Bermuda: Authorities loosen COVID-19-related restrictions and extend 0001-0500 curfew through Feb. 2 /update 16

Event

Authorities in Bermuda have extended the existing 0001-0500 curfew until at least Feb. 2 and announced that, effective Jan. 21, they will further relax some of the internal restrictions imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Nationwide requirements to wear facemasks while in public, particularly whenever social distancing is not possible, remain in place. Restrictions that will be eased from Jan. 21 and other existing measures are:

• Businesses will still be required to close by 2300.

• The maximum number of people permitted in any group gathering will be increased from 10 to 25 people; the same applies to outdoor funerals.

• Indoor bars and nightclubs may reopen for table service only, with a maximum of six at a table. Bar service will not be permitted.

• Gyms were previously reopened subject to physical distancing requirements of 1.8 meters (six feet) between patrons.

International Travel
International travel protocols are likely to remain in place for most travelers through much of early 2021:

• 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) 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 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.

• 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. Effective Jan. 25, a wristband color-coded regime will be enforced for the different stages of the 14-day testing period. 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. 21, 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 four, 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.

Resources

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