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Caines: Remain in hurricane readiness mode

Wayne Caines, Minister of National Security (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)

Bus service along nine different routes resumed this afternoon as the island continues to bounce back from Hurricane Humberto.

But Steve Cosham, the national disaster co-ordinator, warned Bermuda would feel some impact from Tropical Storm Jerry early next week.

Mr Cosham told a press conference on Saturday at 12.30pm: “We have good confidence that Bermuda will see something from Jerry.

“We are going to see something. The question is what strength and when.”

He added that Tropical Storm Jerry was this afternoon just below hurricane strength, but expected to become stronger before it reaches Bermuda.

Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, urged the public to remain on alert as Jerry approaches.

Mr Caines said: “It has weakened to a tropical storm and is anticipated to pass over Bermuda, most likely sometime on Tuesday — however this could change. It is too soon to tell.

“As I stressed yesterday, we strongly encourage everyone to remain in a hurricane readiness mode.”

He said the recovery effort in the wake of Hurricane Humberto continued, but that the island was “back in business.”

Mr Caines said bus routes 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 all reopened at 1pm, and other routes were being evaluated with an update expected later this afternoon.

And he said the number of Belco customers without electricity had fallen to a little more than 8,000 — just over a quarter of Belco customers. Lights in all homes are expected to be on by the end of Monday.

Mr Caines said Government would announce tomorrow whether public schools will reopen on Monday.

He also announced:

• King Edward VII Memorial Hospital is operating as normal and are preparing for the next storm.

• The Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre in St David’s is open this weekend from noon to midnight. Weekday hours are from 4pm until midnight.

• Trash collection has resumed — Thursday’s garbage collection is being collected today.

• Marsh Folly is open for collection until 7pm. The site will open Sunday at 7.30am until 4pm, and dumping fees for trees and foliage are being waived.

Satellite drop off sites at Somerset Bus Station and the Airport will no longer be available.

• All Bermuda public Beaches are open. Lifeguards are on duty until 6pm this evening.

• The Royal Bermuda Regiment remain embodied.

• Road clearing continues, but the public should be mindful and take caution while driving on our roads.

• The ferries are running as normal.

• CedarBridge Academy will be open as the storm shelter for those in need during this storm.

• The Hamilton docks are open — The Bermuda Islander arrived yesterday and the Oleander will arrive on Sunday and leave on Monday.

• TheGrandeur of the Seas arrived today and will leave on Sunday evening, while the Norwegian Dawn arrives early tomorrow morning and will also leave Sunday evening, but cruise ships scheduled to arrive next week have been cancelled.

• The LF Wade International Airport is operating as normal.

• The Somerset Police Station was closed because of storm damage, and its staff have been relocated to Dockyard.

Mr Caines added: “I will remind the public to please take all necessary precautions while restoring their property. The hospital has treated a number of cases of persons receiving injuries while restoring their properties.

“Additionally, pay close attention to the food in your fridge. If you have been without electricity for a few days the food in your fridge may be bad — throw it out.”

With the approach of Jerry next week, both Mr Caines and Mr Cosham urged the public to take precautions, particularly those whose homes suffered roof damage in Humberto.

Mr Cosham said: “Make sure your tarps are as secure as possible. We are going to get at least tropical storm-force winds from Jerry and probably stronger.

“Don’t just tie it down, batter it down with wood, screws and nails.”

Mr Caines added: “If there are any vulnerable people in your house, elderly or children, I would ask the public to go to the emergency shelter.

“If you know your house is being held together with tarp, it makes no sense to endanger the lives of you and your family members. We have a shelter available with food and provisions.”