Bermuda: Authorities tighten and extend COVID-19-related domestic restrictions through April 12 /update 21

Event

As of March 22, authorities have slightly tightened the nightly curfew and increased restrictions on group gatherings as part of the territory's ongoing COVID-19 response. The curfew was reimposed earlier in March in response to a spike in COVID-19 cases, which officials have indicated may be linked to the UK variant. The modified measures will be enforced through at least April 12.

The new curfew is being enforced 23:00-05:00. No one may leave their homes during the curfew except authorized personnel. To accommodate the curfew, all businesses must close by 22:00. Additionally, the maximum number of people permitted in any group gathering has been reduced from 25 to 10 people. The capacity limit on indoor funerals has been reduced to 25 percent; outdoor funerals can have up to 20 people in attendance (down from 50). Clubs and bars are restricted to outdoor seating only. Boating activities must end by 20:00. Additional health-related requirements are in place for personal care services and gyms.

International Travel
Pandemic-related international travel protocols are likely to remain in place for most travelers over the coming months, albeit subject to amendment. The following entry requirements are in place as of March 22:

• Officials require all individuals wishing to travel to Bermuda to apply for government authorization by completing an online form one to three days before departure.

• For authorization, travelers aged 10 years and older must produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 via a polymerase chain reaction (PCR); the test must be 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 eight to nine 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. The following additional testing and quarantine protocols are in place after arrival:

• Visitors must 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.

• 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. The quarantine period ends once the second COVID-19 test, taken from day four, is negative.

• Immunized travelers without a valid pre-arrival test must also self-quarantine for four days. The quarantine period ends once the second COVID-19 test, taken from day four, is negative. An individual is considered immunized two weeks after the date of their final vaccine dose.

• All non-immunized returning residents and visitors are required to wear a color-coded Traveller Wristband for the first 14 days of their stay; this will be distributed during testing upon arrival, at the traveler's expense. 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. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government of Bermuda - COVID-19
Travel Authorization Form