The Bermuda Police Service has felt the impact of the latest wave of Covid-19 with one in ten staff members off work because of the virus.

Darrin Simons, the Acting Commissioner of Police, said the BPS had risen its Covid threat level to green, indicating a “moderate temporary impact”, with 48 Covid-related absences — up from 18 last week.

The service employs about 400 officers and 70 support staff.

But Mr Simons said the reduction of manpower had not affected response times or enforcement activities.

He said: “In mitigation, we have postponed some planned training, shifted some officers to response duties from other service areas and put all officers in uniform so they can respond to calls for service, if required.

“Staffing levels are reviewed with each shift change and with the support of the Bermuda Police Association, we have put in place contingencies so we can quickly call in off-duty staff if required.

“The threat level is reviewed daily by Martin Weekes, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, and his Covid-19 command team.”

Mr Simons said the Covid-19 absences had primarily impacted “administrative areas” and asked the public for their patience.

He added: “I also take this opportunity to thank all BPS staff for their continued positive attitude and energy as we navigate this pandemic together.”

The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service and the Bermuda Hospitals Board have also been hit by the latest wave of the pandemic with staff unable to work because of either a positive Covid-19 test or close contact with a positive case.