New Regulations: Exams, Weddings, Exemptions
The Bermuda College and schools will be permitted to reopen for the purposes of sitting in person exams, outdoor weddings of up to ten people will be allowed, and the Minister of National Security will have the authority to grant large group exemptions for events to be held on or after 9th May, according to new regulations that take effect today [April 30].
A spokesperson said, “This evening the Government advised of the following changes to the Public Health [Covid-19 Emergency Powers] [Stay at Home] Amendment [No. 2] Regulations.
“These changes take effect today April 30, 2021 and the updates are as follows:
- “The public should note that the Bermuda College and public and private schools will be permitted to reopen for the purposes of sitting in person exams, subject to the approval of the Minister of Education. Staff and students must maintain the appropriate physical distancing and health and safety measures at all times. Additional requirements include following the recent changes to the exam guidelines.
- “Additionally the updated regulations will allow for Outdoor Weddings of up to ten (10) people to take place plus the officiant and a photographer. According to the regulations, receptions are not permitted.
- “The Minister of National Security will have the authority to grant large group exemptions for events to be held on or after 9th May. The appropriate physical distancing and health protocols must be maintained and followed at all times.
“As a note, each of us has a role to play in stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Follow Public Health guidelines, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance and download the WeHealth Bermuda app. Do the research, talk with your doctor and make an informed decision about getting the Covid-19 vaccine.”
The Public Health [Covid-19 Emergency Powers] Amendment [No. 2] Regulations 2021 [PDF here]:
You can find more information on the links below and also on our dedicated website BermudaCovid.com, which is the most comprehensive resource and historic record available of Bermuda’s handling of the pandemic.
- All: Our coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic here
- Bermuda Stats: Chart of testing stats here
- Vaccinations: Data covering vaccinations here
- This month: Statistics from April 2021 here.
- Live Updates: Continuous updates here.
Regret this. If the numbers go up and there are more deaths the people who at first cried give us our human rights will be the first to condemn them for giving them their rights too soon. Why? Why?
So large group gatherings, the super spreader events, are to be allowed after May 9, but no mention of hardware stores to open for customers, or that Phase 2 will start on May 9? Why all of a sudden are these new regulations announced, when it’s not certain that Phase 2 will start on May 9? Why not announce Phase 2 will start on May 9, and remove the alphabet shopping too? Making it up as usual without supporting data, which tends to lead to lockdowns.
IB exams had to be cancelled after practically begging the government to let them take place. IB exams cannot be moved around so therefore all students were put on the non exam route. You’re telling me that seven days later the government can just lift this ban (on the day that IB exams we’re supposed to start), and pretend like they’re doing a good thing. Warwick academy, somersfield and bhs have now been put out of exams whilst saltus, msa and public schools can do theirs. This is ridiculously unfair, therefore I’d like an explanation from the Premier and Ministry of Education. If they cannot explain, I expect an apology to each of the IB schools on the island and the hard working staff who tried their hardest to get exams to take place.
Extremely disappointed with the decision made.
The stealth manner in which these restrictions were suddenly and mysteriously lifted leaves me to wonder who the “VIP” is that wanted to attend someone’s wedding.
Exactly. Some relative of an MP wanted to get married so they lift it. Rules for thee but not for me