Bermuda: Authorities extend COVID-19-related curfew measures until Jan. 4, 2021 /update 14

Authorities in Bermuda extend COVID-19-related 2300-0500 curfew through Jan. 4, 2021; quarantine protocols for UK travelers introduced.

Event

Authorities in Bermuda have extended the 2300-0500 curfew until at least Jan. 4, 2021. Curfew measures and other restrictions were recently reintroduced in response to a spike in new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) case numbers. All individuals are still required to wear facemasks while in public, particularly whenever social distancing is not possible. Other restrictions that will continue to be enforced during this period are:

All businesses are required to close by 2200.
The maximum number of people permitted in any group gathering is 10.
Gyms must operate at reduced capacity.
Personal services such as barbers, hairdressers, massage therapists, and spas cannot provide any services that require a mask to be removed.

International Travel
International travel protocols are likely to remain unchanged for most travelers through early 2021; however, as of Dec. 23, officials have introduced additional quarantine requirements for travelers from the UK due to a variant strain of COVID-19 in that country. Anyone entering Bermuda who has traveled in the UK in the past 14 days before arrival is required to self-quarantine for four days regardless of a negative COVID-19 test.

Other existing international travel protocols remain unchanged. Officials require all individuals wishing to travel to Bermuda to apply for government authorization by completing an online form 1-3 days before departure. For authorization, travelers aged 10 and over must produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 via a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than five days before their departure for Bermuda. Residents of Bermuda are not required to demonstrate negative test results prior to arrival; however, such individuals are required to quarantine for 8-9 days upon their arrival. Visitors should also acquire insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment and hospitalization, or be responsible for all health and accommodation costs.

All individuals must undergo an additional PCR test upon their arrival at Bermuda L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA) and must quarantine while awaiting results, which take approximately 24 hours to process. All visitors must also undergo additional tests on the fourth, eighth, and 14th days of their stay and receive daily health checks for the first 14 days of their trip to Bermuda. All returning residents and visitors are required to wear a Traveller Wristband for the first 14 days of their stay, which will be distributed during testing upon arrival. Travelers who refuse to wear the wristband will be required to quarantine at their accommodation for 14 days.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.