“If the Government views this restriction important from a health perspective what could be so vital that it’s been pushed back by a week,” the One Bermuda Alliance asked, adding that “changing the date only raises questions regarding this Government-imposed requirement.”
An OBA spokesperson said, “Why is the Government remaining tight-lipped over their reason for delaying the implementation of a mandatory quarantine in a hotel at the travellers’ expense?
“The announcement was made weeks ago that the new rules for non-vaccinated returning residents and visitors to the island would take effect today [June 6]. Why give ample advance warning and remain adamant about the policy only to delay it by a week?
“This is not a good look and yet again, it gives the perception that the Government is not clear in what direction it wants to take the people of Bermuda.
“It is clear that many residents are not happy about the impending requirement of quarantine in a government appointed facility and having to pay the costs.
“Changing the date only raises questions regarding this Government-imposed requirement. If the Government views this restriction important from a health perspective what could be so vital that it’s been pushed back by a week?
“Surely there is a reason or reasons for this decision and the people of Bermuda deserve to know what is going on. Transparency must not be selective.”
Yesterday the Government announced that “all non-immunised persons travelling to Bermuda are subject to mandatory supervised quarantine which will come into effect on 13 June,” with the Government adding that there are six approved quarantine hotels and the traveller must cover the costs for the hotel stay.
In response to Bernews query as to why the date changed from June 6th to June 13th, a Government spokesperson said, “The Travel Authorisation process begins at least three days before a person travels to the island, including getting pre-arrival test results. Therefore the start date of 13 June gives persons, travelling to Bermuda, advanced notice and sufficient time to submit their information.”
