The Opposition voiced thanks for a charter flight bringing residents home, as well as the Government’s call for landlords to the show compassion for tenants.

Craig Cannonier, the leader of the One Bermuda Alliance, thanked John Rankin, the Governor, for his part in the British Airways flight on Monday that brought supplies, including test kits for the coronavirus, as well as stranded residents back home from Britain.

Mr Cannonier said the return would mean “a great deal to those people and their families to be in Bermuda and reunited once the self-quarantine period has been observed”.

He added: “Our ability to fight this virus will be significantly greater thanks to the extra tests now available.”

Mr Cannonier said that last week he had called for landlords of business and residential properties to be considerate “wherever possible” of their tenants.

Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier, last night urged for a partnership between landlords and tenants to deal with financial problems caused by the pandemic.

Mr Cannonier said: “With so many people adversely affected by this crisis, everyone must step in to play their part to help those who may be struggling to pay their bills or their rent.

“This really is a time to put others above self.”

The Opposition leader said he had been impressed at how Bermudians had accepted “this new norm” of heeding self-quarantine and social distancing.

He added: “Please, do not falter.

“Use this time, when all we can hear is the wind in the trees and the birds singing, to reflect, to slow down and appreciate the things around you.

“If there is a silver lining, it may be that we have been given an opportunity to reset — to stop and think about who and what matters to us, and why. When we emerge from this, and we will, remember those thoughts and be grateful for what we have.”

Mr Cannonier called on residents to follow health and safety rules, adding: “May God bless us, Bermuda.”