Good evening Bermuda.

Last week Friday we welcomed back returning residents on the Delta Airlines charter flight. One of the challenges that we had noticed from prior arrangements at the quarantine facility was that individuals were confined to their rooms for 24-hours a day. In an effort to make their stay more balanced and holistic the Ministry of National Security implemented a twice a week physical activity routine for the residents in the facility.  

Activities such as walking, high intensity training, yoga and meditation classes will now be available for those housed in the facility. They will adhere to physical distancing guidelines as outlined by the Ministry of Health, and we are thankful to be able to collaborate with members of our wellness community who have donated their time to ensure the wellbeing of our residents during their time in quarantine.

As the Premier indicated, we will be moving into Phase 2 on Thursday, and the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) and the Royal Bermuda Regiment (RBR) will maintain their community engagement to ensure that the regulations are followed.

A comprehensive operational plan is now in place controlled by the Gold Commander of the Bermuda Police Service, Assistant Commissioner Martin Weekes working in partnership with the Commanding Officer of the Royal Bermuda regiment, Major Ben Beasley. 

Extensive Police and Regiment resources will be visible across the island to ensure that businesses permitted to open fully comply with all regulations.

Visits will be made to business premises to check:

• physical distancing measures.
• the use of PPE masks where mandated.
• required health regulation compliance in regards to cleanliness and sensitization.
• the appropriate number of persons within the premises.
• the enforcement of any other guidance set by the Ministry of Health.

Advice will be given in regards to minor breaches. Serious breaches or repeated breaches will result in:

• Immediate closure of the business premise.
• Law enforcement action toward the proprietors.

Additionally, outside dining areas will be visited to ensure physical distance compliance and again that health measures are being adhered to. Other points to note for permitted businesses and the public include:

• Businesses are expected to publish the relevant guidance to patrons in prominent places within their establishment.
• Road side sobriety checks will be in place to enforce against alcohol use on the roads.
• The Coastguard will be active to ensure regulations compliance on the water.
• Police and Regiment officers will be present to ensure patrons leave establishments open during the night time economy promptly at 9.00 pm.
• The Curfew regulations will be in force from 10pm – 6am, and any breaches will be subject to law enforcement and/or arrest.
• Police and Regiment will also continue to be visible in public parks and other areas to ensure regulation compliance by the public.
• A new fixed penalty framework is being developed to address regulation breaches which will result in on the spot fine for individuals and businesses. Non-payment will result in court action.
• Any member of the public that sees a breach by a person or a business can report the breach to the police in one of the following methods:
• Report on the web portal https://portal.police.bm.
• Dialling 211 

With businesses preparing to reopen I cannot stress enough how critical it is that all establishments have the appropriate PPE supplies available for their staff and for their customers.

To be clear, procurement of these items is the responsibility of the business.

I am encouraging the public and our businesses to please be mindful and responsible when engaging in these expanded services. There are health protocols and restrictions in place. If the guidelines are not adhered to in accordance with the Emergency Powers Regulations, this could result in a business being closed. 

Over the weekend, the Bermuda Weather Service provided an update on Tropical Storm Arthur. We expect this to become a subtropical storm when it passes Bermuda later this week.

This is a timely reminder that hurricane season starts on June 1st and now would be a good time for residents to assess their emergency plans and storm supplies. Even as we navigate Covid-19, from a Government standpoint, I can assure Bermuda that all steps are being taken to ensure that we are ready for the season.

Finally, I wish to take this opportunity to extend my thanks appreciation to the combined efforts of our charitable organisations. To date, the Third Sector has received $1.84 million into the Bermuda Emergency Fund for food and supplies for our most vulnerable. Through their work, they have on average on a daily basis provided 10,000 meals to individuals in need.

Also over the course of this crisis they have provided the following:

• Conducted 8,400 quarantine check-up calls and returning resident screenings.
• Fielded 200 mental health calls on average for support from people in distress: feeling isolated, anxious or depressed.
• Provided support for women and their children fleeing violent situations and requiring safe housing for 8 weeks.
• Facilitated for 10 people to receive support for sober living.
• Served an average of 28 unsheltered persons at the  Salvation Army per night (24/7 with shelter in place including people in transition).
• Provided transport for Covid – 19 testing and requisite ambulance decontamination and;
• Provided transport for seniors for medical appointments, dialysis, wound care and other health support.

I wish to thank Myra Virgil and the full collective of charitable organisations who make up the Third Sector Emergency team. They have our gratitude for ensuring that those in need have food, shelter and support.

Thank you