With Harbour Nights set to get underway this Wednesday [July 21] the Chamber released details of the Covid-19 safety measures, noting that while a Safekey will not be “required to walk along Front Street or to visit the shops, restaurants, or businesses along the streets,” it will be needed for the food court and personal care areas.
Chamber CEO Kendaree Burgess said, “We have seen lots of concern from the public around how they will engage with Harbour Nights in keeping with current Covid-19 protocols and Safe Key.
“The Chamber understands the positive economic impact of Harbour Nights on vendors, restaurants and retail establishment in the city and made a concerted effort to make this happen in 2021. Working with The Ministry of Youth Culture and Sports – responsible for large gatherings – the following rules have been established.
“Here are the rules of engagement:
- “No Safekey required to walk along Front Street or to visit the shops, restaurants, or businesses along the streets.
- “Mask wearing along the street is recommended, but not required.
- “6 feet of distance should be observed when lining up for any product or service.
- “Limited supplied of masks will be on hand, these have been donated by Bermuda Red Cross.
- “No parking along Front Street between 4 – 11PM
“Food Court [snacks and hot food]
- “The food court will be moved to the No#1 parking area. This area will be barricaded with clearly visible entrance gates.
- “Security will be on hand to check Safe Keys before entering this area.
- “Security will also be taking contact tracing information [name, contact info]
- “Safekeys are required by everyone over 2 years old.
- “Children of residents may take a saliva test at The Clocktower Mall or Penno’s Wharf to arrange a Safe Key. Nasal tests are available at other locations [Bull’s Head etc.]
- “Visiting children are required to follow the Government’s 14-day travel process.
“Personal Care [hair braiding, massage, body art]
- “Personal care vendors will be grouped together at eastern end of Front Street.
- “Security will be on hand to check Safe Keys before entering this area.
- “Security will also be taking contact tracing information [name, contact info]
- “Safekeys are required by everyone over 2 years old.
- “Children of residents may take a saliva test at The Clocktower Mall or Penno’s Wharf to arrange a Safe Key. Nasal tests are available at other locations [Bull’s Head etc.]
- “Visiting children are required to follow the Government’s 14-day travel process.
“Harbour Nights will be a lot smaller than usual this year. We see it as a gradual return to the things we see as normal. We encourage all to come out and support our vendors who depend on your patronage. We recognize the impact a return to normal has on the collective psyche and we want to celebrate as the island continues along this journey.
“We are thankful to the help of our Title Sponsor Butterfield who graciously covered the cost of vending, making this event financially feasible for the vendors. Thank you also to the Bermuda Tourism Authority and the City of Hamilton for their long-term commitment to this event HSBC, BELCO and The Ministry of Youth Culture and Sports.”
