Quarantine Amendment Act

What this bill does

This bill creates a fixed penalty ticket system for people who break COVID-19 quarantine rules, similar to getting a parking ticket. Instead of automatically going to criminal court, people can pay a fine (up to $1,500) to avoid criminal charges and having a criminal record.

If passed (voted YES)

• Health officers and police can issue penalty tickets to people who violate COVID-19 quarantine rules, giving them 28 days to pay the fine
• People who pay their fines on time avoid criminal court proceedings and won't get a criminal record for the violation
• Authorized officers can stop people and ask questions to check if they're following COVID-19 quarantine requirements

If rejected (voted NO)

• COVID-19 quarantine violations would continue to be handled only through the regular criminal court system
• People breaking quarantine rules would face full criminal proceedings rather than having the option to pay a fine
• No streamlined penalty ticket system would be available for enforcing COVID-19 prevention measures

Who it affects

This primarily affects anyone required to quarantine in Bermuda due to COVID-19 rules, including travelers and people who test positive. It also affects health officers and police who would gain new powers to issue tickets and ask compliance questions.