Good Afternoon,

Between yesterday and today there were 127 test results received by the Ministry of Health; and none were positive for COVID-19.

Bermuda has 115 total confirmed positive cases. Their status is as follows:

• there are 54 active cases, of which
• 38 persons are under active public health monitoring, and
• 16 persons are hospitalized;
• a total of 54 have now recovered, and
• the total deceased remains 7.

The average age of all of our confirmed positive cases is 59 and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 18 to 95 years. The age of persons hospitalized ranges between 57 and 91 years, and the average age is 76. The age range of deceased cases is 57 -91.

As of today, we have tested 142 care home residents and 198 staff members from six different care homes. Of all tested, 299 have come back negative with 41 positive.

With respect to testing at the two care homes with outbreaks, at Matilda Smith Williams Rest Home less than 50% of those who tested positive were asymptomatic; at Westmeath, 90% were asymptomatic.
With respect to the first airbridge, there were 11 positive cases and all were asymptomatic. Quarantined passengers of the latest airbridge are being tested this week.

I give these details reluctantly, notwithstanding the public’s right to know and the media’s desire to report granular detail. However, I remind you all that given the size of our community and the small number of people we are referring to, it is all too easy for individuals to easily become identifiable. This is a reportable disease, just like measles or HIV. We have to treat the information with the same level of sensitivity because it is about our friends, neighbours and loved ones.

According to worldometers.info, Bermuda is now in the top 12 countries for testing per capita.

Unfortunately, due to our demographic characteristics with an older population and higher rates of chronic diseases, we do have a population with higher risks due to COVID-19. This is reflected in our mortality rate, which is why preventive measures are even more important in a community like ours with so many people who are clinically vulnerable.

However, I want to emphasize that even if you have been tested – and you test negative – that doesn’t mean you can’t get the virus; it just means that you don’t have it at that point in time. To stay COVID-free, you MUST practice physical distancing, wash your hands and wear a mask. Having a test does not mean you can stop the preventive measures.

Last week we introduced the public to HealthIQ…the Health Council’s simple online tool that will help us as a community in our efforts to progress from phase one through phase four of COVID-19 restrictions.

In the past two days, the Health Council have received over 1000 unique person reports with two potential COVID cases on HealthIQ. 

Each member of the public is encouraged to go to HealthIQ.bm and enter information about how they are feeling. In addition to tracking our community’s health status and symptoms that may be associated with COVID-19, the tool will help our public health teams to identify risks and resources needed to keep our communities safe.

As I wrap up, I want to thank the operators at the COVID Helpline who have fielded more than five thousand calls from members of the public since March 19. This is a resourceful and dedicated team that has been assisting the public throughout this difficult period of rapid change. I salute the Helpline workers for the vital role you continue to play.

And, finally, as this month is International Nurses Month, I want to thank all of Bermuda’s nurses for your hard work and sacrifices made, particularly over the last few months which have been tough for nurses and healthcare professionals alike. Please know that we appreciate you. I appreciate you. And the entire community is grateful for your service.

Thank you.