Shopping trips “are not to be treated as social gatherings,” the police said today, adding that “this morning there were shoppers lining up outside grocery stores well before the 7:00am opening time, and found themselves being spoken to by police.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police Martin Weekes said, “The Bermuda Police Service [BPS] would like to take this opportunity to remind the public of some of the requirements of the Shelter at Home Regulations now that they have been extended for a second 14 days, to May 2nd 2020.
“The main area of confusion appears to be the start time for the night-time curfew. Under the Regulations you must be in your home by 7pm and remain there until 7am.
“During the 7pm to 7am period there is no allowance for exercise periods outside of your home or travel to grocery stores, gas stations or pharmacies.
“This morning there were shoppers lining up outside grocery stores well before the 7:00am opening time, and found themselves being spoken to by police.
“Residents are also reminded in relation to exercise that they are allowed one hour’s exercise, no more than two persons together at a time, within a half mile radius of their homes. Again, this is only between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm.
“This exercise should be taken on the roads and cannot include accessing Parks, Beaches or Railway Trails, all of which are deemed closed under the regulations.
“A number of persons have also been stopped at checkpoints stating they are delivering hot food to people in need. The charitable instinct of Bermudians in these difficult times is praiseworthy, however without a permission letter from the Ministry of National Security, this meal delivery is not allowed for under the regulations.
“We urge the Bermudian public to abide by the Shelter at Home Regulations and not clog up the checkpoints if you do not have valid reason for travel, as this prevents those who legitimately need to travel from getting to where they need to be.
“Shopping trips are for the purpose of necessary shopping and are not to be treated as social gatherings. You should get your items and return home as quickly as possible.
“It is also clear from social media postings about persons not receiving Permission letters to carry out various functions, that there is some misunderstanding still about how to apply for a Permission.
“If you are exempted under the Regulations because your work is critical, you do not need a Permission letter, but must carry ID to prove that you are in an exempted category. If you require permission to travel and are not exempted, you must apply to the Ministry of National Security using the online form which can be found here, or by emailing to criticalservices@gov.bm.
“The Bermuda Police Service does not issue exemptions or permissions under the Shelter at Home Regulations.
“Let’s continue to work together as we all seek to get through this difficult period in our island’s history.”
