Good day. 

The Ministry of Health received 629 test results since the last update, and seven (7) were positive for COVID-19. Five (5) of the new cases are classified as local transmission with known contact as they are associated with known cases. The additional (2) new cases are classified as under investigation. These cases are among residents with no currently identified link to other known cases or history of travel in the past 14 days.

Additionally, since the last update, there were four (4) recoveries.

There are currently 33 active cases, of which;

·          All 33 are under public health monitoring and;

·          None are in the hospital.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 749 total confirmed cases of COVID-19; out of those, 704 persons have recovered, and 12 persons have sadly succumbed to COVID-19.

The mean age of all confirmed positive cases is 43 years (median: 40 years), and the ages range from less than one (1) year to greater than 100 years.

The mean age of all currently active cases is 31 years (median: 31 years), and the ages range from less than 20 years (age group: 10-19 years) to greater than 70 years (age group: 70-79 years).

The mean age of all deceased cases is 75 years (median: 77 years), and the ages range from less than 60 years (age group: 50-59 years) to greater than 80 years (age group: 80-100 years).

The source of all cases is as follows:

·         221 are imported

·         521 are classified as local transmission of which:

·         429 are local transmission with known contact/source and 

·         92 are local transmission with an unknown contact/source

·         7 are under investigation

As investigations proceed, transmission categories may change. 

Of the over 180,000 test results reported, the mean age of all persons tested is 43 years (median:  42 years), and the ages range from less than one (1) year to greater than 100 years.

The seven-day average of our real time reproduction number is approaching one (1), and Bermuda’s current country status remains “Sporadic Cases”.

The Ministry of Health is advising those operating camps during Easter break to refer to the Camp Guidance at https://www.gov.bm/camp-guidance.

“Camp operators should register with the Ministry of Health and Department of Youth and Sport,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “The camp guidance ensures that correct contact information is captured and records of attendance in case contact tracing is required.”

“It is important that camp operators ensure the safety of children and the staff. As there will be mixing of school groups during this time, failure to abide by public health measures could have consequences for returning to school after the holiday. The Department of Youth & Sport and the Department of Health will visit all camps over the Easter Break.”

“As a reminder, the Bermuda College vaccination centre will accept walk-ins for the remainder of this week, for those persons 65 years and older who are unable to register for the vaccination on line.  We will also accept walk-ins for those persons 50 or older. However, again, please note that priority will be given to those 65 and older. Walk-in appointments are from 3 pm to 6:45 pm, and we do insist that you do not attend before 3 pm.” 

“Please remember that if you have travelled, you cannot get your first or second dose of the vaccine until after your 14-day negative COVID test result. When you go for your vaccination, please wear clothing that makes it easy to access your upper arm. The COVID-19 vaccine is only available to Bermuda Residents, and you will be required to show proof of residency at your appointment. For question, please visit our Vaccine FAQ's or email us at vaccine@gov.bm or call the COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 444-2498 and select option #2.”

The Minister is also urging residents to be vigilant regarding the transmission of the coronavirus. Minister Wilson said: “With the recent surge of confirmed positive COVID cases on the island, we must do our part to reduce the risk of sustained community transmission that could overwhelm our healthcare system and halt our economic recovery.”

“I strongly urge everyone to act responsibly and do what is right for our family and our community to avoid having the Government implement stricter measures.”

“Follow the guidelines and avoid parties and any gathering of more than 25 people in attendance – indeed, avoid smaller gatherings too, if the attendees are not part of your normal “bubble”. Continue to wear your mask, practice hand hygiene, and physically distance. 

Avoid the three ‘Cs’ – closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places with many people nearby, and close-contact settings such as close-range conversations – six feet must be maintained at all times, including greetings.”

“If you are experiencing symptoms, please contact your doctor. Your doctor will schedule you or direct you to the COVID-19 helpline at 444-2498 for symptomatic testing appointment slots.”

“Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: Fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea.”