The Emergency Measures Organisation heard today that public schools and Government offices were still open and the docks continued to operate despite the Covid-19 threat.

But members of the public were asked to limit their social lives to cut the potential risk of the coronavirus that causes the disease.

The Government said the EMO met to assess the latest health, public services and private sector information and plans in relation to the potential killer strain of the virus.

The meeting was co-chaired by David Burt, the Premier, and Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, John Rankin, the Governor, Alison Crocket, the Deputy Governor, and Commissioner of Police Stephen Corbishley also attended.

Mr Caines was told about the Government’s and the private sector’s readiness “regarding the rapidly globally spreading Covid-19”.

The Ministry of Health said earlier that there were no confirmed cases of the virus in Bermuda and that social media rumours that there had been were false.

The Government added that “other critical matters” were:

• All Government schools will remain open — although some school activities have been restricted.

• Earlier today, the Public Health Amendment Act 2020 was passed, which expands the Minister of Health’s powers to take the necessary steps to protect the public.

• Over the weekend, the Government issued self-quarantining guidance for all arriving passengers. With effect from tomorrow people arriving in Bermuda will have to self-quarantine for 14 days and should expect to be subject to public health monitoring.

• All residents were advised to cancel all non-essential travel.

• Arriving air visitors who are staying in hotel or vacation properties were asked to remain in their rooms. Specific health guidance for hotels will be updated and issued.

• Produce and supplies continued to be imported to the island from key ports.

The Government said: “Residents are strongly urged to adopt social distancing in an effort to slow down community spread.

“Skyport is regularly cleaning and sanitising the LF Wade International Airport as well as ensuring that health advice and guidance is frequently shared over the airport’s audio system for passengers’ reassurance.

“The Bermuda College remains open in accordance with the Ministry of Education guidelines.

“The Bermuda Police Service, Royal Bermuda Regiment and the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service have assessed and reviewed their emergency protocols and are prepared to provide additional support as needed.”

The public was asked to avoid close contact with people who are sick, to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash after use.

People should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, they should use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60 per cent alcohol.

The Government added that people should stay home when sick, except to get medical care — but that they should “call first; don’t just show up at your doctor’s office or the hospital”.

For updated information, visit www.gov.bm/coronavirus and the Government’s Treefrog app, as well as its social media pages.

Mr Caines added that the next EMO meeting will be on Wednesday to assess domestic and global developments associated with Covid-19.