Good afternoon and thank you for coming.

I am joined today by the Minister of National Security, the Minister of Health, the Commissioner of Police and the acting Commanding Officer of the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

By now the additional social distancing measures I announced yesterday have come into effect and in addition to those activities previously suspended, retail stores, cinemas and bars are closed for a period of seven days and restaurants are limited to take out service only.

Hello Bermuda:
In these unusual and unfamiliar times, it is more important than ever that each of us does our part to be “our brother’s keeper.”  

For our part, the Ministry of Labour, Community Affairs and Sports is doing what it can to assist the many people that have found themselves displaced and their financial future uncertain due to Covid -19.
Recently I advised employers and employees to contact the Labour Relations Section for advice and guidance on how best to move forward whilst remaining compliant with the Employment Act 2000.

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 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 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. 

Today the Minister of Health the Hon. Kim Wilson JP MP toured the call centre for the COVID-19 Information Hotline.

The Minister was accompanied by Project Manager Dean Parris who introduced her to the seven telephone operators who, between them, have fielded more than 100 calls since the call centre opened on Thursday morning.

Over the past few weeks, The Ministry of Health has been heavily-focused on providing the public with accurate, reliable information regarding COVID-19.

Documents have been created for the public's information;

Remarks by Premier the Hon. David Burt JP MP 

Good Evening,

We have called this press conference today to inform you that just two hours ago, the first diagnosed cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Bermuda.

The Government of Bermuda understands that this news will leave many residents concerned; and with questions. We understand these concerns and want to reassure you that we are taking this development extremely seriously.