Bermuda’s MPs voted in favour of issuing tickets on-the-spot to people who breach COVID-19 safety regulations by public health officers.
The legislation, which carries a fixed penalty was passed in the Lower House last night.
The Public Health Amendment Act 2021 and the Quarantine Amendment Act 2021 was tabled by Health Minister Kim Wilson, following extensive consultation with the Department of Public Prosecutions and the Bermuda Police Service.
Offenders will be able to avoid criminal proceedings if they pay the fine within 28 days.
Tickets will initially be issued by police while local health officials get fully trained.
Any medical professional employed by the Department of Health qualifies as a public health officer, who will be required to identify themselves before they issue a ticket.
Serious breaches of COVID restrictions would still go before the courts while material breaches will get you an on-the-spot fine.
It was also noted that breaches include withholding information from contact tracing officers, or having parties with more than the allowed number of guests in attendance.
The Minister also tabled the Public Health (COVID-19) Emergency Extension (No 2) Order, which extends the public health emergency to June 24.
