-documented challenges. Others are waiting on Apple and Google, who have announced API's that will allow for more efficient apps to be developed, which will put less burden on individual’s devices, and also encourage greater participation.
We are exploring a number of key areas to address these challenges and have actually completed some of them. First, is a self-centred reporting tool, being launched by the Bermuda Health Council, which the Minister of Health just addressed. Second, is the record-keeping solution to assist the efforts of the contact tracing team, which is the Go.Data platform, which the Minister of Health has also said has been brought live. Third, is a GPS location tracking app for essential services workers who interact with at-risk individuals to quickly recall where they went and who they interacted with, should they become affected. That is something that will be able to be piloted next week. And then finally, a Bluetooth contact tracing solution to better manage anonymous interactions.
Here's what's important. It's important that we recognize the difference between the two apps: the GPS apps can tell you where your phone is or was at a certain point in time, the Bluetooth apps can tell you how close your phone is to another phone that may be running the same app.
These sorts of technology solutions are not magic fixes. They are tools that can be leveraged by our teams to better provide insights to support their particular efforts. We continue to explore and evaluate the possible solutions, so that we can fulfil our goal of opening our economy as quickly as possible while mitigating any risks, and certainly technology that can help us track and trace will be a key tool in that endeavour.
However, it is essential that persons in Bermuda understand that these solutions are being evaluated carefully. As we need your participation in order for this to be a success, we are not rushing to any solution and we're only going to implement a solution that can be certain that can protect individuals’ privacies. We are working as quickly as possible on these particular solutions, and we'll be pleased to update you in the future. Right now, the team consists of Dennis Pitcher who is the Chief FinTech Advisor, Martin Walsh who is working in the Information Development team inside of the Government, and we're also working with overseas universities, and a place to look to pilot a particular application here in Bermuda. So that is the update for that.
Now I will say that before we go to the Minister of Education, as shelter in place ends tomorrow we will enter Phase one of the careful reopening of our economy. This is important to get our country moving again and getting some persons back to work. While schools will not be reopening at this phase in the process, we recognize that we cannot send our people fully back to work if our students are unable to return to school. Today, the Minister of Education will provide an update on Education and the work ahead. Minister.
The Minister of Education reads his remarks.
Thank you very much, Minister of Education. As mentioned previously we are joined today by the Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Craig Cannonier. During this period of national crisis, it's important for the people of Bermuda, to know, feel, and understand that both sides of the political divide are working together for the good of the country. Following our meeting on Monday, I've invited the Opposition Leader to say some words to Bermuda. Opposition Leader.
The Opposition Leader reads his remarks.
Thank you, Opposition Leader. I do know that there are a few persons questioning why I'm wearing red today. No, it was not at the invitation of the Opposition Leader. It was actually the invitation of the President of the Bermuda Public Services Union, as Red is the colour for International Workers Day. So I don't want anyone to be confused there. But thank you, Leader of the Opposition, we are working together and we're going to continue to work together. And as we have laid out, trusting each other is not the easiest thing to do, but the country needs to see that we can work together during this very difficult, challenging time for the country. And I think that we are making progress in that regard.
Shelter in place ends tomorrow at 6 AM, and we move into phase one. How long we will be in phase one and how long it will take us to move to phase two will be up to each and every one of us adhering closely to the guidelines and keeping each other accountable. To allow for more substantive questions from members of the media, the Physical Distancing and Closure Schedule has been handed out and has already been posted on the internet, in addition to the new regulations which will govern this shelter in place period. Following conversations with the Leader of the Opposition and also His Excellency the Governor, these Emergency Powers Regulations will be tabled in the House of Assembly when the House of Assembly meets virtually on Friday. It is likely that we will also debate those matters that Friday, or possibly at the next sitting, but it is important that we maintain the level of parliamentary scrutiny. And we want to make sure that we can go through these things together.
As I have already outlined, in phase one it will no longer be illegal to visit another household. However, it is strongly encouraged that persons do not visit other households. Remember the more closely we adhere to the guidelines, the faster we can safely move to Phase 2. A curfew will remain in place between the hours of 10 PM and 6 AM. During that time, it is illegal for you to be in a home that is not yours.
Gatherings will be limited to no more than 10 persons. This is outdoor gatherings and indoor gatherings, including private homes. It is not the time to host parties, as it is an offense to host a group or gathering of more than 10 persons.
Permitted businesses will be able to remain open between the hours of 7 AM and 9 PM. Permitted businesses are the only businesses that are allowed to have customers inside of their business, and those are: retail grocery stores; pharmacies; banks; gas stations; office of a registered health professional, clinic, hospital, or other health facility; a pet shop with the permission of the Minister of National Security; or laundromat with the permission of the Minister of National Security. Grocery stores, gas stations, and pet stores remain open under the current conditions of lettered days of shopping and those things will be continued to be prescribed with minor modifications to Sunday shopping.
During phase one, bars and clubs; beauty salons, spas, barbers; cinemas, concert halls, theatres; gyms, sports clubs; restaurants for dine in; and swimming pools in hotels, guest houses, and other vacation rental properties will be closed.
Retail businesses and restaurants will be permitted to open between the hours of 7 AM and 9 PM with conditions. When it comes to retail stores, customers shall not be permitted to enter the premises. When it comes to restaurants, only one customer at a time shall be permitted to enter the premises in order to collect or pay for an order and dine-in services are prohibited. Retail stores and restaurants are permitted to make deliveries between the hours of 9 AM and 9 PM and deliveries can be performed by delivery vehicles from those companies, by taxis, and/or other public service vehicles. When it comes to fishermen and farmers, licensed fishermen may sell fresh local fish and registered commercial farmers may sell fresh local produce roadside on Monday to Saturday only, subject to the supervision and permission of the Minister of Home Affairs. These persons may also make deliveries to customers.
Playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment in public parks shall remain closed to the public. This is important as we do not have the cleaning regimes in place yet for those particular items and therefore, although it is very tempting to allow children to go to playgrounds, they are closed at this point in time. As is the outdoor exercise equipment in the public parks. However, they can run around in the public parks, they can go and run around on the beach, as long as they are maintaining physical distancing.
Regarding boating, boating activity is allowed. However, there are restrictions. Boats cannot have any more than 10 persons on them and boats cannot have persons who are from more than one household on a particular boat. That is specifically expressed inside of the regulations. Additionally, rafting up to other vessels for leisure is prohibited under the regulations as is prescribed. So this weekend is not the time, even though the weather is bad. This weekend, during the week, or next weekend is not the time to try to have that party on the water. We are not there yet.
Construction, mechanical, landscaping services, and other trades can reopen with strict physical distancing. Guidance will be released which will require all employees and customers to wear masks. Any business or job site not adhering to that guidance will be closed.
The Public Service will continue to work remotely, but limited public-facing services such as cashier counter services will reopen on Monday, May 4 for such areas such as TCD, the Office of the Tax Commissioner and the Cashiers on the ground floor of the Government Administration Building, and the Dame Lois Browne Evans Building. The Head of the Public Service has advised that Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments have developed plans for the phased expansion of Government services commencing Monday, May 4. These plans will see Public Officers who are not able to work remotely returning to their workplaces under physical distancing guidelines. In some instances, this will require Public Officers to work in rotation. There will be limited public access.
Government's union partners have been engaged for their input, as well as to discuss any proposed plans with them. The priority is to ensure that necessary precautions are in place to keep Public Officers safe and healthy. Department heads are now discussing their revised operating plans with their staff.
Laundromats will continue to operate under the current restrictions, and they will be able to operate between the hours of 7 AM to 9 PM.
The new laws still requires employers to allow their employees to work from home if they are able to do so. Businesses that are requiring workers to come into the office when those workers aren't able to work from home, outside of what is stated in law may be reported to the police on 211, and are subject to penalties under the law.
Parks, beaches, and the railway trails will reopen. Persons may use the outdoor facilities of a sports club, such as a golf course, tennis court, or a sporting field, provided that appropriate physical distancing is maintained at all times and any groups do not exceed 10 persons. There are no contact sports that are allowed.
Limited public transportation is set to resume next week, and the schedule will be advised in the current days by the Minister of Transport.
Church buildings will remain closed for regular services. However, members of the clergy shall be permitted to enter a church or other religious establishment, providing that appropriate physical distancing is maintained for these two things: private prayer, which is a maximum of five persons; and in order to broadcast a service via electronic means, which will include a maximum of 10 persons to conduct the service and to facilitate the broadcast. That second portion represents no change than what we've been under for the past four weeks.
We are planning to take a very slow and phased response to re-opening the island which will require constant monitoring of any particular increase of cases. If we see a significant increase in cases based on comparisons with our modelling or if we see that people and businesses are not complying with the conditions of Phase One, unfortunately more intense public health measures will have to be implemented. And I plead with all persons in Bermuda, do not force us to go in that direction. There are persons inside of our economy who are hurting, who want to get back to work. And it is collectively all of us working together, which will ensure that we can do that.
We are in this together and for most of this journey, we have stayed together united in one purpose, united in one vision, and united in one objective. I'm very proud of the work that each and every Bermudian has done in your way to get us to where we are, to the ending of shelter in place. As we have reached across the political divide, I am tonight reaching out to everyone in Bermuda for your help. Together we came through shelter in place and together we can come through phase one, and beyond into a new normal: where we can return to work, children can return to school, and our lives can return to some semblance of normality.
Please keep the family of those who have lost loved ones to this disease, and those that are battling with it as we speak in your prayers.
Finally tonight, I know that there are those who feel that their work and contribution to our efforts have not been recognized. With the sheer number of workers, organizations, bodies, and people involved it is almost impossible to thank everyone without leaving someone out.
This does not diminish your worth, your value, and your contribution in any way. If you or your colleagues feel that you have not received the recognition you deserve, if you feel that your name has not been called and it should have, I am truly sorry. As the Reverend Jesse Jackson once said, “Charge it to my head and not to my heart,” for while in positions and situations of fatigue and stress, our minds may sometimes fall short, but each and every Bermudian, every essential service workers, everyone from health care professionals in the hospital, to the doctors’ offices, and the frontline, all of our essential services, all the persons that are keeping the Government continuing to run, the third sector services, the persons who are out delivering food to our seniors and vulnerable populations or checking on all those persons, you are thanked from the bottom of my heart for everything that you've done to get us to where we are today.
When this is over, we will all have a time to collectively celebrate, but we have a lot of work to do before we get to that point. So today's press conference has been long, there has been a lot of information, and we're looking forward to answering any questions that persons may have. Please note that the Government website, coronavirus.gov.bm has been updated with the Physical Distancing Guidelines and the Closure Schedule. In addition, the new regulations which have been sent to the Governor for his publication will also be put on the Government website bermudalaws.bm so all persons can see exactly what regulations are in place for this next phase of operations. With that, I'm happy to take any questions that members of the media may have.