Hotels have been set aside for passengers returning to the island who do not have their own space for mandatory 14-day self-quarantining, according to Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security.

Mr Caines told a press conference three flights were due to arrive on the island this evening, with five buses set aside at the airport to take people who wish accommodation to unidentified hotels.

The Royal Bermuda Regiment will be responsible for transportation, and extra police officers will be on hand to assist with traffic control and escorting people to buses.

Immigration and extra Customs staff will ensure incoming passengers are processed on time, Mr Caines said.

He added: “We are not forcing anyone into quarantine. Many returning students have said they might not have a facility in the home for self-quarantine.

“This is not mandatory — people will not be herded off a plane and forced into a facility. It is 100 per cent voluntary.”

Mr Caines said some Bermudian on cruise ships were still trying to return home.

He added: “We are working with Government House to get them home. Once we are successful bringing them back, they too will have to go into 14-day self-quarantine.”

Docks remain operating as normal, Mr Caines said, but cruises and pleasure vessels are not allowed into port.

• To read Wayne Caines’s prepared remarks, click on the PDF under “Related Media”