Government communication channels are gradually returning to normal after a cyberattack that shut down systems almost three weeks ago.

A spokeswoman said last night that e-mails for critical and front-facing customer services were restored, as well as most government phone services, including the main switchboard on 295-5151.

However, she added: “Government Employee Health Insurance is unable to issue claim payments to health service providers or claim reimbursements to policyholders at this time.

“This is a high priority for the Accountant-General’s Office and an update on payments from the Government will be issued in due course.

“Should you have any specific questions, please contact GEHI at 279-2600.”

The Department of Immigration was processing work-permit applications, including those made before the September 20 cyberattack.

Documents cannot be printed but employers will be notified of any decisions made.

Work-permit applications must be submitted to the Department of Immigration’s drop-box on the first floor of the Government Administration Building on Parliament Street.

Payments can be made online and applicants must include proof of payment when submitting their application. Payment information can be found on the Government’s website.

The Government’s E-1 accounting system and the Department of Customs’s Caps system were both functioning and live.

The Border Control Management System and the system for the Department of Planning were both expected to be live later this week.

The Department of Social Insurance office is open for people making payments via cash, cheque and cards. Online payments and bank transfers are also accepted.

Its team can assist with queries in-person or over the phone; and applications — to be submitted directly to the department — are being accepted.

Government cashiers on the first floor of the Government Administration Building and the post office are only accepting cash and cheques at this time.

Payroll and land taxes can be paid online.

The Transport Control Department has been fully operational since last Sunday and riding and driving tests are being carried out.

All three testing facilities are open and vehicles can be inspected for annual and transfer exams.

David Burt, the Premier, said: “The Government continues to make progress restoring our systems and services and I want to express my deep appreciation to our committed public officers who continue to tirelessly work day and night on this restoration project.

“Their efforts not only ensured the uninterrupted provision of essential services to the public but are also strengthening and bolstering Bermuda's government cyber defences.”

A full list of services that are operational or impacted can be found here.