Good afternoon Bermuda.
As we reported yesterday, since the last update for testing completed through 18 December, the Ministry of Health received 8,342 test results and 102 were positive for COVID-19, giving a test positivity rate of 1.2%.
This brought the total number of active cases to 152, with 151 under public health monitoring and 1 person in hospital. Unfortunately, testing completed on 19 December resulted in 21 more positive cases.
Where variant typing is available, the majority of our positive cases are now Omicron.
As we have indicated in recent public updates and briefings, this variant is highly transmissible.
This has been a major concern in other jurisdictions, and now it is becoming an increasing concern for us right here at home.
Daily, we are seeing astronomical rises in the numbers of infections overseas, and the rising numbers are due to this new variant.
From what we are learning from those who have been infected, the positive cases are symptomatic, though, for those who are vaccinated, their symptoms are mild.
These symptoms include cold-like symptoms, fatigue, runny nose, cough, headache, congestion, sore/scratchy throat, and body aches.
So again, if you have any of these symptoms, please stay at home even if you do not think you are sick. It really is better to be safe than sorry.
I recognize that this is typically a time when we would all come together in the spirit of the holiday season, but these are far from typical or normal times.
As you can appreciate, our number one priority is to ensure that we are protecting all our residents. This especially includes our most vulnerable members of the community.
Omicron is indiscriminate, and we must put safeguards in place to not only protect our people, but to ensure that our healthcare system does not become overwhelmed.
Today, Cabinet considered and approved the recommendations made by the Sub-committee on Covid to re-introduce some restrictions for the island.
So on Thursday, December 23 the following requirements will come into effect:
➢ We will be reinstituting a curfew from 12.30 am – 5.00 am
➢ Maximum group sizes will move back to 20 people
➢ Household mixing is strongly discouraged. However, if you must attend a household other than your own over the holidays, we are strongly urging persons to take an antigen test before they visit another home.
➢ Masks must be worn indoors at all times and, also, outdoors when you are within 6 feet of another person.
➢ For restaurants, bars and clubs, tables will be limited to a maximum of 10 people and must be spaced 6ft apart. SafeKey will continue to be required for these indoorsettings.
➢ We are encouraging employees who are able, to work remotely from home. Along with this, we are encouraging employers to use antigen tests to ensure employees who must be at the workplace are negative for COVID-19.
➢ Churches will be open – however masks must be worn by all - the officiants, congregation and choirs.
➢ Gyms can remain open – but SafeKey must continue to be used and physical distancing must be observed; and for
➢ Personal care services – SafeKey is recommended for those services that require masks to be removed.
This mixture of legislative and guidance changes will slow transmission of the coronavirus.
I cannot stress enough the significance of individuals making the right and smart choices over this holiday season.
We must collectively do everything we can to avoid mass community transmission.
As I stated last week, caution must be taken in high-risk settings – the gatherings and Christmas parties which take place at this time of year.
Stick to the basics and be safe. Wear your mask properly, practice good hand hygiene and keep physically distanced from those not in your household.
Consider prioritizing your outings and do not try to go to everything. Try to minimize mixing between households.
Take an antigen test before you go out so that you know your status. A home test is a quick easy way to find out whether you are infectious.
We must all follow these safety tips but, as I have said many times, vaccination remains the best defense against the virus that causes COVID-19, and I encourage all unvaccinated people to get vaccinated.
Unfortunately, our experience with the Delta wave is that unvaccinated people are particularly susceptible to infection and, in significantly greater numbers, they ended up in hospital.
Sadly, many died.
Omicron is fast moving and highly transmissible. That is a fact.
And I remain extremely concerned that this variant will spread among the unvaccinated as well as vulnerable people in our community, which could potentially cause another surge in the numbers of people being hospitalised.
Do the research, talk with your doctor and make an informed decision about getting the Covid-19 vaccine.
There is a wealth of information about the vaccines online at gov.bm.
Regarding the booster programme, Pier Six remains open until December 23.
Those individuals who are 65 and over and who are eligible for a booster (as their second jab was more than six months ago), should take advantage of this opportunity before this vaccine centre closes for the holidays.
If you are 65 and over, you do not need an appointment at Pier Six. Just walk in and get the jab.
Furthermore, I am pleased to announce that booster appointments are once again open for booking on weekdays at Pier Six from January 5. Second dose appointments will be made for Saturday, January 8 and, thereafter, Pier Six will administer first and second doses on Saturdays and boosters during the week for the remainder of the month.
And as it relates to our outbound testing regime, what we can advise at this time is that Ministry of Health continues working with our healthcare partners and professionals to make outbound antigen tests available through physicians’ offices and pharmacies.
I do note the expedited arrival testing has proven popular and, as a result, it is placing some strain on MDL. Cabinet has agreed to continue the programme for a fee of $200 to ensure sufficient resources and timely results. When the expedited process can be based at the airport, early in the first quarter of the New Year, that fee will be reduced.
Finally, this is likely my last briefing before the end of the year.
So, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the people of Bermuda for their patience and cooperation as we navigated the second year of this pandemic.
There have been moments of strain and fatigue, but there have also been many moments of grace, courage and resilience.
I appreciate that this has been a very difficult year.
I also know the toll it has taken on so many families. I know and understand the loss you havesuffered.
I also know this has been a particularly difficult year for our local businesses.
But as challenging as it has been, we are on the cusp of a new year. And with a new year, comes hope.
We have learned lessons. And as a Government we continue to work tirelessly to introduce innovative ways to help us ensure a safe and equitable Bermuda for all.
I must end my remarks by thanking all of our hard-working healthcare professionals in the private sector who have provided their guidance and support.
Thank you also to all of our front line and essential services workers for their continued service.
And of course, I extend my endless gratitude and thanks to the entire team of healthcare professionals and administrative staff in the Ministry of Health.
Thank you for your commitment to the people of Bermuda.
Thank you for all of your long hours day in and day out. You have helped make this country a safer place for us all.
With that, I want to wish all of Bermuda a safe, peaceful, blessed and most of all – healthy Christmas and New Year.
I now turn it back over to the Acting Premier. Thank you.