The Opposition tonight took a swing at the Government over a delay in the implementation of hotel quarantines for travellers.

The measure, to be paid for by returned residents and visitors, was scheduled to be introduced today.

But the Government announced at the weekend that the rules would not come into force for another week.

A One Bermuda Alliance spokeswoman asked: “Why is the Government remaining tight-lipped over their reason for delaying the implementation of a mandatory quarantine in a hotel at the travellers’ expense?”

She added the announcement that it would come into force today was “made weeks ago”.

The spokeswoman questioned why “ample advance warning” of a policy the Government had stuck to despite controversy had been given when there was later a delay.

She said: “This is not a good look and, yet again, it gives the perception that the Government is not clear in what direction it wants to take the people of Bermuda.

“It is clear that many residents are not happy about the impending requirement of quarantine in a government appointed facility and having to pay the costs.”

The spokeswoman added: “Changing the date only raises questions regarding this Government-imposed requirement.

She asked: “If the Government views this restriction important from a health perspective what could be so vital that it’s been pushed back by a week?”

The spokeswoman said: “Surely there is a reason or reasons for this decision and the people of Bermuda deserve to know what is going on.

“Transparency must not be selective.”

The Government was asked at the weekend why the hotel quarantine had been delayed, but has yet to give an answer.