Inter-Island Communication News Brief – February 10, 2020

Inter-Island Communications News Brief February 10 2020

Despite speculation that a Royal Caribbean cruise ship is headed towards Bermuda carrying passengers infected with the coronavirus, it’s not true. According to a government spokesperson, quote “The Ministry of Health and local port authorities are aware of the Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas’ expected arrival to Bermuda. The Ministry can confirm that several passengers were tested for coronavirus and cleared in New Jersey prior to departure. Bermuda will apply the necessary protocols upon arrival. Residents should be assured that health and port authorities are prepared and equipped to deal with the vessel in accordance with our established protocols.

Royal Caribbean has enacted their own stringent protocols with regards to the screening of passengers prior to boarding.” Premier David Burt published a tweet thread on the subject, saying quote “Royal Caribbean have confirmed that the ship has been cleared by the US CDC as there no cases of coronavirus on board the ship on its previous sailing. If there were confirmed cases, the ship would not be cleared due to the risk of the virus spreading.

The two dogs responsible for the death of other pets in our Eastern End in the middle of last week haven’t yet been located, despite extensive searches for the animals. As you’ll recall, the two pit bulls attacked and killed several pets on February 5th near Trinity Church Road/Abbots Cliff. According to a Government spokesperson quote “The Ministry of Home Affairs can confirm that the dogs still have not been located, despite extensive searches by the animal wardens. The public are reminded that any persons found harboring these animals could be liable for court action. Under Section 22 of the Dogs Act 2008, it is an offense to keep a dog that has caused death or injury to a person or animal. Further, under Section 28, it is an offense if a person refuses or fails to give information in connection with an offense committed under the Act.”

A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Health can advise that Bermuda has issued the following travel advice and restrictions: Direct flights from China: The Government of Bermuda has put a restriction on direct flights from China. Given current commercial routes, this affects only private/corporate aircrafts. Residents of Bermuda: Travel to mainland China should be avoided at this time due to the risk of the novel coronavirus. Residents returning from mainland China will undergo a travel risk assessment and may be subject to movement restriction and health monitoring for up to 14 days. Visitors to Bermuda: If you have spent any time in mainland China in the past 14 days, travel to Bermuda is discouraged.

Arriving visitors will undergo a travel risk assessment by a Health Officer. Depending on risk assessment, they may have their health monitored and movement on island restricted for up to 14 days. The Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit and Health Officers assisting in the prevention and control activities for novel coronavirus are utilizing the guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control for conducting risk assessments on travelers: Risk Assessment and Public Health Management for Potential 2019-nCoV Exposure in Travel-associated or Community Settings, here. All local health updates can be found here. Multiple airlines have cancelled flights to China, including those that also travel to Bermuda, with both British Airways and Air Canada announcing they cancelled flights to and from Beijing and Shanghai until 29 February, while Delta said they will suspend flying to China flying through April 30, and American Airlines said they are suspending flights to the Chinese mainland until March 27.”

Congratulations and well done to the Sandys Parish Council for gifting the Ingham family with gift cards to ease the burden they’ve been carrying since their family home was damaged by fire on Boxing Day 2019. According to a spokesperson said, “It can be hard for most families during the holiday season trying provide for their families while celebrating their loved ones, however for one family, this past holiday season was a testament to their strength and perseverance. The Ingham Family suffered the devastating loss of their home, through a fire, on December 26, 2019. During this family’s moment of adversity, the Sandys Parish Council has donated two gift cards, in the amount of $500 each, in an effort to assist them. Understanding that there is still much more work to be done to help stabilize this family, it is our hope that those who can offer support, will do what they can. The contributions of the Ingham family in the Sandys community is one that can be felt and we are grateful for their positive work within our parish home. As the Ingham family continues to rebuild, we continue to offer prayers and support.”