Good afternoon Bermuda.

I begin this afternoon by offering my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all the persons we have lost since our briefing last week. The number of deaths we are seeing on our island during this outbreak of the Delta Variant is a tragedy for our entire country but especially for those who have lost persons whom they love and care about. 

Good afternoon.

Yesterday I reported that Bermuda had experienced ten more coronavirus-related deaths. I wish to extend heartfelt condolences to the families and friends who have recently lost a loved one due to COVID-19 related illnesses. 

You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I am praying for those currently in hospital with COVID-19 related illnesses. I sincerely hope that they all recover soon.

“I am sad to report today that Bermuda has experienced ten more coronavirus-related deaths,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “I extend heartfelt condolences to the families and friends who recently lost a loved one.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 3721 test results, and 99 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 2.7%.

These results are from testing done on:

▪          Sunday: 22 positive out of 1424 results (1.5% positivity)

On 27 September 2021,  the MV Crystal Symphony had a few guests test positive with COVID-19 en route to Bermuda.  During the crossing from New York City to Bermuda, PCR nasopharyngeal tests are administered onboard Crystal Symphony.

On arrival in Bermuda and following Ministry of Health guidance and protocol, the Ship was quarantined while the crew and guests were tested again.  The Ministry of Health gave the Ship the all-clear at 2 p.m. The guests resumed scheduled tours and on-island activities.

Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP today stated, “It is with extreme sadness that I report that over the weekend, Bermuda has experienced ten more coronavirus-related deaths. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are extended to the families and friends who lost a loved one over this weekend.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 6460 test results, and 163 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 2.5%.

These results are from testing done on:

“I am extremely sorry to report today seven COVID related deaths,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “This is very sad news, and I extend heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 4982 test results, and 182 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 3.7%.

These results are from testing done on:

●        Tuesday: 91 positive out of 2618 results (3.5% positivity)

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

As this Honourable House will recall, a 14 day quarantine in a government approved facility for unvaccinated travellers came into effect on 20 June, with an end date of 30 September 2021.

The purpose of the 14 day quarantine is to curtail the movement of unvaccinated, recently arrived travellers to the island. The incubation period for COVID-19 is between two and 14 days, and that sets the quarantine period.

The Ministry and Department of Education is providing an update on the Saliva Screening Programme and reminds parents and guardians that all public schools are continuing with remote learning until further notice.

The Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, shared, “As we have repeatedly expressed, our goal is to return to in-person learning as quickly as possible and we will return to in-person learning once it is safe to do so and the data supports it.” 

Good Afternoon Bermuda, I would firstly like to extend my condolences and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those members of our community whom we have lost during this outbreak.

All of those who have been so tragically affected by the coronavirus, including those persons in the hospital and at home, remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Good afternoon.

I begin my remarks today by offering sincere condolences to the family and friends who recently lost a loved one to circumstances related to the coronavirus. This month we have seen quite a few deaths, and I realise that this is causing unbearable pain for so many families.

I ask everyone to please keep these families in their prayers. As well, keep in our prayers those currently in hospital with COVID-19 related illnesses.