Bermuda: Authorities extend COVID-19-related restrictions with some amendments through Feb. 16 /update 17

Event

Authorities in Bermuda have again extended the existing 0001-0500 curfew until at least Feb. 16 and announced that effective Feb. 4, they will further relax restrictions on some group gatherings 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 0600 Feb. 4 and other existing measures are:

• Capacity limits on indoor funerals will be increased from 20 to 25 percent. Outdoor funerals can have up to 50 people in attendance (up from 25).

• Indoor restaurants, bars, and nightclubs may increase their seating capacity from 6 people per table to a maximum of 10 people.

• Businesses are still be required to close by 2300.

• The maximum number of people permitted in any group gathering remains 25 people, except for funerals.

• Gyms were previously reopened subject to physical distancing requirements of 1.8 meters (6 feet) between patrons.

International Travel
Pandemic-related international travel protocols are likely to remain in place for most travelers over the coming months, albeit subject to amendment:

• 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 color-coded Traveller Wristband for the first 14 days of their stay, which 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.

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 Feb. 2, 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. 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