Good Afternoon Bermuda, and welcome members of the media.
I am joined today by the Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson who will provide an update to the public on the latest from her Ministry. Following that, I will give an update on matters related to how the Government is doing all we can to support persons while reminding us of the measures of what we must all continue to do to stay safe in light of the Coronavirus.
Minister of Health.
Thank you, Minister Wilson.
Globally, we have seen an increase in cases of the Coronavirus. Locally we have seen an increase in imported cases and we are on the lookout for any possible local transmission. We do not yet have any confirmed cases of local transmission, despite extensive testing of close contacts of important cases, however it is foolhardy to think that it will not happen.
The Minister has stated the increase in surveillance for the virus in the community that the Government will undertake, but at the end of the day the best protection against the virus is the community. We must continue to be vigilant.
We have had good results and consistent performance when it comes to ensuring that travellers do not lead to local transmission. However, we still have to do our part; wear masks, wash hands frequently, and be very careful when we are indoors sharing space with people who we do not live with. It is important to note that in many jurisdictions, it was not large events that drove the spread, but a series of small events.
Over the next month, overseas students will return for holidays and the end of term. Accordingly, as a British Airways flight, mainly carrying college students will arrive from England tomorrow, we are asking Bermudians to be extremely vigilant to ensure that quarantine rules are strictly followed. We have seen news of coronavirus spikes in many student centres in the UK. On your way home, be especially careful when travelling, carry your hand sanitizer, keep your distance, wear your masks, and limit your contact.
In addition to the flight from England, we anticipate several US based students will return for the holidays and may not return. It is important to note that during the last four months, the United States was the source of 56% of our imported cases, and the United Kingdom 35%.
To reiterate, vigilance must be the watchword as we enter this period of arriving tourists and returning residents. We must ensure that travellers do not endanger our seniors and other vulnerable people; we have come too far to allow carelessness to erase or undermine our success in keeping Bermudians relatively COVID-free.
Before I move on, I will note for members of the media that Ministers are giving updates on their Throne Speech commitments this week and next week. This is to make sure that the public is informed, in detail, of the items which were laid out in the Throne Speech.
And finally, in 1918, at the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month, the Allied forces of World War One signed an armistice and declared victory.
Tomorrow, like many countries around the world, we will recognize the end of that fighting and honour Bermudians who served, and eulogise those who gave their lives while fighting for freedom in the war. Unlike every other year, this year COVID-19 has caused the ceremony to be a closed event.
Although it will be closed to the public, live coverage will air on the Government's Facebook page, and it will be shown throughout the day and remainder of the week on CITV.
Accordingly, on behalf of all Bermudians, I offer the families of our Bermudian Veterans our humble respect and proud acknowledgement of their sacrifice; we hope and pray your memories and our ceremony are worthy of their courageous and valiant service.
Thank you.