This evening (April 20), the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne M. Caines, JP, MP, provided the following update during the COVID-19 press briefing. Minister Caines covered areas to do with the Department of Corrections, the Customs Department, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Unit, approved businesses, and the daily Bermuda Police Service (BPS) and Royal Bermuda Regiment(RBR) overview.

Minister Caines said, “The Bermuda Police Service continues to execute arrests for shelter in place breaches – and these are primarily for overnight curfew offences. However they are lower in number than seven (7) days ago which is an indication that the vast majority of our community is complying with the regulations.”

The Minister notes that the daily Community Advisory Points continue across the island supported by the RBR and BPS. On Monday (April 20) there were 11,477 and yesterday (April 21) there were 10,786 stops.

The BPS are also focusing on supporting “our senior community, and are making visits to those most vulnerable to ensure they are safe.”

The Minister urged anyone with information about a senior they may be concerned about or have not seen recently to contact the BPS who will make enquiries. Minister Caines indicated that the BPS have also seen a rise in online scams. Further advice and guidance can be obtained via the Government's Cyber tips website – www.cybertips.bm.

Regarding the Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation (DRRM) Team Minister Caines said, “The DRRM Team have completed their latest management of the five Government Quarantine facilities. Over the course of this week, including tomorrow, individuals who have been housed at these facilities have either been: 1) discharged to return home with specific guidelines from the Department of Health; or 2) if they have not received an all clear from the Department of Health they will continue to quarantine until such approval is given.”

The Minister continued, “The DRRM Team in partnership with the Customs Department, is in the process of preparing to receive returning residents on the British Airways flight which arrives on Friday evening.

“It’s planned that the passengers will be landed airside by the Immigration Department to minimize contact with our Customs Officers. The Customs department will work alongside of the Port Health Team as needed. From a safety standpoint, each officer conducting inspection duties will have appropriate PPE. I want to take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to the Collector of Customs and her team, and each and every Customs Officer working to ensure that the critical services they provide operate smoothly. The Ministry is appreciative of your dedication and sacrifice.”

Turning to the Shelter in Place Minister Caines advised that 71 approvals have been granted for specific businesses to operate.

Minister Caines notes, “These businesses have very strict guidelines in place and must adhere to them at all times. If they deviate from the guidelines, they will be shutdown. The public can visit the Government website on www.gov.bm/coronavirus-forms to see what businesses have been granted permission to operate. Any business that opens contrary to the Emergency Powers (Shelter in Place) Regulations is liable to prosecution.

“I can advise that starting tomorrow, the BPS Traffic Wardens and Court Bailiffs will be ensuring that approved businesses in and around the City of Hamilton are complying with the COVID-19 Exemption regulations. This included making sure that businesses and customers are practicing social distancing and also ensuring that approved businesses are opening and closing at the correct times.”

Turning to the Department of Corrections, Minister Caines said, “Our officers continue to operate on a reduced regime. Visits to our facilities by vendors and other external agencies including government departments have been put on hold unless it is an emergency and these visits are approved by the Acting Commissioner. Additionally, non-security staff continue to work remotely. Staffing levels have not been impacted and staff continue to carry out their duties professionally despite the challenges that we face. In lieu of regular face to face visits, virtual visits for the inmates have started and have been well-received. Staff and inmates alike are concerned about the potential implications of COVID-19 in our facilities as well as the impact on the island in general. However the department continues to ensure that every effort is taken to mitigate any risks of the disease affecting our staff and/or inmates.”

The Minister concluded, “Lastly, I must extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all our officers on the frontlines working to keep Bermuda safe. As a Ministry, we must do all that we can to protect them. So I can confirm that over the next few days we will begin the process of testing the members of our uniformed services for COVID-19. These include the Bermuda Police Service, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, the Customs Department, the Department of Corrections, the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service and the Department of Immigration. Thank you.”