COVID-19 - LIVE BLOG

September 4

BMA tells re/insurers to carry on holding virtual board meetings

The BMA acknowledged the “logistical and health difficulties resulting from COVID-19”, which may make it difficult for people to get to Bermuda for meetings.

September 4

BILTIR confirms it will go ahead with its annual conference virtually

The decision to cancel the physical conference was taken in May due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

August 28

Everest expands its suite of products for clients dealing with challenges of COVID-19

Everest promises to provide commercial clients with technology resources to help overcome the challenges brought on by COVID-19.

August 24

Bermuda’s budget deficit to “significantly increase”: Curtis Dickinson

Revenues for the three months ending June 30 were 21 percent lower than had been estimated in the budget.

August 4

Bermuda unveils online application portal for one year work from home residential certificates

Eligible applicants can submit their completed form, together with supporting documentation and the $263 fee, by visiting  www.workfrombermuda.com.

July 29

Bermuda’s pandemic response was “proactive, aggressive and successful” says Finance Minister - but he warns the battle against COVID-19 is not over

An excerpt from the recent webinar presented by the BDA and Bermuda:Re+ILS. To listen to the whole webinar, please click here.

July 27

Bermuda to grant One Year Residential Certificates to remote workers

Bermuda looks to boost economic activity by making it easier for people to move to Bermuda.

July 9

Minister of Finance to speak on Bermuda:Re+ILS and BDA webinar

The event is free to view and is scheduled for 11 am (ADT) on July 22, 2020.

July 7

Re/insurers should continue holding remote board meetings: BMA

The BMA has again acknowledged the unique challenges businesses currently face arranging board meetings due to COVID-19.

June 30

Bermuda captive conference goes virtual

The event will run from September 9-11.

June 26

Bermuda prepares to end its state of emergency on June 30

Bermuda set to enter the next stage of its plan to reopen the economy from July 1.

June 17

Bermuda plans bond issue to refinance and extend COVID-19 support measures

The transaction may also involve the refinancing of current government bonds at a more favorable interest rate, says Finance Minister.

June 15

Bermuda’s LF Wade International Airport to resume commercial services from July 1

Minister promises: “We will always place the safety of our island and its people above all else."

June 12

PartnerRe donates more than $225,000 to Bermudian charities

PartnerRe made its donations to the Coalition for the Protection of Children and the Bermuda Emergency Fund, managed by Bermuda’s Community Foundation.

June 11

Argus offers 50% rebate on motor insurance policies in April

Argus customers benefit from reduced driving activity during the COVID-19 lockdown.

June 8

Praedicat unveils tool to help clients track COVID-19 exposures

The tool will be updated regularly as new causes of action are identified and as the course of the pandemic becomes clearer.

June 2

Hurricane response measures need to be rethought in light of social distancing: Fitch

Hurricane season could compound COVID-19 challenges, says Fitch.

June 1

MS Amlin joins FCA’s test case to clarify COVID-19 BI uncertainty

The UK operations of a number of Bermuda-based re/insurers are involved in the test case, including Arch, Aspen, Hiscox and QBE.

May 29

Arrivals in Bermuda to be allowed to self quarantine

Those already in mandatory quarantine will be required to complete their time in dedicated facilities.

May 27

Bermuda identifies six new cases of COVID-19

Bermuda has uncovered six new cases of COVID-19.

Kim Wilson, Bermuda’s Minister of Health, said the uptick in cases serve as a reminder of the importance of preventive measures at a time when the island has entered phase two of its plan to reopen the economy.

While the discovery of six cases in 24 hours is a setback, Wilson stressed that Bermuda’s real time reproduction number is 0.91. Any number below one means the number of COVID-19 cases is in decline.

Wilson confirmed that four of the cases were discovered as part of the Bermuda Hospitals Board’s routine testing programme, while two were found through physician referrals. Three of the cases were local transmissions, and three remain under investigation.

Bermuda now has 139 total confirmed positive cases. Its status remains: local transmission – cluster of cases.

May 26

Bermuda adopts zero tolerance policy in enforcing social distancing

Just one super-spreader could undo all Bermuda's hard work, warns Premier.

May 26

Bermuda names COVID-19 Economic Advisory Committee

Curtis Dickinson, Bermuda’s Minister of Finance, has named the Government’s COVID-19 Economic Advisory Committee. It is chaired by Dickinson, and includes:

Committee Support:
Bermuda Government Liaison to the Committee:
Ms. Tina Tucker

Principal Coordinator of the Committee
Mitchell Klink, E&Y

Secretariat
Association of Bermuda Insurers & Reinsurers (ABIR)

The committee has been asked to deliver bold ideas that will shape Bermuda’s future. It will meet weekly to agree its remit which includes:

May 20

Essent goes virtual for AGM

Essent Group Ltd. (NYSE: ESNT) (the “Company”) today announced that, due to the public health impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), the Company will not hold its 2020 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in person and will instead be holding it in a virtual format only originating from Bermuda.

The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2020 in a virtual meeting format only at  https://web.lumiagm.com/209457238 to begin at 2 p.m., Atlantic Daylight Time. As described in the proxy materials for the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders previously distributed, shareholders as of the close of business on April 9, 2020, the record date, are entitled to participate in the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. To participate, shareholders will need the 16-digit control number included in the proxy materials delivered to such shareholder and the meeting password, essent2020 (case sensitive).

Regardless of whether or not they plan to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, all shareholders are encouraged to vote promptly in advance of the meeting by using one of the methods described in the proxy materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The proxy card included with the previously distributed proxy materials will not be reissued and may continue to be used to vote shares in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

A notice regarding the change of location of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the “Notice”) is being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission together with this press release. Additional information regarding the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders is provided in the Notice.

May 19

S&P bullish on cat bonds but warns of likely downgrades for reinsurers

The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the value of cat bonds, says S&P.

May 18

COVID-19 impact on ILS likely to be limited: AM Best

However, life and health-related cat bonds could suffer escalating losses, rating agency warns.

May 18

Bermuda edges towards phase two of its COVID-19 response strategy

Bermuda expects to unveil a technology system to enable strict enforcement of home quarantine by mid June.

May 14

An excerpt from the Minister of Health's comments on May 13

Good Afternoon,

Between yesterday and today there were 157 test results received by the Ministry of Health.

Unfortunately, we suffered a technical error in yesterday’s numbers and reported 153 results when, in fact, there were 127 received by the reporting cut-off time. Since then we received a further 30, for the total of 157. None of today’s results were positive for COVID-19.

As such, Bermuda’s total confirmed positive cases stands at 121. Their status remains as per yesterday:

The average age of all of our confirmed positive cases is 59 and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 18 to 101 years.

The age of persons hospitalized ranges between 68 and 89 years, and the average age is 78.

Now that we have a larger number of cases who are deceased, we can provide collated information about the deaths, as there is less risk of identifying individuals. The average age of all deceased cases is 75 and the age range is 57 to 91 years.

May 13

Commercial insurers cannot cover pandemics via business interruption, says American Academy of Actuaries

AAA made the case in a letter to the US House Committee on Financial Services on May 11.

May 12

BMA not ready to bring workers back to the office

The BMA says it will conduct a phased return to our physical offices at the appropriate time.

May 12

An excerpt from the Minister of Health's comments on May 11

Good Afternoon,

Between Sunday and today there were 469 test results received by the Ministry of Health; and 1 was positive for COVID-19. I am, however, deeply saddened to say that we lost another person to COVID-19 over the weekend. As is the norm, details of this individual won’t be made public by the Ministry to respect the family’s right to privacy, especially at this difficult time.

Bermuda now has 119 total confirmed positive cases. Their status is as follows:

I’m pleased to share that some hospitalized persons have been discharged, so now only

The average age of all of our confirmed positive cases is 60 and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 18 to 101 years. The age of persons hospitalized ranges between 68 and 89 years, and the average age is 77.

On Saturday we completed testing of all 21 of Bermuda’s care homes. Although the results of one care home are still being processed, to date we have the results of 333 care home residents and 436 staff members from 20 different care homes. Of all tested, 44 have come back positive.

May 11

Bermuda allows marriages as COVID-19 lockdown eases

Money service businesses may also operate with the permission of the Minister of National Security.

May 7

Hiscox hopes £375m capital raise will help capture growth opportunities amid COVID-19

The re/insurer plans capital raise to fund expansion in the wholesale and reinsurance markets and meet expected liabilities arising from the COVID-19 exposure.

May 7

The government's May 6 COVID-19 update

Today there were 195 test results received by the Ministry of Health; and 3 were positive for COVID-19.

Bermuda now has 118 total confirmed positive cases. Their status is as follows:

The average age of all of our confirmed positive cases is 60 and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 18 to 101 years. The age of persons hospitalized ranges between 64 and 91 years, and the average age is 77.

As of today, we have tested 247 care home residents and 302 staff members from twelve different care homes. Of all those tested, 505 results have come back negative with 44 positive. We plan to finish the testing of all care homes by Sunday.

May 6

The government's May 5 COVID-19 update

Today there were 104 test results received by the Ministry of Health. None were positive for COVID-19.

Bermuda continues to have 115 total confirmed positive cases. Their status is as follows:

The average age of all of our confirmed positive cases is 59 and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 18 to 95 years. The age of persons hospitalized ranges between 57 and 91 years, and the average age is 76.

May 5

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, announces the latest figures for COVID-19 cases in Bermuda, as at May 4.

Between yesterday and today there were 127 test results received by the Ministry of Health; and none were positive for COVID-19.

Bermuda has 115 total confirmed positive cases. Their status is as follows:

The average age of all of our confirmed positive cases is 59 and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 18 to 95 years. The age of persons hospitalized ranges between 57 and 91 years, and the average age is 76. The age range of deceased cases is 57 -91.

May 5

BILTIR cancels life and annuity conference, could host webinars instead

BILTIR's annual life and annuity conference becomes the latest industry event to fall victim to COVID-19.

May 4

Fire fighter tests positive for COVID-19

Last week 98 members of the Bermuda Fire Service were screened for COVID-19, with only one person testing positive.

May 1

Arch pledges $1m to global COVID-19 relief efforts

Arch said that for every dollar donated by employees, it will give two more.

May 1

Government update on COVID-19 numbers

Today there were 260 test results received by the Ministry of Health; and 3 were positive for COVID-19.

Bermuda now has 114 total confirmed positive cases. Their status is as follows:

·         there are 60 active cases, of which

·         44 persons are under active public health monitoring, and

·         16 persons are hospitalized;

·         a total of 48 have now recovered, and

·         the total deceased remains 6.

The average age of all of our confirmed positive cases is 60 and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 18 to 95 years. The age of persons hospitalized ranges between 57 and 91 years, and the average age is 76.

April 30

Lancashire estimates $35m exposure to COVID-19 claims in Q1

While the world is focused on COVID-19, other risks remain, warns CEO.

April 30

Bermuda at “the end of the beginning” with shelter in place set to be lifted on May 2

Bermuda’s suppression measures are working, says Minister of Health, with the island avoiding succumbing to widespread community transmission.

April 29

COVID losses similar to a moderate sized cat loss: Liberty Mutual

Re/insurer says the impact of the pandemic will be more pronounced in future quarters.

April 29

Argo Group Bermuda makes $100,000 donation to COVID-19 Emergency Fund

The re/insurance community continues to support COVID-19 relief efforts.

April 28

AXA XL launches virtual risk assessment tool

AXA XL thinks creatively about how to deliver services remotely.

April 28

COVID-19 claims another Bermudian life

As at April 27, one more positive case of COVID-19 had also been identified, taking the number of confirmed cases to 110.

April 28

Arch goes virtual with its annual shareholder meeting

Arch abandons plans to hold physical meeting amid COVID-19 concerns.

April 28

AXIS Capital to offer virtual access to its AGM

AXIS has taken steps to protect its shareholders.

April 27

Trade association to challenge Hiscox over COVID-19 claims denials

Hiscox's customers are demanding payment for their COVID-19 losses.

April 27

Bermuda’s drive through testing for essential workers now in full swing: David Burt

Bermuda is leading the region in testing, says Premier.

April 27

An op-ed piece from ABIR's John Huff outlining how Bermuda can start to open its economy.

Bermuda’s Premier David Burt, Cabinet Ministers, career government leaders and other public and private-sector executives have done a tremendous job of managing the unmanageable COVID-19 pandemic. A debt of thanks is owed to all of them—as well as to front-line workers—for protecting our community’s health, families and well-being in this uncertain and fast-changing environment.

From pro-active efforts on testing and contact tracing to its commitment to transparency, the government’s approach has been impressive and the dedication of the island’s essential workers vital. Bermuda has fought to keep infections down, to ensure residents are healthy and fed, and to maintain business continuity of one of the largest re/insurance markets in the world.

Calling upon our collective Bermudian spirit, local and international business, including ABIR member companies, have rallied to raise money for critically-need equipment for our hospital, bring our Bermudian students home with privately-funded rescue flights, house the homeless, and support the “Third Sector’ through unprecedented generosity.

Bermuda re/insurers, which manage over 35 percent of the global reinsurance property and casualty market, may have shut their physical offices, but they have kept commerce open. Our ABIR workforce, made up 74 percent by Bermudians, has met local and international payrolls, adjudicated global claims, and underwritten new business. Bermuda-based IT teams in the private sector and at the Bermuda Monetary Authority have kept technology, transactions and financial reporting humming in a near-seamless fashion, all while working from spare bedrooms and kitchen tables. Bermuda has proven we are adept as a largely digital economy.

As highlighted by the recent Standard & Poor’s ratings agency assessment, however, our economy will be challenged by COVID-19. S&P has changed its outlook for Bermuda from positive to “stable,” due to an expectation of increased debt and negative growth in tourism.

Our health professionals and elected leaders will soon decide when the time is right to gradually re-open the island for the ‘new normal’ of local and global commerce. Just as Sept 11 forever changed the global economy, the catastrophe of COVID-19 is negatively re-inventing our economy. But managing catastrophes—man-made and natural—is where ABIR business leaders in Bermuda excel. And, just as re/insurers stepped up to lead after 9/11, ABIR is committed to leveraging its global expertise for the benefit of Bermuda’s economic recovery effort.

What are the right first steps? How do we guard and grow the Bermuda market’s unique advantages against the challenges of competing jurisdictions that will emerge in the new economy? ABIR stands ready to create jobs and increase financial investment in Bermuda, as priorities. Further ideas to help Bermuda get started include:

(1)       Call on global executives and job creators, such as re/insurance leaders, to join the national effort to rebuild Bermuda’s economy

(2)       Leverage the expertise and international perspective of these figures to enhance Bermuda’s competitiveness in the global market

(3)       Retain committed Bermuda companies and add new ones: grow our existing business footprint by adding companies, people and investment

(4)       Incentivize job growth

(5)       Manage a gradual reopening: ABIR companies could voluntarily stagger the physical return of staff to allow the island’s retail economy a head start, if needed

(6)       Facilitate a restaurant-business partnership to jump-start our local food & beverage industry. International business can stimulate this jobs-rich sector through support of catering, curbside and takeout

(7)       Reopen and enhance immigration policy and processes to address the backlog and support recovery. Doing so will add jobs and payrolls to our economy

(8)       Recruit a full-time, economic recovery project manager as an in-kind donation from a global company with world headquarters in Bermuda

(9)       Use our stable government leadership during COVID-19 as an example of a positive attribute to promote Bermuda around the world

(10)   Design short-, mid- and long-term goals and objectives of the global “new normal” business environment

(11)   Be ready to compete with global jurisdictions prepared to exploit recovery efforts to build their own markets and lure our companies and talent

(12)   Be sensitive to the cost of doing business in Bermuda. We need more companies, more employees and more investment, not a heavier burden on existing companies

Bermuda still has a long way to go to weather the COVID-19 storm, but the re/insurance industry excels in time of disruption and catastrophe.

Managing risk is our strength—and we stand ready to put that experience to work for Bermuda’s future.

John Huff is CEO of the Association of Bermuda Insurers & Reinsurers (ABIR).

April 24

Watford warns market volatility will weigh on Q1 results

Another re/insurer warns investors to prepare for disappointment ahead of Q1 results.

April 24

No new cases of COVID-19 uncovered on April 23

Bermuda received 61 COVID-19 test results on April 23, all of which were returned negative.

It means Bermuda's total confirmed positive cases remains at 99, with 55 of them active cases. There are currently 11 people in hospital being treated for the virus. To date, five people have died of COVID-19 in Bermuda.

April 24

Everest Re gives a sneak previous of its upcoming Q1 results

Everest Re Group, Ltd. (“Everest” or the “Company”) announced today the estimated impact from the Covid-19 pandemic ("Pandemic”) on its first quarter 2020 results. Everest is providing details in advance of its full quarterly earnings to be released on May 6, 2020.

“As the situation surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic continues to evolve, our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted around the globe. Everest remains committed to supporting our clients, communities, and trading partners. These are unprecedented times, and our first priority is the safety of our employees, business partners, other stakeholders and their families. Our entire organization has been working remotely, continuing to serve our customers with the same high level of service that they have come to expect. Our capital position remains a source of strength, with high quality invested assets, significant liquidity, low financial leverage, and a low operating expense ratio. Our diversified global platform with its broad mix of products, distribution and geography is resilient,” said Everest President & CEO Juan C. Andrade.

For the first quarter of 2020, Everest expects to report the following:

1. A combined ratio below 100% for the consolidated reinsurance and insurance operations.
   
   Included in the above combined ratio is an incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) provision for an estimate of $150 million in pre-tax net first party losses for expected claims related to the Pandemic. The majority of the losses are expected to come from our Reinsurance Segment. This estimate is consistent with our philosophy of recognizing and reacting to expected losses on a timely basis. As a result, this IBNR estimate is being recognized in the current quarter. Pandemic losses will be tracked separately and as an ongoing event.
2. Net investment income of $148 million for the first quarter of 2020.
   
   Everest notes that net investment income from limited partnerships is generally subject to a reporting lag averaging one quarter. As such, the results from these investments during the first quarter of 2020 will be reported in the second quarter 2020 net investment income. Our balance sheet, including our investment portfolio, is well-diversified, with a focus on high quality fixed income investments. Since the start of the economic crisis, Everest has further repositioned our portfolio, moving up in fixed income credit quality and reducing equity exposure.

April 23

RenRe confirms it will not attend Rendez Vous in September

RenRe says its focus is on its upcoming renewals and the COVID-19 challenges at hand.

April 23

Hiscox provides an update on its COVID-19 exposure

Acknowledging there remains material uncertainty due to the unprecedented events that are currently unfolding, Hiscox has conducted further analysis of its potential exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic and provides an update.

Hiscox is actively settling claims for event cancellation and abandonment, media and entertainment and other segments including travel. On the basis that disruption caused by restrictions on travel and mass gatherings continues for a six month period from March 2020, Hiscox expects to pay net claims totalling up to $150 million. In the event that restrictions on travel and mass gatherings are extended beyond six months, Hiscox expects that these claims could increase by an additional $25 million.

Hiscox is also receiving claims as a result of economic losses following government action to stop the spread of COVID-19. Like others in the industry, Hiscox UK’s core small commercial package policies do not provide cover for business interruption as a result of the general measures taken by the UK government in response to a pandemic.

As described in its announcement on 15 April, Hiscox UK has approximately 10,000 customers that purchased cover for business interruption and have been directly impacted by mandated government premises closure to stop the spread of COVID-19. Over 70% of these customers have monthly revenues of less than £40,000 in a normal trading environment, with a significant proportion below £10,000 per month. The level of economic loss experienced is likely to be materially lower than reported revenues.

A number of UK policyholders have disputed the application of their policy in relation to business interruption. Hiscox recognises these are extremely difficult times for businesses and is determined to help provide greater certainty for customers. As a priority it will therefore work with the UK insurance industry, its regulators and its customers to seek means of expediting resolution through the range of independent mechanisms available.

Hiscox believes its business interruption exposure to COVID-19 is limited in Hiscox Europe and it has negligible exposure in Hiscox USA.

Hiscox UK and Hiscox Europe have a substantial catastrophe reinsurance programme.

Hiscox’s capital, liquidity and funding positions remain robust and the Group remains operationally strong in the face of unprecedented global uncertainty presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hiscox expects this uncertainty and consequent capital contraction to influence rates across wholesale and reinsurance markets.

April 23

Bermuda’s COVID-19 testing regime must expand faster: David Burt

“No one is more disappointed than I am, when we have not been able to test as aggressively as I know that we need to," says Premier.

April 22

Bermuda’s COVID-19 case count close to 100 with 12 new cases identified

Bermuda processed 222 new COVID-19 test results on April 21.

April 21

Bermuda completes COVID-19 testing for all patients in government quarantine facilities

Bermuda's Premier hails “incredible feat” as new aggressive testing regime gets off to a great start.

April 20

Bermuda unveils new COVID-19 testing lab, begins aggressive testing

The Bermuda Government Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory complements the testing already being done by Helix Laboratory.

April 17

Bermuda’s government prepares for its first virtual session

The government is expected to discuss extending the state of emergency, to allow it to continue restricting movement once the shelter in place order expires.

April 17

Reinsurers donate eight ventilators to Bermudian hospitals

Athene Life Re, Athora Holding, Aspen Insurance Holdings and Catalina Holdings are donating eight ventilators to the Bermuda Hospitals Board.

April 16

Hiscox predicts limited losses related to COVID-19

Business interruption exposure to COVID-19 is limited in Europe and negligible in the US, says Hiscox.

April 16

Arch Capital braced for COVID-related losses of up to $95m

Re/insurers are starting to share their thoughts about the impact the crisis could have on their balance sheets.

April 16

Bermuda’s economy set to shrink by up to 12.5% this year

A sobering prediction from the Minister of Finance.

April 15

AXIS pledges $1m to COVID-19 relief efforts

Half of the money will be spent on global efforts while the other half will focus on communities in which AXIS operates, such as Bermuda.

April 15

Chubb arranges digital risk management conference

With all the conference cancellations, people are missing their opportunities to discuss risk management strategies. Chubb is here to help.

April 15

A note from Conyers

In light of COVID-19, the Bermuda Monetary Authority and the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority have implemented continuity arrangements enabling them to continue to receive and process insurance applications of all types.

For information on managing your Bermuda or Cayman business and transactions during the pandemic, and on Economic Substance implications, please click on the foregoing links. Further topical articles can be found here.

We would like to reassure our clients that we remain available to provide advice during this difficult time, when many businesses will have changing needs, and we sincerely hope that you, your families and colleagues stay healthy during this trying period.

As the market leading insurance legal practices in both Bermuda and Cayman, we hope you find this review of recent developments in the jurisdictions insightful and informative reading, while much of the world is in lockdown.

April 15

Shelter in place extended until at least May 2

The Public Health Emergency Response Team has unanimously recommended extending the shelter in place regime for at least another two weeks.

April 14

PWC's Arhur Wightman says compassion from business leaders, and a long-term perspective, must guide the response to the COVID-19 crisis in his blog. Read more here.

April 14

Chubb announces grants as part of its $10m commitment to pandemic relief efforts globally

NEW YORK, April 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Chubb today announced three grants as part of its previously announced commitment to contribute $10 million to pandemic relief efforts globally. The company's support, which is funded through the Chubb Charitable Foundation, is directed to partner organizations around the world that are providing essential resources immediately in areas facing the most acute need from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chubb has made a $1.7 million donation to International Medical Corps to provide surge support to strengthen hospital capacity during the outbreak. Chubb's support, which is focused on hot-spot and low-resource areas, will help provide medical supplies, medical equipment and surged staffing support at health facilities in need. International Medical Corps is deploying emergency medical field units and has activated its volunteer roster of nearly 300 medical professionals, who have begun deploying to hospitals. International Medical Corps is also leveraging its global supply chain and procurement team to send critically needed medical supplies, including personal protective equipment and medical equipment, to hospitals and for health workers in need.

The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN) is receiving a $1.5 million contribution to provide urgently needed support to food banks around the world based on an assessment of areas with the most critical needs. With more than one-third of the globe's workers unemployed due to the pandemic, food banks are seeing an overwhelming increase in demand for food aid. Chubb's support comprises Foodbank Australia; Fareshare in the U.K.; direct grants to food banks in Europe; and unrestricted programmatic support globally. To date, GFN's COVID-19 response fund has supported relief efforts in 43 countries as well as provided technical support to help food banks procure and distribute meals.

Chubb's $1 million contribution to Project Hope, made in partnership with Healthcare Ready and supported by the Business Roundtable, is procuring personal protective equipment (PPE) and other vital equipment from manufacturers worldwide and arranging around-the-clock movement and delivery to America's nurses, doctors and others to treat patients and help stop the spread of COVID-19. These critically needed supplies are being allocated to health facilities in coordination with Healthcare Ready, which is working in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"We are moving quickly to fulfill our $10 million commitment to the urgent pandemic relief efforts to meet the immediate health and nutrition needs of those most affected by this global crisis," said Evan G. Greenberg, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "The grants announced today are supporting organizations on the front lines of this outbreak.  Each partner organization has experience, capabilities and a track record of delivering relief effectively.

"GFN is fulfilling an urgent need to help address the surge in demand for food, especially amongst the world's most vulnerable populations. International Medical Corps has extensive experience in battling global crises and is well positioned to bring its capabilities and resources to help increase healthcare capacity at overwhelmed hospitals and respond to the immediate needs of frontline healthcare workers. The Project Hope public/private partnership is supporting urgent efforts to protect our critically important frontline medical workers in current coronavirus hotspots such as New York City, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Chicago, and preparing to address future needs in locations expected to face a sudden surge.  We are pleased to support these critical and urgent initiatives."

April 14

Bermudian care home reports COVID-19 cases

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bermuda now stands at 57.

April 9

Hiscox cancels dividends as it braces for tough times ahead

Hiscox takes step “to help Hiscox serve the needs of businesses and households through the extraordinary challenges presented by COVID-19.”

April 9

Bermuda could see 700 fatalities from COVID-19: Burt

Bermuda's Premier has announced the third confirmed fatality related to COVID-19 and warned things will get much worse if Bermudians don't start taking the shelter in place order seriously.

April 9

ABIR helped repatriate Bermudians stranded in Canada hours before lockdown kicked in

The Association of Bermuda Insurers & Reinsurers (ABIR) teamed up with the Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC), in cooperation with the government of Bermuda, to bring a group of Bermuda students and island residents home to their families amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bermuda government officials reached out to both industry organisations to request help after it became apparent Bermuda students were not going to make it home from Canada before the island’s shelter-in-place restrictions took effect. Working quickly, ABIR and ABIC made collaborative arrangements to charter a plane to offer the stranded individuals a ride home.

The LearJet35 left Toronto Friday with five passengers aboard, arriving in Bermuda just a few hours before the island’s lockdown began.

Albert Benchimol, President and CEO of AXIS Capital and chair of ABIR, said: “Reuniting Bermudian students with their families together during the pandemic is a small gesture that means a great deal.  ABIR member companies are pleased to work with ABIC and the Bermuda government to ensure a safe homecoming for Bermudian students studying in Canada.”

“This was an impressive and very commendable initiative, and underscores these companies’ deep commitment to the island,” said Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone, founder of Lili Bermuda Perfumery and Bermuda’s Honorary Consul of Canada.

“ABIR and ABIC were pleased to come together to address an immediate need in our community,” said John M. Huff, President & CEO of ABIR, and Richard Winchell, CEO of ABIC, in a joint statement. “Bermuda’s international business sector remains committed to Bermuda’s health and economic recovery from COVID-19.”

April 8

Walkers outlines COVID 19's likely impact on re/insurance market

Walkers has written a handy guide outlining how it expects the COVID-19 crisis to impact the re/insurance market.

The guide can be found here.

April 8

BF&M pledges $20,000 to Bermuda to assist COVID-19 response

BF&M is another re/insurer that has stepped up with a charitable donation to help tackle COVID-19.

April 8

HSBC pledges $180,000 to assist COVID-19 response

HSBC Bermuda has pledged to donate a total of $180,000 to support those impacted by COVID-19.
The bank is adopting a broad based, community support approach in recognition of the increasing pressures currently facing the charitable sector, as they work to assist a number of local residents negatively impacted by the global pandemic.
$140,000 will be allocated across six local charities that support seniors, children and education, single-parent homes, vulnerable individuals and the food insecure population in Bermuda.
Steve Banner, HSBC Bermuda CEO, shared, “There is a large cross-section of our community that is confronting, or soon will, extremely difficult challenges directly attributed to this global pandemic. As a corporate donor, HSBC seeks to be both strategic and considerate when
providing support to local charities.
“We recognise that, in addition to the six local charities already selected, there will be more needing support. A further $40,000 has been pledged to support two local charities that will be nominated by HSBC staff in the coming weeks to directly address COVID-19 related challenges.”
Annually, HSBC Bermuda contributes an estimated $1,000,000. in funding through its charitable giving, donations and sponsorships activities.

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