Lucy Heavens

Member since June 1, 2020

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Lucy Heavens6 years ago As our borders begin to open my main concern is with transported cases, leading to an increase in local infections and transmissions. This is particularly of concern with locations that have had high numbers of cases, as well as those that act as major hubs and therefore have high numbers of visitors from all over the world. Bermuda has suffered losses but has also been very successful in controlling local transmission rates and I have no doubt that this is largely due to the policy to close borders early. Re-opening them however will increase our risk.With tourism being so essential to our economy I would like to propose that new direct flights be discussed with countries that have had low numbers of COVID-19 cases. I personally would prefer to visit a country that had been successful in it's COVID-19 policies, and to do so directly, as opposed to flying via a major city. It may be completely naïve to suggest that this could be put in to place before re-opening our borders to the existing 'higher risk' locations, but it's an idea.I believe that Bermuda is a low case country and there are others, Iceland and Grenada being two examples. This could be an opportunity to develop direct links with new locations, which benefits both countries. If a second wave does materialize then there may also be the opportunity to close borders to those higher risk locations and remain open to visitors from countries who have a proven track record of keeping cases low. This would help keep tourism going even during a second wave. Partnerships with hotels or other tourism providers could be established, forming a relationship with a new country that could last way past the current crisis and in to the future. This can also stimulate Bermuda residents to travel, as new locations would peak new interest. The same could be said for the residents of the other country in question.The risk of persons from high risk countries traveling through low risk ones to ours still exists, however there are other measures that could be put in place for that e.g. testing, quarantine and/or opening up to residents of those countries only (i.e. no hub travelers).