Good evening Bermuda

And a pleasant Friday afternoon to all of you.

This evening the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne M. Caines, JP, MP, provided an update on the additional businesses that have been added to the category of “permitted business” to operate during the extended Shelter in Place. These amendments come into force on Monday, 20th April 2020. These businesses have significant restrictions placed on them to ensure that they follow the social distancing guidelines.

They include:

Commissioner of Education, Kalmar Richards, today confirmed that schools are to resume the remote learning program starting on Monday, April 20, as Bermuda continues the fight against COVID-19.

A key priority during this period is to ensure that educational activities continue through the extension of irregular school closures.

Commissioner Richards said: “We are well aware that some families are facing real challenges with respect to technology and internet access. We are analyzing our survey data and working hard with other partners to help resolve these issues.”

Good Evening Bermuda

In this time of profound uncertainty, community welfare agencies face unprecedented challenges to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and permanency for our vulnerable citizens and their families. The Government of Bermuda understands the stress that many families have to bear while we shelter in place. We remain grateful for our third sector and charities who provide protection, accommodation, and support for our families and vulnerable members of the community. 

Good Afternoon,

Thank you, Premier.

Today, there were 20 test results received; and I’m pleased to report that none were positive. There were also no additional hospitalizations or reported deaths today.

As such, Bermuda's total confirmed positive cases stands at 83. Their status is as follows:

The Department of Planning appreciates the patience and understanding of our valued clients as we continue to process and resolve planning applications remotely, as well as review and issue building permits.

The convening of the Development Applications Board remains on schedule and meetings are now being held remotely, every two weeks.

The Department is therefore able to process applications decided by the Board and the Director.

Minister with Responsibility for Communications, the Hon. Jamahl Simmons, JP, MP, today introduced two questions designed to gather ideas, suggestions, and concepts during this Shelter in Place period.

The Minister of Finance, the Hon. Curtis Dickinson, JP, MP, today announced that ratings agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has revised Bermuda's A+ long-term sovereign credit and senior unsecured debt ratings as well as its A-1 short-term rating and its AA+ transfer and convertibility assessment on Bermuda from Positive to Stable.

This evening the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne M. Caines, JP, MP, provided an update during the daily COVID-19 press briefing.

Minister Caines highlighted the shelter in place guidelines and exemptions until May 2, the ongoing management of the Community Action Points, and he provided some fire safety guidance for residents from the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service (BF&RS).

Good evening Bermuda.

I will start this evening by speaking directly to the families who have lost loved ones in recent weeks to COVID-19 and to those who have contracted the virus and are fighting to overcome it. The thoughts and prayers of our island are with you as you grieve for your loved one. As a Government we will continue to work hard to manage the spread and reduce the impact of this disease. For those who have contracted and are battling the virus we send you well wishes for a full and speedy recovery.