Fairmont Southampton Lights Up:

The hotel has lit up select rooms across its property to form hearts

in order to show support to all those affected, saying:

'Fairmont Southampton loves you. Together we can overcome anything.

Stay safe and be well.”

In an effort to keep all of our overseas colleagues informed about how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting Bermuda we will provide you with links to the latest updates as published by both Bernews and the Royal Gazette.

As of Friday morning 27th March 2020 we have 15 confirmed cases in Bermuda, most of whom are Bermuda residents who had recently returned by air from abroad, and we are are being strongly advised to stay at home wherever possible and practice social distancing and washing hands whenever anyone has to go outside. Although not in complete lock-down yet, as of today our schools are all closed, businesses are urged to close and have people work from home wherever possible, regular retails shops are shut but grocery stores and supermarkets remain open and are operating under stringent conditions to retain social distancing and practice constant sanitizing; bars and restaurant are closed although restaurants can take orders for delivery; bus and ferry services have been suspended.

We have a limited supply of test kits at the moment although Government is trying to obtain more kits and also more protective equipment such as masks.

We have a considerable number of people who are either in self isolation or quarantine and both Police and Regiment are actively monitoring people who are in self-quarantine, doing road checks & visiting homes. Penalties include $6,000 fine for first offense & $10,000 fine or 3 month imprisonment for second offense.
In now remains to be seen just how much community spread we will experience here in the next few weeks.

Bernews published its latest update this morning (27th March) which provides excellent and extensive information including the following, and the article can be found at http://bernews.com/2020/03/live-updates-coronavirus/

Bernews Update - As the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic continues to affect countries around the globe — and the island now having confirmed cases — Bermuda is taking strict measures to prevent the spread of the virus, with the island shutting down massive segments of activity, including the airport, schools, buses, ferries, gyms, spas and more.
Live updates will be posted as they come in, encompassing both the public and private sectors, and if you have relevant information, please feel free to email info@bernews.com. It should be noted the information below is only a summary, and is not indicative of all measures the Government is taking. Further information can be found on the Bermuda Government’s website,, all our articles on Covid-19 can be found here, and our newly launched dedicated Covid1-19 website can be found here.

Bernews Summary As Of 8.15am, Fri, March 27

• Note: As this is a fast moving situation, the summary may, at times, be a few hours out of date, so please ensure you scroll down!
• Follow Guidelines: It's not an emergency, necessity, or work, stay at home & when you do go out, practice social distancing & wash hands
• Cases: 15 confirmed cases in Bermuda.
• Testing: Now done on island. 150 tests here so far, more expected
• Police & Regiment Enforcing Self-Quarantine: They are actively monitoring people who are in self-quarantine, doing road checks & visiting homes. Penalties include $6,000 fine for first offense & $10,000 fine or 3 month imprisonment for second offense.
• Hospital: Suspended non-urgent/elective surgery & have visitor restrictions. They urge people to follow guidelines to prevent spread or else healthcare system will be overwhelmed
• Unemployment Benefit: For those eligible, provides payment of 60% of gross earnings up to max of $500 per week. Apply here
• Transportation: Public bus & ferry services suspended until April 6
• Schools: Public schools closed until April 6.
• Airport: Closed for passenger flights on March 20 for two weeks. Cargo flights not affected.
• Seaport: Cargo operations operating as normal but closed to visiting pleasure/tourism vessels. Meaning regular shipments are coming in
• Grocery Stores: Remain open. MarketPlace, Supermarket Arnold's & Lindos have designated time for people over 65. Mostly 7am - 9am on Tues & Fri, and some on weekend. Details here.
• Garbage Collection: Outside agencies doing. Details here.
• Electricity/Telecommunications: BELCO, One Communications, Digicel & WOW suspend disconnects, as in they will not cut you off for non-payment
• Covid-19 Helpline: Call 444-2498 between 9am - 9pm
• World: JHU tally is 542,788 confirmed cases

Premier reports 8 new confirmed cases
This morning (27th March) the Royal Gazette published the latest briefing given by Premier David Burt last in which he reported a further 8 news confirmed cases of coronavirus bring our total to 15.

The number of Covid-19 cases has more than doubled to 15, the Premier announced last night.
David Burt said that eight more people had tested positive for coronavirus on top of the seven already detected.
He added the news was “alarming” but “not unexpected”.
Mr Burt said: “What is important is that we recognise all of what has been laid out. Nothing changes. We must make sure to follow the precautions that have been laid Aout.”
He said the jump in the number of cases was not a reason for panic.
Mr Burt added: “What we have to do is recognise that if we do not all do our part together, we will be challenged.”
Mr Burt said the new Covid-19 cases demanded a “stricter approach” to combat community spread of the coronavirus.

You can read the full article in the Royal Gazette at http://www.royalgazette.com/health/article/20200327/eight-new-covid-19-cases

ExPo Editors Note - This is my personal view -  I firmly believe that Premier David Burt is doing an excellent job leading Bermuda through this most critical time in our history.