Bermuda closes ports of entry, schools following confirmed COVID-19 cases

HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – The Bermuda government has announced the closure of the LF Wade International Airport, the seaport, and schools, as the island reacted to the first two confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Premier David Burt, in a radio and television broadcast, said the airport would close on Friday at 11:59 p.m for the next two weeks and non-residents will not be landed on the island from Thursday.

He said only returning residents will be allowed on flights to Bermuda between Thursday morning and Friday night and that cargo flights will not be affected.

 “The seaport is closed to visiting vessels, but essential cargo operations bringing food, medicine, medical supplies, and other essential goods will still continue to arrive in Bermuda.”

Burt said that schools will be closed until April 6 and that while the Bermuda College will not have classes on Thursday and Friday, classes will resume on Monday using the online environment.

He said several government offices such as the National Drug Control and Child and Family Services will remain in operation and that the public bus and ferry services are suspended until April 6.

“Government workers who are not directly involved with the COVID-19 management and operation will work from home until April 6th. Managers will provide guidance to all public officers throughout the course of the day.”’

He said that private businesses are encouraged to ask their employees to work from home, if possible. Otherwise, work schedules should be staggered to minimise the number of people in the workplace.

“Bars, restaurants, and other social establishments are strongly urged to scale down their operations and enforce social distancing. Essential retail outlets will continue to operate such as food and medicines and there will be specific guidance issued to all retail establishments tomorrow following the COVID-19 EMO meeting.”

Burt acknowledged that “these actions are drastic, but we are taking them in order to confirm that there is not community spread of COVID-19 in Bermuda.

“Bermuda will be impacted financially and socially, however, the health and welfare of our people is the most important consideration. Given that we will have the ability to screen for COVID-19 on the island starting on Friday, we will be able to quickly assess the risk and ensure that we contain this virus. “

He said that there are many questions about the flights the two individuals who were confirmed with COVID-19 travelled on.

“The two individuals who have confirmed positive for COVID-19 were on American Airlines Flight 308 on March 4 and the British Airways flight 2233 on March 6,” he said, urging people who had travelled on those flights to ensure they are in good health.

“If you have not been unwell during this period, there is nothing else for you to do. If you have respiratory symptoms, contact your doctor. Explain that you were on one of those flights and you want medical guidance. Do not go to your doctor’s office or the hospital.”

Burt said that a 12-hour COVID-19 helpline has been established to provide support to those who may have concerns and questions about the disease.

“This is a time for us to show our strength as a community. This is a time for us to do what we must to protect our country. This is a time for us to show responsibility by following the stringent self-quarantine measures which are put in place to protect us all.

“We have seen what has happened around the world with this virus and we must all work together to prevent that from happening here in Bermuda. Rest assured your government is working around the clock, and together, if every Bermudian resident does their part, Bermuda will come through successfully, I have no doubt,” Burt added.

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