This evening, the Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson regrets to advise the public that sadly, Bermuda has experienced another COVID-19 death. 

This brings the total number of COVID-19 deaths in Bermuda to 17. 

Minister Wilson said this evening, “This is devastating news, and I extend my sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the individual who has passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. The Ministry will not release personal details about the individual and we ask the public to respect the privacy of the family as they mourn their loved one.” 

The public is advised that there were 1,521 test results received by the Ministry of Health since the last update and 51 were positive for coronavirus. 

This gives a test positivity rate of 3.5%. 

• Four (4) of the new cases are classified as imported with details as follows: 

• Two (2) residents who arrived on American Airlines AA 308 from Miami on 29 March 2021 and tested positive on their Day 14 test 

• One (1) resident who arrived on Delta Airlines DL 584 from Atlanta on 12 April 2021 and tested positive on their arrival test 

• One (1) resident who arrived on Jet Blue B6203 from Boston on 29 March 2021 and tested positive on their Day 14 test 

• Twelve (12) of the new cases are classified as local transmission with known contact as associated with known cases. 

The additional 35 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, there were 38 recoveries. 

Bermuda has 1,986 total confirmed positive cases. Their status is as follows. 

There are 880 active cases, of which 

• 841 are under public health monitoring; and 

•  39 are in hospital with 5 in intensive care; 

• a total of 1089 have recovered, and 

• the total deceased is 17. 

The mean age of all confirmed positive cases is 41 years (median: 40 years) and the ages range from less than 1 year to greater than 100 years. 

The mean age of all currently active cases is 41 years (median: 42 years) and the ages range from less than 10 years (age group: 0-9 years) to greater than 80 years (age group: 80-100 years). 

The mean age of all hospitalized cases is 65 years (median: 65 years) and the ages range from less than 30 years (age group: 20-29 years) to greater than 80 years (age group: 80-100 years). 

The mean age of all deceased cases is 75 years (median: 74 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: 

• 272 are Imported 

• 1226 are classified as local transmission of which:
       - 1131 are Local transmission with known contact/source and 

       - 95 are Local transmission with an unknown contact/source

  • 488 are Under Investigation.

As investigations proceed, transmission categories may change. Today’s update has 25 cases moving from under investigation to local transmission with known contact/source and 1 case moving from under investigation to local transmission with unknown contact/source. 

Of the over 200,000 test results reported, the mean age of all persons tested is 43 years (median:  42 years) and the ages range from less than 1 year to greater than 100 years. 

The seven-day average of our real time reproduction number is 1.10. 

Bermuda’s current WHO country status is “Community Transmission”. 

Minister Wilson also took this opportunity to remind the public of the expanded coronavirus testing programme. 

The new testing protocols will allow three additional testing methods to be used: 

• Oropharyngeal test – the test sample is collected from the back of the throat by a trained swabber. This test is for those directed to get a test by a Healthcare professional. This test used on children and adults with a history of nasal problems. 

• The Nasal Mid-Turbinate test – the sample is collected from both nostrils, is self-administered and observed by a trained swabber. This test is for travelers and people who are concerned they may have been exposed to a confirmed case. 

• The Saliva test – the sample is self-administered and observed by a trained administrator. This test is for travelers and people who are concerned they may have been exposed to a confirmed case. 

The additional testing protocols will enable the Ministry to use its staff more efficiently and thereby increase our capacity. 

The testing will take place at the following locations: 

Star of India and Penno's Wharf 

These testing sites are for those who wish to know their COVID-19 Status, as well as anyone concerned that they might have COVID-19, and outbound travelers (who are residents). Tests conducted at this site are Saliva PCR and Nasal Mid-Turbunate PCR. Both of these tests are self-administered, while being monitored by a health professional on site. If a person thinks they have been exposed to someone that has COVID-19 or are feeling unwell, please book an appointment at the Bulls Head location. 

A very important note – individuals CANNOT eat, drink, smoke or chew gum 30 minutes prior to test. 

• Only book one person and one spot at a time. 

• Please bring the confirmation number provided, via the email confirmation, with you for your screening. 

• Please bring a photo ID to your appointment. If your child is to be tested, please make every effort to bring an ID for them also (passport, birth certificate) or an official Government OCMO/ESU letter confirming a test appointment. 

Bulls Head  

This testing site is used for outbreaks, close contacts and symptomatic clients and will only provide Nasopharyngeal (NP) and Oropharyngeal (OP) testing. 

Perot Post Office – Operating seven days a week, 10:00am – 5:00pm 

This testing site is used for Travelers (visitors and residents flying into Bermuda) and Outbound Travelers (visitors only) . This location will be used for their day 4, 8, 14 and OUTBOUND tests, and will only provide Nasopharyngeal (NP) and Oropharyngeal (OP) testing. 

Testing times are emailed to travellers. 

Minister Wilson concluded, "We continue to encourage residents to get vaccinated. If you haven’t already done so, please register to get vaccinated because vaccination is not only the the key to our freedom, but it can also save lives. 

"We all have a role to play in stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Please follow Public Health guidelines, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance and download the WeHealth Bermuda app."