Dunkley: ‘SafeKey Has Created Another Divide’
“The imposition of SafeKey by the Government has created another divide,” OBA MP Michael Dunkley said, adding that “while a well intended government policy” it “once again penalizes those businesses that have borne the brunt of Covid policies over the past 18 months.”
This follows after a new policy came into effect on Friday, August 20th which requires the use of a Safekey for ”indoor public spaces where masks are permitted to be removed, namely; indoor dining, bars, clubs, and sports/members clubs as well as attending a gym/fitness facility” and to “board all Island Boats with more than 20 passengers.”
Mr. Dunkley said, “The majority of Bermudians are vaccinated but still there is a significant and important minority who have to date not had the jab. The imposition of SafeKey by the Government has created another divide.
“For many, the new regulations make people feel comfortable about going to impacted establishments. However, these establishments have never been the problem.
“The spikes have come from those not following Covid guidelines while attending funerals, personal gatherings and large scale events allowed just before Cup March.
“SafeKey, while a well intended government policy, once again penalizes those businesses that have borne the brunt of Covid policies over the past 18 months; restaurants, gyms, charter boats, sports clubs and bars to name a few.
“For these, SafeKey might not be the savior, it could be the final nail in the coffin. One must question government’s rationale in selecting these businesses. Where is the equity and what is the rationale for these restrictions?”
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
Got a point . When is Bermuda going to make it mandatory for safe key to be required to enter a government building . Including employees. If the private sector have to abide by it why doesn’t the Government?
Why isnt the Opposition in the room until this whole thing ends. It is stupid . They should be a part of the solution. That is if you believe they are Bermudians and care about the country as well. The Govt needs to grow up real fast. Or licks are on the way.
I guess when they start drug testing from the top to the bottom.
It’s still all about Michael…
My biggest concern is this
Let’s say someone had their last Covid test back in July
All they are now required to do is go online to renew their Safekey
How in the Hell do they know for sure they’re not sick with Covid ?
We don’t always get symptoms when infected so I personally think ppl should be tested once a month before a Safekey is renewed
What if you’re vaccinated but have never had a Covid test.
How in the Hell do you qualify for a Safekey?
It doesn’t work like that. The person who is getting a Safekey by negative test result cannot ‘renew’ it. They have to have another test (and only valid for 72 hours).
If you are vaccinated, you can access or renew it by email or on the gov’t website.
For the record, I don’t believe vaccination status is safe. As the Minister of Health has said, vaccinated can catch and spread the virus.
My biggest concern is this
Let’s say someone had their last Covid test back in July
All they are now required to do is go online to renew their Safekey
How in the Hell do they know for sure they’re not sick with Covid ?
We don’t always get symptoms when infected so I personally think ppl should be tested once a month before a Safekey is renewed
What if you’re vaccinated but have never had a Covid test – How can you qualify for a Safekey?
People need to be tested and retested – symptoms or not !!
And what do you suggest Michael?
By my manly whiskers! The milkman has a short memory. 30-6
No one is going to march on Parliament (or my house) and shut it down over business closures and being unemployed. OBA has no gravitas.
My 30-6 t-shirts go on sale later this month.
More lip service from the weakest opposition in history.
Thank You Michael Dunkley!
I applaud
But how is safe key safe? Vaccinated can still contract and pass the virus.. and don’t have to test to renew their safe key status from vaccination.. *mind blowing* anddd unvaccinated get tested..with a 3 day safe key.. but can contract the virus 3 seconds after leaving the testing site. Mr. Dunkley… Please make this make sense.
being vaccinated does not mean that you won’t get covid it just means that if you do get it you will have a better chance of not dying
Mr Dunkley Mr Dunkley Mr Dunkley
you are the reason this is happening
you are the worst leader this country has ever seen
you have the nerve to speak on anything
you as always, have no solutions
do the right thing
Life and death. A real divide
Decide or ignore making a decision.
We are already divided – what’s one more Mike! Why does he care all of a sudden. He has added to the divide and benefits from it.
do the right thing