Bermuda updates safety policies, mandatory testing

BERMUDA — After reopening to tourists on July 1, the island of Bermuda has unveiled an updated list of travel policies and procedures as part of its ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Most notably, in addition to acquiring a negative COVID-19 test result prior to departure, all visitors must now also take a COVID-19 test on days 4, 8 and 14 of their visit.

“Our island home has always been a precious resource set apart by its geographic location and way of life,” said the Bermuda Tourism Authority. “Over the past few months we’ve been dedicated to protecting our community and pristine destination for our residents and guests to enjoy for years to come.”

The following Bermuda Government protocols are applicable to all visitors:

PRE-DEPARTURE

Within 48 hours of departure, all travellers must complete the Bermuda Travel Authorisation Process online and pay a US$75 fee, which includes the cost of all COVID-19 testing in destination. Each passenger must have a form completed regardless of age, though children 9 and younger do not have to be tested at any point and their Travel Authorisation fee is $30.
Ideally within 72 hours, but no more than seven days before departure, visitors (adults and children ages 10 and up) must take a PCR COVID-19 test and obtain a negative result. Those without a pre-departure test will not be able to obtain Travel Authorization and enter Bermuda.
Wear face masks when travelling to the departure airport and practice physical distancing at the airport.

UPON ARRIVAL

Present a copy of the pre-departure COVID-negative test result.
Show a copy of their Travel Authorisation; if they do not have a printed copy, they must have ready a charged phone or tablet to show their Travel Authorisation.
Undergo PCR COVID-19 testing at the Bermuda L.F. Wade international Airport and isolate in their room at their accommodation until results are ready (between 6-8 hours in most cases when arriving during the day). This applies to adults and children ages 10 and up.
Wear a face mask and practice physical distancing to the greatest extent possible.

IN DESTINATION

All visitors must take a COVID-19 test on Day 4, Day 8 and Day 14 at easily accessible pop-up testing centres around the island. No wait time is required for results; visitors will be notified of their results. Appointments are being accepted.
Take their own temperature daily.
Practice physical distancing and wear a mask in all public spaces.
Comply with restrictions on gatherings to a maximum of 50 people.
Comply with a nightly curfew from midnight to 5 a.m.

If a traveller becomes COVID-19 positive in destination, is a close contact of a positive person or is symptomatic, they will be quarantined or isolated as appropriate at their accommodation for up to 14 days. Anyone who becomes COVID-19 positive, or whom health authorities believe could be positive, will be fitted with an Aqua electronic bracelet to assist with isolation/quarantine.

Hotels that have already reopened in Bermuda include Azura Bermuda; Coral Beach Club, Rosewood Bermuda, Royal Palms Hotel and The Loren Hotel.

Hotels reopening later this month and in the coming months include Coco Reef Resort (July 24), The Reefs Resort & Club (Aug. 7); Hamilton Princess & Beach Club (Aug. 24); Fairmont Southampton (Sept. 1); and Elbow Beach Resort (Jan. 1, 2021).

For a full list of reopened and reopening hotels go to https://www.gotobermuda.com/bta/press-release/bermuda-tourism-authority-update.

For updates and reopening polices from other destinations go to https://www.travelweek.ca/news/destinations-reopening-list/.