Police Commissioner Stephen Corbishley has prepared an operational plan “to carry out the objectives the Summary Offences (Curfew) Order 2020, that goes into effect at 8pm toninght (March 29).
First and foremost, what you need to know is “the public is required to be off the roads or highways during certain hours of darkeness”.
Failure to do so will get you arrested and on conviction, will result in a $2,880 or imprisonment for six (6) months or both.
Speaking on the latest developments in Bermuda’s bid to limit the spread of the deadly coronavirus, National Security Minister Wayne Caines stated that as “a further measure of public safety the Governor, in consultation with the Premier, David Burt has exercised his authority under the Emergency Powers Act 1963”.
The Curfew order takes effect at 8pm tonight until 6am “for the next three days in the first instance”.
“For the avoidance of doubt, a ‘Highway’ is defined as any public road, street, lane, alley, wharf or any public place in Bermuda. The curfew will be imposed for three days,
“And we will review matters every three days as the situation requires. However again, we are stressing that during non-curfew hours, people are encouraged to stay at home except to purchase essentials or for medical emergencies.”
As of tonight, “officers from Departments across the Service will be deployed in conjunction with RBR personnel”, he added.
“There will be a combination of static Roadside Community Advisory points at key junctions across the island and roving patrols.
“Drivers and persons using the highways will be stopped and advised to return immediately to their homes.
“Persons who have written permission of a Police Officer of the rank of Chief Inspector or above will be allowed to proceed.”
Persons who fall into the professional categories listed in the orders will also be allowed to proceed.
Emergency and uniformed services on duty are exempt from the curfew. This means:
Police Officers
Reserve Police Officers
Bermuda Fire & Rescue
Royal Bermuda Regiment
Department of Customs
Department of Immigration and
Corrections Officers
Other exemptions are as follows and include individuals who provide a critical service for Bermuda:
The Premier, Ministers of the Cabinet, the Cabinet Secretary, Head of the Public Service and Permanent Secretaries
The Deputy Governor and Government House staff, Judges of the Supreme Court, Magistrates and Court Associates; US Consul General and Staff and All Honorary Consul
Any registered medical practitioner, registered nurses, ambulance drivers and crew, or any other medical practitioner employed with the BHB; and
Licensed security officers, Stevedoring services and dock workers, Department of Child and Family Services; staff of BELCO, Digicel, ONE Communications and members of the Press
“Persons with exemptions who are in public must have a copy of Valid Driving License and or Valid Employment ID,” said the Minister.
“Those persons listed in the above mentioned are exempt. Any other individual not included in the exempted listing will be required to submit a request to the Bermuda Police Service, who will vet and approve or deny the request.
“The online form can be found on the Government website forms.gov.bm/covid19/curfew the form is called the Curfew Exemptions Form.
“In the case an emergency please e-mail rcardwell@bps.bm.”
“As the public can appreciate, these measures are being taken to reduce the movement of people around the Island so that we, have the best possible opportunity to reduce the risk of community transmission of this virus.”