Now that an on-island transmission of the coronavirus with no apparent overseas connection has been logged by health officials, police will be targeting local bars, restaurants and parties or events to enforce ongoing COVID-19 safety rules.

In a statement released on Friday (Nov 20), Assistant Commissioner of Police, Martin Weekes said this latest move is a direct result of the on-island transmission of COVID-19, with “no obvious connect to travel”, while licensed premises had “relaxed their vigilance”.

Where “blatant offences are seen occurring”, he said, “enforcement actions will follow”.

“A quick drive around the city of an average Friday evening makes it obvious that many restaurants and bars have somewhat relaxed their vigilance around the COVID-19 regulations,” said Mr Weekes.

“Masks are not being worn appropriately, sanitiser stations are being ignored, contact tracing is not taking place, patrons are moving freely among tables and congregating in groups less than six feet apart without masks and so on.

“Licence holders are reminded that the regulations allow for licensed premises to be shut down for 24 hours where a Superintendent of Police deems that offences have taken place on their premises and it is necessary to close them down.

“Premises who have become lax in their compliance can expect to be shut down and additionally face consequences in court.”

He also stated that “the issue of large gatherings at house parties has also been raised and patrols”.

As a result, police will be monitoring “gatherings and where numbers are suspected to be in excess of 75 persons and no permit exists, or where mask and physical distancing protocols are being blatantly disregarded”.

In those cases, he said: “Enforcement action will follow.

“It is up to all of us to work together to keep Bermuda safe and to reduce the infection rate in order to save lives,” he added.

“A quick drive around the City of an average Friday evening makes it obvious that many restaurants and bars have somewhat relaxed their vigilance around the Covid-19 Regulations.

“Masks are not being worn appropriately, sanitiser stations are being ignored, contact tracing is not taking place, patrons are moving freely among tables and congregating in groups less than 6 feet apart without masks etc.”

As of Friday night, he said: “The BPS will be stepping up COVID compliance checks at licenced premises around the island and enforcement actions will follow where blatant offences are seen occurring.

“Licence Holders are reminded that The Regulations allow for licenced premises to be shut down for 24 hours where a Superintendent of Police deems that offences have taken place on their premises and it is necessary to close them down,” he added.

“Premises who have become lax in their compliance can expect to be shut down and additionally face consequences in court.

Mr Weekes concluded: “It is up to all of us to work together to keep Bermuda safe and to reduce the infection rate in order to save lives.”