Good afternoon everyone,

Today, I wish to turn our attention to Hurricane Jerry, which most residents will be aware is a potential threat to Bermuda.

It is being closely monitored by the Bermuda Weather Service and the Emergency Measures Organization (EMO).

We strongly encourage everyone to remain in a hurricane readiness mode. More specifically, do not remove your hurricane shutters.

The EMO will meet on Saturday and Sunday at 10 am with updates through press conferences at 12:30 pm on both days.

Following my meeting with the Emergency Measures Organization today, the public is advised of the following.

• Making the country safe is our priority. The buses routes are being checked and we will provide an update on commuter routes this afternoon.
• All public schools are currently closed and we will provide an update over the weekend.
• The ferries are running, except the Orange (St. George) route
• All government offices are open today.
• Outpatient services are available today at the King Edward Memorial Hospital. The public is urged to take all necessary precautions while restoring their property. The hospital has received a number of cases of persons receiving injuries while restoring their properties.
• Trash collection has resumed. Thursday’s garbage collection will be collected tomorrow Saturday, September 21, 2019.
• All Bermuda public Beaches are open but there are no lifeguards on duty today. Lifeguards will be on duty tomorrow from 10 am – 6 pm.
• The Royal Bermuda Regiment will remain embodied in anticipation of Hurricane Jerry.
• Cedarbridge Academy will be open as the storm shelter for those in need during Hurricane Jerry. It is the only approved facility for shelter during a hurricane.
• The Hamilton docks are open.
• Belco is focusing their efforts on the main line circuits and critical infrastructure. There are currently approximately 12,000 (34%) customers without power.
• Most businesses are open today.
• Bermuda is back up and running.

I urge all residents to follow local media and the Government media outlets over the weekend to stay informed about Hurricane Jerry.

You can easily stay informed about the latest information and updates by downloading and installing the Bermuda Government Tree Frog app, available for free from the App store and Google Play store.

You can also visit gov.bm and the Government of Bermuda Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts for full details.