“Some individuals continue to flout these orders and venture out for no genuine reason and without approved exemption,” the police said, adding that some of the excuses include “I am taking hot cross buns to my daughter” and “I have to feed the feral cats.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police Martin Weekes said, “Sadly, it appears the messages from the Premier about the severity of the situation with which we are now faced, is still not registering with some residents.
“The Government and the Bermuda Police Service, have repeatedly stated that all beaches and parks as well as the railway trails are now closed. Yet people continue to gather at these locations.
“As a reminder, Bermuda is under 24 hour Shelter in Place Orders, with allowances made only for individuals to leave their homes to get essentials such as groceries and medicine or an hour’s exercise between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm.
“However, some individuals continue to flout these orders and venture out for no genuine reason and without approved exemption.
“Here a just a few of the excuses we’re faced with when individuals are stopped at the Community Advisory Checkpoints:
- “It’s just a flu, when is this all going to stop?”
- “I have to feed the feral cats.”
- “I am taking hot cross buns to my daughter.”
“Also, individuals are refusing to stop at some checkpoints which are manned by members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment only. The BPS advises that the license plate numbers of vehicles which fail to stop at these checkpoints will be recorded and further action taken.
“The BPS is again appealing for good sense to prevail and for residents to stay in their homes.
“As Dr. Cheryl Peek-Ball, the island’s Chief Medical Officer has indicated, the most effective way of avoiding the spread of the COVID-19 disease is to practice social distancing. The best way to do that, is to stay at home and follow the stipulations of the Shelter in Place Orders. Please, let’s all work for and not against each other.”
