Today there were 170 test results received by the Ministry of Health; and 6 were positive for COVID-19.

“I’m sure everyone will agree how very concerning it is to see 6 positive results today”, said the Minister of Health the Hon. Kim Wilson JP MP. “I can advise that four of the cases were found through BHB’s routine testing programme, in particular testing of admissions, and two were found through physician referrals. 3 are local transmission and 3 are under investigation. Despite this recent uptick in cases, our real time reproduction number is 0.91. However, as we have entered Phase 2 of the Island’s reopening, these new cases must serve as a reminder of the importance of preventive measures: hand hygiene, physical distancing and mask wearing.”

Bermuda now has 139 total confirmed positive cases. Their status is as follows:

• there are 39 active cases, of which
• 30 persons are under active public health monitoring, and
• 9 persons are hospitalized; of which
• 2 are in critical care;
• a total of 91 have now recovered, and
• the total deceased remains 9.

The average age of all of our confirmed positive cases is 61 and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 18 to 101 years.

The average age of hospitalized cases is 76 and the age range is 66 to 91 years.

The average age of all deceased cases is 74 and the age range is 57 to 91 years.

The source of all local cases is as follows:

• 41 are Imported
• 81 are Local transmission, with known contact
• 10 are Local transmission with an unknown contact, and
• 7 are under investigation

Bermuda’s country status remains “Local Transmission – Cluster of Cases”.

There has been much public interest in testing capability and the Ministry of Health would like to remind the public that only pre-approved entities can import COVID-19 test kits.

Pre-approved entities complete an online form to procure test kits for which various National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) have authorized for Emergency Use.

The link to the form is here: forms.gov.bm/covid-19/testkitapproval

Submissions are reviewed to ensure proposed items have been authorized by an NRA.

"As the public may be aware, there is an abundance of falsified COVID-19 test kits that exist for sale in the global market," explained Minister Wilson. "This online form has been created to ensure that only test kits that have been authorized by a National Regulatory Authority reach our shores.

"This process will also assist pre-approved entities in verifying that an NRA has deemed the performance of these test kits as satisfactory, prior to their procurement."

The WHO website provides links to several NRA Emergency Use lists.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health wishes to remind the public that, currently, only Day CareCentres can apply to the Ministry of Health to reopen. At present the Day Care Providers have all received the guidance and are putting things in place in preparation for Phase 3.