Bermuda: Authorities slightly ease COVID-19-related restrictions from Jan. 7 /update 15

Bermuda to reduce curfew to 0001-0500 and relax some COVID-19 restrictions from Jan. 7. International travel protocols remain.

Event

Authorities in Bermuda have announced that effective Jan. 7, they will slightly relax some of the internal restrictions imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The current 2300-0500 curfew will be reduced to 0001-0500, and all businesses will be required to close by 2300 instead of 2200. Nationwide requirements to wear facemasks while in public, particularly whenever social distancing is not possible, remain in place. Some of the other restrictions that will be eased from Jan. 7 are:

The maximum number of people permitted in any group gathering will remain 10; however, outdoor funerals may have up to 10 people in attendance from Jan. 7.
Gyms must continue to operate at reduced capacity; however, physical distancing requirements will be reduced from 10 feet (3 meters) to 6 feet (1.8 meters) between patrons.
Personal services such as barbers, hairdressers, massage therapists, and spas will be permitted to offer services that require a mask to be removed.
Indoor bars and nightclubs are to stay closed.

International Travel
International travel protocols are likely to remain unchanged for most travelers through early 2021:

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 years and older 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.
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.

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. As of Jan. 6, additional quarantine protocols for travelers from the UK remain in place due to the spread of 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. The quarantine period ends once the second COVID-19 test taken from day 4, is negative.

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.