11 June 2020 – Given our physical presence in communities across the island and ability to reach thousands of consumers, we are in a unique position to assist in the Government’s efforts in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The MarketPlace today announced a partnership with the Ministry of Health to offer pop-up Covid-19 testing at select stores across the island through the month of June.

The MarketPlace supports the Government’s efforts in minimising the threat and impact of the virus and will help by facilitating island-wide test sites with a goal of increasing test frequency. It’s important for The MarketPlace customers to understand that they will not be impacted. Testing will take place in secure areas of parking lots – not inside – on the following days and times:

• Heron Bay MarketPlace: Friday, June 12 from 3pm to 7pm; Sunday, June 14 from 12pm to 5pm; Wednesday, June 24 from 3pm to 7pm; Thursday, June 18 from 2pm to 7pm; and Tuesday, June 30 from 3pm to 7pm
• Shelly Bay MarketPlace: Saturday, June 13 from 3pm to 7pm; Friday, June 19 from 3pm to 7pm; Sunday, June 21 from 12pm to 5pm; and Thursday, June 25 and Monday, June 29 from 3pm to 7pm
• Somerset MarketPlace: Saturday, June 20 from and Friday, June 26 from 3pm to 7pm
• Modern Mart: Sunday, June 28 from 12pm to 5pm

Seth Stutzman, president of The MarketPlace group of companies, said: “There’s still much work to be done and we’d like to assist to further combat this disease. In addition to increased sanitisation of our stores, providing our associates with appropriate personal protective equipment, and following public health guidelines, this partnership with the Ministry of Health is a natural next step for us as we continually ensure a safe environment for our associates, customers and the communities that we serve, which is our highest priority. We’re all in this together and many of us can play greater roles in supporting the Government’s efforts and that’s what we are doing.”

The Minister of Health the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP said: “The Ministry of Health is delighted to partner with the MarketPlace on this progressive, new initiative. Convenient pop-up testing stations will make it easier than ever to know your COVID-19 status. The more test results we receive, the more we know, and the better we can protect our vulnerable, allocate our resources and plan for the safe reopening of Bermuda. The countries who have fared better throughout this pandemic are the ones with aggressive testing regimes. I want to commend the MarketPlace for their efforts in helping us to protect our community.”

The public is encouraged to book online at www.coronavirus.gov.bm or call the Covid-19 hotline on 444-2498 between 9.00am and 9.00pm. Walk-ups are welcomed. Persons administering nasal swabs are medically trained. Test results will be emailed the individual or sent to their doctor within 48 hours.

More information on steps The MarketPlace has taken to address the Covid-19 pandemic is available on our frequently updated Covid-19 response page: https://www.marketplace.bm/updates/coronavirus.