Stores await go-ahead on trading
A major hardware store said that it had not received the go-ahead to open today after a relaxation of lockdown rules on shopping.
Gorham’s, on St John’s Road in Pembroke, said in an e-mail to customers that “no government permissions have been issued yet to businesses so we cannot legally do business.”
Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, said that an online form had been created to assist businesses to apply to open.
The Government confirmed in an e-mail just after 10.30pm last night that the online application forms were now available.
Mr Caines said earlier that applications would be reviewed and that businesses would be contacted inside 24 hours.
But he warned: “Any business that opens contrary to the Emergency Powers (Shelter in Place) Regulations is liable to prosecution.”
An amended list of businesses that are able to operate included: roadside sales by a licensed fisherman; roadside sales by a registered commercial farmer; laundromats under certain restrictions; pet shops under certain restrictions; hardware stores (including paint stores) under certain restrictions; plant nurseries under certain restrictions, shipping and freight companies under certain restrictions; and delivery services (including couriers and taxis).
Mr Caines said: “If a business under any of the above categories is granted approval, it will require written authorisation from the Ministry of National Security prior to the commencement of operations.”
• Application forms are available at https://forms.gov.bm/covid19/permitted-business
• To read the Minister of National Security’s statement in full, click on the PDF link under “Related Media”