Good evening,

We know that this time is not easy for any one, and we are keeping our students, family and staff at the forefront.  I am in awe of the efforts being undertaken by our school and system leaders, parents, students and other community support agencies as we navigate this difficult situation.

It is also important to reiterate that our priority is to ensure the health and well-being of our students, families and staff.  Therefore, schools will remain closed until further notice.

Good Afternoon,

Thank you, Premier.

I want to begin my remarks today by reminding everyone that the future health of Bermuda is in our hands. While we cannot fully predict what will happen regarding transmission in our community, our actions today will determine whether we succeed or fail in our fight against COVID-19.

Before saying more about what we can all do in our collective fight against COVID-19, I will present today’s update on testing results.

Recognizing the significant hardship placed on members of our community and listening to concerns conveyed by the public, Premier the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, last night announced that there will be a series of amendments to regulations surrounding the Shelter in Place Order when it is extended for a further two weeks.  

Good evening,

Initially, I wish to offer my condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones to this pandemic. I would also like to thank all of our front line workers who are out there daily, working hard, battling this pandemic, providing vital services; protecting our health and well-being, and keeping our island functioning. We are grateful for your dedication and commitment and especially your bravery.

Good evening.

As a government, our priority is to protect lives, preserve the health and safety of our people. It is also our mandate to create jobs and opportunities for Bermudians. Today, there is uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, and there is uncertainty around the economic future of Bermuda and the world.

Good Afternoon,

Thank you, Premier.

Between late yesterday and today there were 80 test results received; of those 24 were positive for COVI-19 and 56 were negative. Thankfully, there were no deaths.

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

The Minister provided a general update regarding the Uniformed Services under the Ministry of National Security, which includes the Bermuda Police Service, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service, the Customs Department, the Department of Immigration and the Department of Corrections.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs is aware of false information being circulated on social media relating to the shelter in place facility at CedarBridge Academy. The information that has been shared and distributed throughout the community is false. The facts are as follows:

On April 12, 2020, at approximately 8:15 pm an individual arrived at the temporary 24-hour shelter located at CedarBridge Academy. He was told that the shelter was not accepting any new registrations as the facility is maintaining shelter in place regulations.

Good afternoon, to the residents of Bermuda who are watching this press conference this evening.

I want to start this press conference with an apology. It has certainly been a very long day with a Cabinet meeting and also the Minister of Health, trying to make sure that we can keep the public as up to date as possible with the latest results that are coming in, and it is certainly a challenge, and we want to not come here without information because I know that members of the public look forward to receiving information from the government.

Good Afternoon,

Thank you, Premier.

I want to open today by reminding us all that, as we have seen around the world, COVID-19 is a rapidly-evolving situation.

The disease was only discovered in late December and in less than four months, it’s ravaging the world. Just when we think we understand how it works, it throws us a curveball: