[Updated] Minister of National Security Renee Ming and the a representative of Bermuda Police Service are holding a press conference this afternoon [March 11] to “provide an update on the enforcement of the Covid-19 regulations.”
Update 4.20pm: Minister Ming’s remarks:
Good Afternoon,
The aim of today’s media briefing is to once again speak to the COVID-19 regulations that are in place.
I am joined by Assistant Police Commissioner Martin Weekes who will provide some information on the enforcement efforts that the Police are doing to ensure that residents and businesses are complying with the COVID-19 regulations in place.
You will have seen the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 most recent update – an additional 7 positive cases. This represents a slight uptick in our numbers. This should be concerning to the community.
Also concerning, are the recent activities that have taken place that are in direct violation of the Regulations.
I’m referring to the hosting of parties and gatherings that exceed the approved group gathering guidelines, and the fact that the individuals at these events violated the health and safety protocols by not wearing a mask or practicing physical distancing.
To be clear, I understand the community’s outrage that these events are taking place, particularly when the majority of our community are rightly adhering to the guidelines.
And I also appreciate the community’s frustration at the perception that the good are being punished because of the bad – and that not enough is being done to hold those accountable who blatantly break the law.
I can assure you that the Ministry of National Security, the Bermuda Police Service and the Department of Public Prosecutions are diligently taking steps to exact penalties against those who violate the public health act.
I am now going to set out a few timely reminders for the public as we continue to navigate the pandemic.
First and foremost, we remain under curfew – 12 midnight – 5 am.
A curfew for recreational boating remains in effect. All recreational boating must end at 8.00 pm.
Large Group Gatherings are still limited to 25 persons.
For indoor services or ceremonies in a church or other religious establishments, the number of persons who can gather is limited to 25% of the indoor area’s full capacity.
For the number of persons at outdoor services or ceremonies [including weddings and funerals], the number cannot exceed 50 persons.
Closure Powers:
- Police can close a licensed premises for a period not exceeding 24 hours, if a contravention of the Public Health Covid-19 Emergency Powers Regulations has occurred on the premises.
- The Minister of Health can close any business or facility not in compliance.
Enforcement Powers:
- Under the regulations, an enforcement officer may stop and question an individual[s] to ensure that the person[s] is compliant with the Regulations.
- If a person is not exempt in accordance with the guidelines or does not satisfy the enforcement officer’s requests the officer may at any time, take actions to enforce these Regulations, including the dispersal of any group more than 25 persons.
- An enforcement officer may use reasonable force, if necessary, in the exercise of a power under these Regulations.
- No person shall resist, obstruct, or assault, an enforcement officer who is acting in the execution of their duty under these Regulations.
Offences:
- A person who fails to comply with any of these Regulations commits an offence and is liable to the following:
- [a] a fine of $6,000, in respect of a first offence;
- [b] for a second or subsequent offence, a fine of $10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, or both;
- [c] in the case of a continuing offence, a fine of $1,000 in respect of each day during which the offence is continued.
Lastly, it is an offence to not wear a mask in accordance with the guidelines.
- A person who fails to wear a mask when one is required commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction of:
- a fine of $500, for the first offence;
- a fine of $1,000, for a second or subsequent offence.
Turning to the issue of individuals who have been detained, cited or summonsed for violating the regulations.
I will allow the Assistant Police Commissioner to provide some commentary on that, but here are a few statistics in response to a number of frequently asked questions is as follows:
With respect to how many files the DPP have received from the Police regarding private individuals who violate curfew under the PHE – there have been 16 files received.
With respect to how many private individuals have received fines or convictions for violating curfew under the Public Health Emergency Act:
- There have yet to be any convictions under the PHE Act for violating curfew, therefore there have been no fines.
Regarding how many files the Department of Public Prosecutions has received from the Police regarding private individuals who violate COVID regulations on gatherings under the PHE Act:
- I can advise that six files were received. Five persons were prosecuted. Two received convictions and three are pending trial.
We have also received repeated queries about the fixed penalty legislation proposed and about the penalties for those individuals who were at the recent parties and events.
Regarding the fixed penalty legislation – I can advise that the Ministry of Health has prepared a proposal for legislation that would see fixed penalties apply for a finite set of material breaches of COVID-19 regulations. This legislation continues to be worked on and is advancing. It is unlikely that it will be retroactive once it comes into effect.
However under the current regulations, people linked to recent parties could be subject to a fine or conviction. This will depend on the investigation by the BPS and the prosecutorial procedure by the DPP’s Office.
Finally, as I repeatedly say, now is not the time to become complacent.
As a country we have demonstrated resilience and discipline in navigating this pandemic and we must remain vigilant.
I’m urging residents to exercise a degree of personal responsibility by making smart and sensible decisions to protect you, your family, your friends and your loved ones.
As a reminder, we all must continue to do what we can to mitigate and limit the spread of the virus by complying with the policies in place.
Please continue to follow the health guidelines – this includes wearing a mask, hand sanitizing and maintaining the appropriate physical distancing.
And finally, if you are in attendance at any establishment or location around the island and see any breaches of the COVID-19 regulations by persons or businesses – please do not hesitate to call 2-11 to report the violations.
I will now turn it over to the Assistant Police Commissioner who will highlight some of the steps that the Bermuda Police Service have taken and continue to take to enforce the COVID-19 regulations.
Thank You.
