I know many of you, like me, were concerned by some of the behavior demonstrated over the weekend where a few individuals simply did not follow the guidance and health protocols as set out in the regulations.
People were not observing physical distancing, they were not wearing face coverings and they were gathered in crowded groups in some instances. This Government indicated that if individuals, businesses or organisations could not adhere to the guidelines, then we will take the necessary steps to enforce the regulations. We are urging individuals to please act responsibly.
This evening, my update regarding the BPS/RBR is as follows:
- The BPS and Regiment continue to be deployed across the island following the end of Shelter in Place. Over the weekend Community Advisory Points were set up at key public space locations to continue working with the public to provide advice and guidance on the amended regulations. Joint patrols took place on our beaches and parks to ensure physical distancing was in place. Several visits were made to business premises, including restaurants to monitor compliance. The BPS Roads Policing Unit were also active to monitor reported incidents of speeding and to prevent drinking and driving related activities.
- As I said earlier, several incidents of behaviour, where non-compliance with the emergency powers regulations were observed. The BPS are now investigating these matters. However the feedback from the public condemning this behaviour shows the positive engagement we have within our communities. Bermuda, this type of behaviour puts communities at risk of COVID-19 transfer. We do not want to criminalise people but enforcement action will be taken if people do not follow the regulations. More notably if this behaviour causes community transfer this may result in the Country returning to Shelter in Place.
- As a reminder, we encourage anyone to report any breaches of the regulations to the BPS. If the incident has taken place already, please do this via the relevant online form on the BPS website. However, if a serious breach is taking place please contact 211 for the police to respond.
Over the weekend the Royal Bermuda Regiment supported the BPS in patrolling beaches, parks and playgrounds conducting public reassurance visits and advising the public of the updated guidelines. RBR soldiers patrolled a total of 48 public areas over the weekend, and verbally engaged with 891 persons. Most gatherings or clusters of people were 3 - 7 persons. There were some larger groups identified where the RBR politely enforced physical distancing requirements. Additionally, patrols were extended to include permitted businesses and restaurants. I think it’s important to take a moment to remind the public about the guidance for restaurants. Section 12 of the Emergency Powers Regulations states:
- Opening hours are from 7am to 9pm.
- Collection of orders only – this means takeout service and no eating in.
- Only one customer allowed inside to pick up the takeout meal.
- Ideally customers should call their order in and pay with the order by credit cards to save a hand to hand transaction.
- Delivery services are also running from restaurants.
There are also some gas stations which offer a food take out service. The guidelines for the food service aspect of these establishments should follow the food take out protocols of restaurants. So again:
- Opening hours of 7am to 9pm only.
- Collection of orders only – food should be ordered ahead for take-out service.
- Only one customer at a time is be permitted to enter the premises to collect or pay for a food order.
- Dine-in services are prohibited.
- Self service offerings such as coffee, soup, hot foods and buffets, should not be allowed. This is to avoid people congregating and also to avoid cross contamination via surfaces / equipment / utensils etc.
- Strict physical distancing must be maintained between staff members.
- Strict physical distancing must be maintained between customers.
- Management should monitor staff to ensure regular and adequate hand washing / strict adherence to personal hygiene in order to avoid cross contamination / cross infection.
Turning to the Government managed quarantine facility:
- There are currently 97 persons in the facility.
- Today 7 persons were tested.
- On Thursday another 80 plus persons will be tested.
And lastly, regarding the Customs Department, the Hamilton Custom House is closed to walk-in customers until further notice. Customs no longer accepts paper customs declarations.
Customs declarations may be submitted normally by the following electronic means:
- The Customs Automated Processing System (CAPS) using the Customs File Transfer Protocol (FTP) site; or
- Using the Customs Web Trader service.
Scans of supporting documentation should only be sent in response to a Customs query. You must apply for a CAPS ID Number if you are making electronic submission. For more information on who needs a CAPS ID Number and how to apply for one, visit the Government Portal: https://www.gov.bm/customs-automated-processing-system-caps
Customers who are unable to make electronic submission themselves should use a customs clearing agent to make the customs declaration for them. Duty payment should be made by Bank-to-bank transfer. For guidance on how to make bank-to-bank transfers you can also visit the Government Portal at https://www.gov.bm/how-make-payments-customs. If anyone has any Customs related enquiries they can email customs@gov.bm. Thank you.