“I am saddened to report that we have had another coronavirus related death since our last update,” said Acting Minister of Health, the Hon Walter Roban. “I extend condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 8805 test results, and 303 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 3.4%.

These results are from testing done on:

·Tuesday: 46 positive out of 1266 results (3.6% positivity)

·Wednesday:  34 positive out of  1316 results (2.6% positivity)

·Thursday: 52 positive out of 1660 results (3.1% positivity)

·Friday: 45 positive out of 1524 results (3.0% positivity)

·Saturday: 32 positive out of 756 results (4.2% positivity)

·Sunday: 35 positive out of 813 results (4.3% positivity)

·Monday: 59 positive out of 1470 results (4.0% positivity)

34 of the new cases are classified as imported with a history of travel in the previous 14 days.

The additional 269 new cases are classified as either local transmission (109) or under investigation (160).

Additionally, there were 355 recoveries.

There are 356 active cases, of which:

·349 are under public health monitoring; and

·7 are in hospital, with 0 in intensive care.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 14135 coronavirus cases, out of which 13644 have recovered, and sadly there have been 135 coronavirus-related deaths.

The source of all active cases is as follows:

·35 are Imported

·141 are classified as local transmission

·180 are Under Investigation

The source of all confirmed cases is as follows:

·2657 are Imported

·10865 are classified as local transmission of which:

o   4995 are Local transmission with known contact/source and

o   5870 are Local transmission with an unknown contact/source

·613 are Under Investigation

As investigations proceed, transmission categories may change. For age distributions and overall transmission categories, please refer to https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus-covid19-update. The seven-day average of our real-time reproduction number is 0.80.

For information regarding other conditions being reported to the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, please refer to https://www.gov.bm/health-information.

Since January 11, 2021, Bermuda residents have received 132,621 vaccinations.

Of the 132,621 vaccinations given as of May 7, 2022:

·52% are women and,

·48% are men

87.0% of all residents over 65 years have had at least one vaccination, and 85.8% are fully immunised.

To date, 75.7% of the population has been vaccinated (1 dose), and 74.4% of the population has been immunised (2 doses).

70.7% of those eligible for a booster have received their booster, and 10.8% of those with a booster have received a second booster dose.

“As we all try to get on with our lives and live safely with COVID, we must continue to protect ourselves and those around us, especially our most vulnerable,” advised Acting Minister of Health, Walter Roban.

“Take extra precautions when visiting older relatives, when attending events like weddings, funerals, parties or any large social gathering. Take precautions when you are around people outside of your bubble. Stay home if you feel unwell, even if you test negative. We are in a much better place. However, people are still getting sick from the coronavirus and the unvaccinated have the highest risk of hospitalisations and death. Getting vaccinated and boostered is still our best protection.

"Vaccinations and boosters are available through the Hamilton Health Centre, 67 Victoria Street. These vaccinations are by appointment only, with no walk-ins. Call 332-8906 for assistance in scheduling an appointment, or book online atwww.gov.bm/vaccines.

“Vaccinations and boosters will also be available next Tuesday, May 17, at the Somerset Pharmacy between 10 am and 3:30 pm. They are only administering a few doses, and there will be no walk-ins. Anyone wanting to get a vaccination there should book an appointment via clinservice@somersetpharmacybda.com or call 234-2484.

“As a reminder, pediatric doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for children will end at the end of May. Parents who wish to have their child vaccinated should register their child on gov.bm/vaccines and then contact their paediatrician to register an interest in getting the vaccine. If your child does not have a paediatrician contact the Hamilton Health Centre on 332-8906for assistance in scheduling an appointment. If you have questions, please contact vaccine@gov.bm or call 444-2498 and select Option #2.

Minister Roban concluded, “Some people are experiencing lingering coronavirus symptoms. If you test positive from an antigen test it indicates you are still infectious, so you must continue to isolate until you test negative. This may take longer than you expect. 

“Everyone must be responsible and take action to stay safe. Avoid closed spaces, crowded places and close contact settings. Continue to follow Public Health guidance, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, ensure proper ventilation indoors and maintain physical distance.”