A Progressive Labour Party MP has defended the party’s Covid-19 SafeKey policy after Opposition criticism of the scheme.

Christopher Famous accused Michael Dunkley, the shadow health minister, of “negativity” over new rules requiring customers of some businesses to prove they had been vaccinated against Covid-19 or tested clear for the coronavirus.

Mr Famous, the Devonshire East MP, said: “Almost like clockwork, Michael Dunkley is offering up criticisms and negativity without actually suggesting an alternative plan to keep Bermudians safe and our economy open.

“If MP Dunkley wants to scrap SafeKey, what do he and the OBA suggest the Government replace it with?

“Do they believe we should require everyone to wear masks all the time when indoors?

“Do they believe that, with the highly contagious Delta variant circulating in Bermuda, that we should scrap the mask mandate completely putting our entire community and our health system at risk?“

Mr Famous was speaking after Mr Dunkley said last week that SafeKey could be “the final nail in the coffin” for businesses that had struggled to survive the effects of the pandemic.

Mr Dunkley claimed the policy targeted the wrong businesses, such as restaurants, bars, gyms and sports clubs, which he insisted were not responsible for Covid-19 spikes.

But Mr Famous said: “It’s clear that Michael Dunkley of the One Bermuda Alliance, continues to put politics over people's lives.

“The public needs to remember that had we followed the advice of the OBA with doing away with travel authorisation and quarantines, Bermuda would be in the exact same position or worse, as the other countries that lowered their guard.”

Mr Famous added: “These countries are now witnessing significant Covid-19 spikes, full hospitals, curfews, lockdowns and avoidable deaths.”

“The SafeKey and testing will protect our healthcare system, help our businesses avoid closure due to a client who tested positive and keep all Bermudians safe.“