Visitors to Westgate will require a Covid-19 SafeKey in order to enter the facility in a move to protect staff and inmates from the virus.

A spokesperson for the department of corrections said, “For the most part, our existing visitation policy will remain in effect.

“However we have taken the step of adding some new guidelines to our policies. These new modifications are effective immediately now that the facilities are open to receive visitors.”

The spokesperson added that visitors needed to plan ahead and e-mail their SafeKey to the facility a day in advance.

They said: “Any SafeKey received the day of a visit, may not be processed on time and may result in your visit being rescheduled or converted to a closed visit if it can be facilitated on that date and time.

“We are advising members of the public to ensure their SafeKey is valid until the date of their scheduled visit. Visitors must present their identification – driver’s license or passport – for verification purposes.

“Children under the age of 16 are permitted access to the facility only if the parent or guardian has a valid SafeKey.”

The spokesperson also pointed out a slew of other regulations that visitors must follow.

All visits must be scheduled visits and are limited to 45 minutes. Visitors will be screened before entry. All visitors must be screened prior to entering the facility and will be required to wear a mask.

Visits will be limited to two immediate family members only, and physical distancing is to be adhered to. Visitors are not to come in contact with the inmates, there should be no hugging, no touching, no kissing and no contact of any kind.

A distance of six feet must be maintained at all times. Failure to do so, will result in the visit being terminated.

If members of the public have any questions, they should contact the facility where their visit has been scheduled.

SafeKeys should be e-mailed to the following addresses depending on which facility is being visited.

Westgate: wgvisits@gov.bm – 234 0555.

Co-Ed Facility: coedvisits@gov.bm – 297 1280.

Farm Facility: farmvisits@gov.bm – 297-1280.