The national security minister today highlighted Covid-19 rules for large gatherings after concerns were raised by the public.

Renee Ming appealed to people not to become complacent and to stick to health regulations.

She said: “We have seen a number of events and activities taking place over the last few months and there has been concerns raised that individuals at these events are not following the appropriate guidelines.

“We all have a responsibility to do what we can to mitigate and limit the spread of the virus and comply with the policies in place.

Ms Ming said Covid-19 emergency powers banned gatherings of more than 75 people in public or in private without an exemption from her ministry.

The regulations also required people to take all reasonable precautions to maintain “appropriate physical distancing” at all times in any public or private place.

Ms Ming said applicants could should expect a decision on an application for a large group exemption inside 10 business days.

Ms Ming said it was important the public did not let its guard down against the pandemic as winter approached.

She added: “We are about to enter the cooler months and leading health experts and organisations are predicting a surge in those contracting Covid-19.

“We are already seeing this play out in the UK, Europe and the US.

“So we’re asking people to please continue to follow the health guidelines in place to protect you and your families.

“This includes wearing a mask, hand sanitising and maintaining the appropriate physical distancing.

“And finally, if you are in attendance at any establishment or location around the island and see any breaches of the Covid-19 regulations by persons or businesses – please do not hesitate to call 211 to report the violations.”

Ms Ming also extended her condolences to the family of Daunte Woods, 27, who was killed in a stabbing near Somerset Cricket Club in Sandys in the early hours of Sunday.

She said: “This is such an unnecessary tragedy and again my heart truly goes out to this family during this extremely difficult time.”

Ms Ming added she had met Commissioner of Police Stephen Corbishley to discuss the weekend’s violence, which also included a shooting that injured two men in Pembroke Park Lane, Pembroke on Friday night.

She said she was “satisfied that all the necessary resources are being dedicated to bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

To apply for a large group exemption, e-mail emogroup@gov.bm