In light of the Government's current mandated Stay-At-Home Order, the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, seeks to provide the public with information regarding assistance for Bermuda’s unsheltered population.
Minister Furbert shared, "Bermuda, as we enter this Stay-At-Home period, we are keenly aware of the needs of our most vulnerable population and our Ministry is thankful to work alongside the Ministry of Health and the Salvation Army to provide care for our unsheltered population."
"The Government will support the Salvation Army in providing accommodations, COVID-19 testing, food, and PPE at a 24-hour Emergency Shelter on North Street, Hamilton."
"Based on the Salvation Army's feedback, their capacity to care for fifteen (15) men and ten (10) women is expected to meet the demand for their services. Thus, at this time, we have decided not to open the Emergency Shelter at Cedarbridge Academy. However, if the demand changes, our Ministry will take the necessary actions to ensure our unsheltered population is not impacted."
"As the safety and health of our country remains our top priority, the Ministry of Health is liaising with the Salvation Army to provide COVID-19 testing for their staff, clients, and the general public who may be unsheltered. If someone tests positive, they will be quarantined, and Ministry of Health guidelines will be followed to manage the other clients and workers at the facility".
In conclusion, Minister Furbert said, "On behalf of the Government, I want to thank the Salvation Army for consistently stepping up to the plate to help our community."
"Bermuda, as we continue to navigate this pandemic together, it is essential that we recognise how important caring for one another is. We are so much stronger when we come together and can overcome situations that otherwise may have broken us."
"Also, I would like to remind you that each of us has a role to play in stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Please follow the Public Health guidelines, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance, download the WeHealth Bermuda app, and if you have not already, register to get vaccinated."
If anyone in our community is experiencing a lack of access to emergency shelter, please reach out to the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors so that we can address this on a case-by-case basis.
Contact Number: (441) 501- 3002 or email askus@gov.bm
All public health guidelines are listed at https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus