[Updated] “With effect from 17 March, 2020, all persons arriving into Bermuda will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days and should expect to do so subject to Public Health monitoring,” the Government said today.
A government spokesperson said, “All arriving passengers from the UK this evening and on all flights tomorrow, 16 March, 2020, will be required to complete a detailed Health questionnaire setting out their travel history for the last 14 days and are strongly urged to self-quarantine for the next 14 days.
“All passengers will also be provided with healthcare information setting out what they should be doing during the period of self-quarantine. Following this public health advice is critical to minimizing the risk of community transmission of COVID-19 and keeping Bermuda safe.
“With effect from 17 March, 2020, all persons arriving into Bermuda will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days and should expect to do so subject to Public Health monitoring. This means these arriving passengers will be required to remain at home so they do not facilitate the transmission of the virus, including at their place of work.
“Public Health monitoring will include health personnel being in communication with these persons over the period of the self-quarantine and being the first point of contact in the event the person develops fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
“Employers should exercise sensitivity in managing this mandated period of self-quarantine where it affects their employees. They should not require or knowingly allow workers to come to a workplace if they have been required to self-quarantine. Where possible, a worker who is in self-quarantine and does not feel sick should be allowed to work from home. Options such as paid sick leave or other forms of leave, as agreed between the employer and employee, should be considered.
“The requirement to self-quarantine will apply also to visitors to Bermuda, however they can leave the Island whenever this wish if they have no symptoms.
“These restrictions will be reviewed regularly but will likely remain in place through 31 March, 2020.”
Update: A spokesperson added, “The public should note that passengers arriving this evening from New York and Miami will likewise be required to complete the Health questionnaire and are likewise strongly encouraged to self-quarantine in the interest of minimizing the risk of community transmission.
“Additionally, residents are strongly advised to cancel all non-essential travel in light of the rapidly changing global situation in respect of ports of entry and steps taken by most countries to protect their borders.”
Update 4.58pm: The Premier tweeted: “I will request to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate, that both houses of Bermuda’s Legislature meet tomorrow to pass the laws required to give the Bermuda Government the power to enforce the newly announced self-quarantine effective March 17.”
He also added, “Please all of Bermuda, for your friends returning from the UK this evening, now is not the time to ignore the warnings! We all have a role to play in minimising the risk to the vulnerable due to #COVIDー19. Though it will not be legally enforceable until Tuesday, STAY HOME!”
Update 6.31pm: The Government said, “The attached guidance will be given to all travelers who arrive in Bermuda today and tomorrow, 15 and 16 March, 2020. This guidance will be updated on 17 March, 2020.”
The full Covid-19 Self-Quarantine guidance follows below [PDF here]:
