Good evening Bermuda
We remain humbled to serve as your Government, and are grateful to everyone who has reached out with your words of encouragement, and to everyone who continues to keep us, and the country in your prayers. The days may be long, the work hard, and sometimes discouraging, but through our faith, and with your support we know that we will make it through these days of uncertainty.
Over the weekend, through the combined efforts of the ministries of Health, National Security, and Public Works, together with Dr. Carika Weldon, Bermuda's testing capacity has been expanded.
This massive game changer in the war on COVID-19 provides us with the means to better protect the health and safety of our community. I would like to thank all of the persons who were involved in that exercise getting Bermuda's second lab up and running. 209 persons were tested yesterday at six different quarantine facilities, and that is in itself is an incredible feat.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Desiree Spriggs, of the Helix Laboratory, who has worked around the clock, for the last four weeks providing Bermuda on-island testing capability. I am sure that Dr. Spriggs will be relieved that Bermuda now has testing redundancy, and she might be able to relax a little bit.
Today, the Minister of Health will provide an update on the cases of COVID-19 on the island, our expanded testing capacity, and the continued work being done on behalf of all Bermudians in battling this virus. Minister of Health.
The Minister of Health reads her remarks.
Thank you, Minister Wilson.
With economists predicting that we face a global economic crisis unseen since the Great Depression, almost a century ago, we recognize that when we emerge from Shelter in Place together we will have to fight to work to build a Bermuda that works for everyone. Behind the scenes in a massive community effort we are listening to stakeholders, consulting with the general public through the citizens forum, located at forum.gov.bm, and we are designing the economic policies, and stimulus needed to rebuild our economy.
The unemployment benefit is a safety net we created based on our belief that we have an obligation to support those who, through no fault of their own, or unable to work. The Ministry of Labour, Community Affairs and Sports, and the Department of Workforce Development are to be credited for getting this program up and running in quick order, and are tirelessly working to get the payments out to applicants who have been economically displaced by this pandemic.
As a Government, we believe that we must listen, we must be flexible, and where appropriate, we must act swiftly to adjust and innovate, so that we can make sure that Bermuda's families are protected. Minister Foggo will now give an update on the unemployment benefits. Minister.
Minister Foggo reads her remarks.
Thank you Minister Foggo. I have heard the stories of persons who may be waiting to get the unemployment benefit. If you are hungry. Please do not suffer in silence. And if you are someone who does not qualify for that benefit and you are having difficulty during this time, please do not suffer in silence. Reach out to the hotline 444-2498. There are many organisations who have stepped up to help less fortunate and the last thing we want to do for Bermuda is for persons to be at home, and are hungry. There is assistance that is available outside of this unemployment benefit, and we want to ensure that persons who are at home who may not have access to food or essentials can get access to food or essentials. It is there please do not suffer at home in silence.
Next will be Minister of National Security, Minister Caines with an update on items from the COVID-19 EMO and his ministry. Minister.
Minister Caines reads his remarks.
Thank you very much Minister. While Shelter in Place is necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of our community, and stop the spread of the coronavirus, we recognize that it has created tremendous stress for many. We are ensuring that every resource we can provide is in place to assist with the economic needs of our people, and while we provide the necessary support and health for the mental health of our residents.
Today, Dr. Alison Daniels, President of the Bermuda Psychology Association will provide some tips on what you can do during this next Shelter in Place period to take care of you and your family's mental health and wellbeing. Dr. Daniels.
Dr. Daniels reads her remarks.
Thank you very much, Dr. Daniels. Before we go to questions I would like to again thank everyone in our community who is doing their part to protect the health and safety of our island home. You are appreciated, and we are truly grateful for the work and sacrifice that you are making for all of us.
This morning I received a message from a patient in the hospital, and she wanted me to know that she's receiving exceptional service and support from the doctors, nurses and staff at the hospital, and wanted to extend her thanks and appreciation.
To everyone who is struggling, you are not alone. You have not been forgotten, and we are here for you. We will continue to listen, continue to be flexible, and continue to innovate wherever we can. And we will find ways to continue helping Bermudians during this difficult period.
Throughout our history Bermudians have adapted to the circumstances and challenges of the day, and through hard work, sacrifice and a willingness to do things in a new way, we have done more than just survive. We have thrived. Imagine if Bermudians of 100 years ago had just laid down with the tobacco growing industry, shipbuilding industry, and onion agricultural business could no longer sustain us. Imagine if Bermudians of old had never been willing to pursue tourism, or welcome International Business to our shores. Where would we be without our historic and cultural willingness to recognise the times, know the times, and change with the times?
It has been said that Bermudians do not like change, and can be slow to change. However, history shows that when the chips are down, we are, and have had to be, one of the most adaptable and resilient people in the world.
This pandemic is a challenge creating circumstances that none of us could have foreseen or could have prevented. It will take sacrifice, and it will take a community wide willingness to adapt and change. It will take unity of vision, unity of purpose, and unity of the spirit to emerge from this stronger. But, I'm confident that we will.
Finally before questions I have a special announcement. Today, I'm honored to wish, Miss Phyllis Wade, a very happy and special 100th birthday with love from her entire family and everyone in Bermuda. I have known Miss Phyllis Wade for most of my life. She is a bright spark, and even at the age of 100 she continues to be a bright spark. Miss Wade, enjoy your 100th. Though your family may not have been able to throw that big party, everyone in Bermuda knows that you are inviting them to, we all now know your age, and we are now, wishing you the best happy 100th birthday possible. With that, I'm happy to take any questions that the members of the media may have.