Update Regarding COVID-19 (9th March 2020)
Over the weekend, The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the global number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has surpassed 100,000.
In their statement, WHO called on all countries to continue efforts that have been effective in limiting the number of cases and slowing the spread of the virus.
In echoing the sentiments of WHO, the Minister of Health the Hon. Kim Wilson JP MP said, "Amidst this disheartening news, I want to remind people that the spread of this virus can be significantly slowed or even reversed through the implementation of robust containment and control activities. To that end, in following WHO's recommendations, Bermuda is working hard to ensure that it is ready to deal with a possible introduction of COVID-19 into our community by preparing our hospitals and clinics to manage a potential surge in patients and providing specialized training for health workers where most appropriate.
"Every person has the capacity to contribute, to protect themselves, to protect others, whether in the home, the community, the healthcare system, the workplace or the transport system."
Attached is a poster which has been created by the Government of Bermuda for healthcare facilities to print and display on their doors, advising individuals with respiratory symptoms and/or a relevant travel history to call ahead before entering the building, in an effort to limit any potential exposure risks to others.
COVID-19 prevention tips The Ministry of Health is encouraging people to print and display the poster in their workplaces, community clubs and public bulletin boards.
Also, please watch and share the following video regarding good hand hygiene: https://youtu.be/gSl9STwhTmY
A guidance document has also been created by the Government of Bermuda entitled, "Guidance for hotels, guest houses, and Airbnb Operators in Bermuda" .
It should be noted that travel advisories are regularly reviewed by the Public Health Emergency Response Team who make formal recommendations to the Government's Ministers and Cabinet members. If/when the travel advisory changes, the Ministry of Health will announce those changes to the general public.
And, finally, the Bermuda Post Office would like to reassure their customers that mail is safe. People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization, “From previous analysis, we know coronaviruses does not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.”