Good evening everyone.

And a special good evening to the people of Bermuda and a special thanks. I begin these remarks for our frontline healthcare workers, all of our emergency workers and all of those who are doing so much over the past two weeks to make sure that Bermuda is equipped to handle this global pandemic.

The Department of Social Insurance wishes to advise the public that in light of the restrictions given for public officers, staff will be working remotely until April 6. The reception cashiers area will be closed to the public during this time. A skeletal crew of staff will be present in the office to answer any queries by telephone.

The following guidelines will now be in place until April 6, 2020:

Pension Benefits:

· All new applications received as of March 18, 2020, are scheduled to be paid on April 15, 2020. 

The Ministry of Tourism and Transport advises the public that due to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) New York Air Traffic Control Center temporarily suspending aircraft approach and departure control services, air traffic is presently unable to operate in Bermuda’s airspace.

This service, which is essential for flights to safely arrive and depart from Bermuda, has resulted in the cancellation of today’s Delta Air Lines and WestJet flights, departing for Bermuda from Atlanta and Toronto respectively, being cancelled.

The Government of Bermuda is reminding that under the Public Health Act 1949 (Section 88) a Closure Notice has been issued and is in immediate effect.

The Closure Notice is in an effort to reduce possible community spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Under the Notice, the Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson JP, MP, has Ordered the following eatablishments closed effective March 21, 2020.

For public clarity, the establisments are as follows:

The public will recall an earlier release advising that the Bermuda Government and Skyport, through negotiations with the U.S. Consulate and Delta Air Lines, successfully arranged for U.S. Nationals to be flown home. The release also advised that the Public would be notified should opportunities for Bermudian students and residents to return home becomes available.

The Ministry of Tourism and Transport advises that the Bermuda Government and Skyport, through negotiations with the U.S. Consulate and Delta Air Lines, has arranged for U.S. Nationals to be flown home.  

Delta will operate relief flights between Bermuda and Atlanta on March 21, 22, 23 and 24.  

The flight crew arriving from Atlanta will remain on board the plane and then depart with the outbound passengers.  

The public will be notified if opportunities for Bermudian students and residents to return home arise. 

The Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sports, the Hon. Lovitta Foggo advised that the Ministry has fielded a number of concerns from employers, workers and residents regarding layoffs, temporary work stoppages and pay deductions as a direct result of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Good afternoon.

I will start today’s press conference with the status of on island testing for COVID-19. Following that I will give an overview of an EMO meeting held earlier today. We will discuss matters relating to self-quarantine and the requirements for social distancing.

I am pleased to announce that on-island testing for COVID-19 has commenced and they are being provided with a maximum 48-hour turnaround for results here on-island.

 “As Governor I would confirm my support for the measures announced to date by the Government to deal with COVID-19.  I encourage everyone to act in line with those measures and to continue to follow Bermuda Government advice on social distancing, good hygiene and self-quarantining when required. 

The Ministry of Tourism and Transport advises that the Bermuda Government, through negotiations with the Canadian Consulate and West Jet, have arranged for Bermudian students still in Canada to be flown home.

At 2:00 pm on Sunday 22 March, West Jet (WS 2710) will depart from Toronto, Canada, Pearson Airport (YYZ) bound for Bermuda and is scheduled to depart that evening at 6:30 pm for a Toronto return.