The Government has provided additional information about wearing masks, after announcing that regulations have been amended to introduce fines – $500 for the first offence and $1,000 for the second offence — for “persons not wearing a mask in accordance with the law.”
The Minister explained that if a physical distance of 6ft [2 meters] cannot be maintained from others you must wear a mask unless you are at home, with members of your household, eating or drinking, doing high exertion exercise or you are a child under the age of 2.
She also explained that the mask requirement includes, but is not limited to, workers at all workplace premises, passengers on public transport or in taxis, people person visiting establishments unless otherwise allowed by specific guidance [e.g. dining, gyms] and in “public places [streets or parks] when other persons are present and 6 feet distance cannot be maintained.”
Please note the text above is paraphrased, and you should scroll down and read the Minister’s comments in full and also see the link to the Government website for their official mask guidance information.
During today’s [Dec 2] release of test results, Health Minister Kim Wilson said, “As I stated in my press conference remarks last night, health regulations have been amended to introduce fines for persons not wearing a mask in accordance with the law.
“A person who now fails to wear a mask when one is required commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to:
- a]a fine of $500, in respect of a first offence
- b]a fine of $1,000, for a second or subsequent offence.
“If anyone is confused regarding when to wear a mask, please visit coronavirus.gov.bm and read the guidance regarding mask-wearing. To be clear, if physical distance of 6ft [2 meters] cannot be maintained from others you must wear a mask. Unless:
- You are at home;
- You are with members of your household;
- While eating or drinking;
- Doing high exertion exercise [see gym guidance]; or
- A child under the age of 2 [see guidance].
“This mask requirement includes, but is not limited to:
- 1. Workers at all workplace premises – in accordance with workplace guidance
- 2. Passengers onboard public transport or in taxis must wear masks
- 3. Any person visiting any establishment [indoor or outdoor] [e.g. grocery store, shop, bank, office, etc] unless otherwise allowed by specific guidance [e.g. dining, gyms].
- 4. In public places [streets or parks] when other persons are present and 6 feet distance cannot be maintained.”
The Government’s ‘mask guidance’ website page can be found here.
