More businesses might be included in phase two; 1 new Covid case
The second stage of reopening Bermuda could include more businesses or services than originally thought, the Premier suggested today.
The second stage of reopening Bermuda could include more businesses or services than originally thought, the Premier suggested today.
David Burt explained that a special Cabinet meeting was scheduled for Sunday to confirm all the details of phase two, which could start before next weekend.
He said that although reopening of retailers and limited provision of personal service businesses would be a minimum, “this list may be expanded and will perhaps contain some elements originally proposed for phase three”.
Kim Wilson, the health minister, said that 244 Covid-19 test results were received today and one was positive.
The total number of confirmed cases is 123, with 69 people fully recovered and nine deaths.
Ms Wilson added that 39 cases were imported and 72 were locally transmitted with a known contact.
Seven people contracted the disease locally but the contact is unknown and another five cases are still under investigation.
The health minister added that the unknown contact cases were not enough to take the island into the status of “community transmission”, which was described earlier as when experts are unable to connect a large number of new cases.
Ms Wilson added that the Rt number — the estimated real-time reproduction number of the virus — had increased to 0.99 from the 0.47 that was revealed on Wednesday.
Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, said that “mobile advice checkpoints” will operate this weekend.
He added: “We are mindful that our residents will be taking to the beaches and water for recreational activities.”
Mr Caines said that the Bermuda Coastguard “will be out in force” to make sure that people follow the regulations in place.
He explained that these included a maximum of ten persons — all from the same household — on each boat, no raft-ups and a 7pm curfew on recreational boating.
Mr Burt said that technology to allow incoming travellers to self-quarantine at home, instead of at a Government quarantine facility, was expected to be introduced in the next month.
He added that the Government was monitoring the development and use of apps to battle the spread of Covid-19 in other countries.
Mr Burt said that Bluetooth contact tracing apps would be “essential” as Bermuda moved through its phases of reopening.
But he added: “Before rolling out these forms of solutions it is critical that we ensure that we have public understanding and participation.”
He said the island’s Privacy Commissioner will be consulted on any apps expected to be introduced.
The Premier told the press conference that public buses will return to service on Monday.
He added that passengers must wear masks and seating will be limited.
David Burt explained that a special Cabinet meeting was scheduled for Sunday to confirm all the details of phase two, which could start before next weekend.
He said that although reopening of retailers and limited provision of personal service businesses would be a minimum, “this list may be expanded and will perhaps contain some elements originally proposed for phase three”.
Kim Wilson, the health minister, said that 244 Covid-19 test results were received today and one was positive.
The total number of confirmed cases is 123, with 69 people fully recovered and nine deaths.
Ms Wilson added that 39 cases were imported and 72 were locally transmitted with a known contact.
Seven people contracted the disease locally but the contact is unknown and another five cases are still under investigation.
The health minister added that the unknown contact cases were not enough to take the island into the status of “community transmission”, which was described earlier as when experts are unable to connect a large number of new cases.
Ms Wilson added that the Rt number — the estimated real-time reproduction number of the virus — had increased to 0.99 from the 0.47 that was revealed on Wednesday.
Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, said that “mobile advice checkpoints” will operate this weekend.
He added: “We are mindful that our residents will be taking to the beaches and water for recreational activities.”
Mr Caines said that the Bermuda Coastguard “will be out in force” to make sure that people follow the regulations in place.
He explained that these included a maximum of ten persons — all from the same household — on each boat, no raft-ups and a 7pm curfew on recreational boating.
Mr Burt said that technology to allow incoming travellers to self-quarantine at home, instead of at a Government quarantine facility, was expected to be introduced in the next month.
He added that the Government was monitoring the development and use of apps to battle the spread of Covid-19 in other countries.
Mr Burt said that Bluetooth contact tracing apps would be “essential” as Bermuda moved through its phases of reopening.
But he added: “Before rolling out these forms of solutions it is critical that we ensure that we have public understanding and participation.”
He said the island’s Privacy Commissioner will be consulted on any apps expected to be introduced.
The Premier told the press conference that public buses will return to service on Monday.
He added that passengers must wear masks and seating will be limited.
