Good Afternoon,
Thank you, Premier.
I want to begin my remarks today by reminding everyone that the future health of Bermuda is in our hands. While we cannot fully predict what will happen regarding transmission in our community, our actions today will determine whether we succeed or fail in our fight against COVID-19.
Before saying more about what we can all do in our collective fight against COVID-19, I will present today’s update on testing results.
Today, there were 35 test results received; two were positive and 33 were negative. Thankfully, there were no additional hospitalizations, and there were no reported deaths today.
With these 2 new cases, Bermuda's total confirmed positive cases is now 83. Their status is as follows:
- there are 43 active cases, of which
- 34 persons are under active public health monitoring, and
- 9 persons are hospitalized;
- a total of 35 have now recovered, and
- the total deceased remains at 5.
The average age of all of our confirmed positive cases is 56. The median age is 58, and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 18 to 91 years. The age of persons hospitalized ranges between 67 and 82 years, and the average age is 74.
Out of the 83 positive cases confirmed to date, 37 are males, and 46 are females.
As a follow up to developments at the nursing home facility we spoke about yesterday, the Ministry of Health staff is implementing an outbreak management plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors of the nursing facility. This plan includes providing additional necessary PPE, instructions on use, assuring adequate nursing care and medical oversight of residents and staff.
I can confirm that the legislation governing the regulation of care homes has now been amended to prohibit staff from working at multiple facilities when the Chief Medical Officers determines there is a risk of spreading a communicable disease. We are fully conscious of the challenges associated with this measure, but it is necessary right now to save lives.
I have to extend a very special thanks to the staff who are bravely and selflessly taking care of residents at our care home facilities. Theirs is a courageous sacrifice the country must recognize and salute. It is frontline workers like them who are the heroes in this crisis.
Knowing how vulnerable seniors and other at risk populations are with respect to this pandemic, I have to remind us that we are all being called upon to do the right thing for others. Collectively, we have a responsibility to work together to stop the spread of this virus and keep our island safe, especially for those in our community who are the most vulnerable.
Staying in our homes is indeed an interruption to our lifestyles, but more importantly, it is an interruption to the transmission of the virus.
Another way to help slow the spread of COVID-19 is the use of cloth face coverings.
As I have said previously, the Ministry of Health recommends wearing cloth face coverings in any public setting in addition to other social distancing measures. For example: grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies.
A simple cloth face covering can also help prevent people who may not know that they have the virus, from transmitting it to others.
We are encouraged that many people are making cloth face coverings at home, which is not costly and can be used as an additional, voluntary health measure. Thank you to everyone in our community who is making homemade face coverings. I have seen a wide variety of attractive and well-made face coverings; this is another way that we are working together to protect Bermuda from the transmission of COVID-19.
Instructions on how to make cloth face coverings can be found on coronavirus.gov.bm.
In closing; continue social distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene and always wear a mask in public places. Individuals who have respiratory symptoms or other symptoms they think may be related to COVID-19 should be in contact by telephone with their family physician for advice and management.
They should remain isolated in their homes from others as best possible until medical and or public health advice confirm they can end isolation period
I strongly encourage everyone to please abide by the Shelter in Place guidelines - take this seriously. We are all responsible for our actions and we must follow the public health advice to stay in our homes, to stay safe . . . this is what will make the biggest difference for our survival as a community.
Thank you.