Bermuda will go on 24-hour lockdown for two weeks beginning Saturday, after the coronavirus made its way to the balmy island nation.
Most of the country’s 32 COVID-19 patients have been linked to tourists, but the tax haven for foreign companies is finding the origin of an increasing number of cases there “not as clear,” said Premier David Burt.
“Together we must do all we can to save lives, and the danger of waiting is not worth the money it might save,” said Burt. “We must act decisively and we must act now. The future of Bermuda depends on us all doing our part.”
The self-governing British protectorate, which has 60,000 residents, 8,500 of whom are Americans, will impose an 8 p.m. curfew. Violating quarantine can result in six months in prison and/or $10,000 fine, which is more than companies pay in incorporation costs.
Essential workers such as medical personnel and grocery stores employees will continue to work.
“Uncertainty is never good and this is a period of global uncertainty,” said Burt. “But the strongest defense is unity.”
