A charity tending to homeless cats claimed its stay-at-home waiver got pulled without warning, as authorities during the holiday contended with continued lockdown violations.

Police reported the public had ventured out without approved exemptions, on excuses ranging from feeding feral cats and to taking hot cross buns to relatives.

People continue gathering at beaches and parks, which are closed to stop the spread of Covid-19, while residents were only allowed out to buy essentials, or for an hour’s exercise between 7am and 7pm.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Martin Weekes said some “continue to flout these orders and venture out for no genuine reason and without approved exemption”.

He said other people had refused to stop at the checkpoints, which are now manned solely by members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

Mr Weekes said the licence numbers of offending vehicles would be recorded, and further action taken.

Mr Weekes added police had also received several calls over the weekend to complain about loud music and parties.

He said: “The BPS has also received reports that persons are moving from house to house to attend parties, contrary to the shelter-in-place regulations.”

Mr Weeks added: “We emphasise, the BPS will attend any reports of groups of people gathering to ensure that the shelter-in-place regulations are not being contravened.

“However, unless it appears that offences are being committed, officers will not enter premises. This in order to keep appropriate social-distancing.”

Yesterday, the charity Cats Bermuda announced online its volunteers had been given a waiver to look after homeless cats, only to have it pulled on Saturday.

Rose Powell, president of the group, thanked the Government, RBR and other essential services, acknowledging the island’s restrictions were “ever evolving”.

But she said the group was “deeply disappointed” at online remarks criticising volunteers in the wake of the police statement.

Ms Powell added: “We at no time put anyone in the public in harm’s way. We are able to care for these homeless animals to ensure they do not starve to death without any interaction with any other human.”

She said the charity had not heard of its permission being misused, and had been “taken off guard” when its waiver got revoked. Ms Powell said caring for homeless cats also kept the animals from becoming a nuisance or getting injured in the search for food.