Fwd: Covid in Bermuda - An Update
David Kirkpatrick
From: <505berm...@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Feb 12, 2021 at 5:57 AM
Subject: Covid in Bermuda - An Update
To: <505berm...@gmail.com>
Covid -19 in Bermuda
Bermuda has fared relatively well through the Covid crises.
We had nine deaths (population of 65k) in the early weeks, mostly in nursing homes. Beginning March 30th, we had a 4-week near-total lock-down with personal travel restricted to 1km, for 1 hr/day, an evening curfew, work at home, no visiting. The airport was closed to international travel.
Bermuda was able to acquire approximately 30k test kits early on. In addition, a local facility for testing was created. By the time the airport was re-opened July 2nd, Bermuda was prepared for extensive testing of arriving passengers. In a policy only now being adopted in other countries, visitors are required to have a negative test within 5 days of departure for Bermuda, are tested again on arrival, then on day 4, day 8 and day 14 of their stay. Bermuda ranks fourth in the world in terms of the number of tests/population.
Throughout the summer, occasional cases were identified, coming off arriving flights, often on the day 4 test. The system of testing and follow-up tracing generally worked well. Masks were required in public places, restaurants and bars were restricted in their services, and social distancing was mandated. There was little community spread.
The situation continued to improve as we moved into the fall. By October Bermuda got down to 2 active cases. With a bubble and distancing strategy, we safely welcomed about 60 sailors competing in the Bermuda Gold Cup. The Bermuda Rugby Classic and the first Pro Golf event with spectators all went off well.
Over-confidence perhaps developed. At the end of November, two events became super-spreaders. Active cases skyrocketed to >250 by mid-December, and we had three additional deaths. The government reacted quickly, re-imposing a curfew, restricting restaurants further and closing bars. The wake-up call worked. This week we are down to less than ten active cases and no new community spread.
While our situation has improved, the UK and part of the US have deteriorated since Christmas. UK visitors to Bermuda are now required to quarantine until their day 4 test results. Current requirements can be seen here https://www.gotobermuda.com/bta/press-release/bermuda-tourism-authority-update
Due to our status as a Foreign Dependent Territory of the United Kingdom, we have received vaccine from the UK sufficient to inoculate ¼ of the population. Almost all those over 65, first responders and critical workers wanting vaccine have received at least their first shot. The government hopes to have most of the population vaccinated by summer.
Bermuda will be home to about 200 visiting sailors in April practicing for the Sail GP calendar’s first event. Bermuda’s success so far in containing the spread of Covid and providing a safe environment for all was a significant factor in seeing this move forward.
While it is still early days to know where the world will be on Covid in the fall, we are optimistic that we can have a relatively normal event. Should the current status quo remain, RBYC has in place tested bubble and social distancing protocols that protect the safety of all concerned and allow events to proceed smoothly. If vaccination proves successful, we can perhaps be back to near normal. The first containers will have to be underway by the start of August, which leads us to target a final confirmation date of June 30th. We will not have made any significant expenditure by that point and thus, we can refund entrance fees if the situation does not allow us to go ahead. Airlines and hotels are generally allowing refundable fares. It is logical to make refundable bookings now while companies are looking for trade. It is reasonable to expect that as things return to normal, demand could pick up quickly.
For now, we should plan on everything going ahead. Get potential participants registered. Get the boats organized for the containers. Get the potential charter boasts subscribed. Get crews organized and look forward to a great, full-on-wind, warm water event!! One night’s beer keg is on me!
Les Crane – February 7th, 2021
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With the support of
Les Crane
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