Good evening Bermuda.

Let me begin tonight by extending my condolences to the family of the latest member of our community to succumb to the coronavirus. Our thoughts and our prayers are with them as well as all the families that have been affected by this deadly virus.

On Sunday in my National Address, I outlined this Government’s plan for "Moving Beyond the Pandemic". The Government has set out a 3 phased approach with the goal ending the merry-go-round of restrictions and getting Bermudians back to work.

Thank you Premier. Good afternoon everyone.

I begin my remarks today by offering sincere condolences to everyone who has lost a family member, a friend, a neighbour or a colleague in circumstances related to the coronavirus. Recently we have had a number of deaths, and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a loved one during this pandemic.

On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I am so very sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers, as well as those currently in the hospital with COVID-19 related illness.

This Practice Direction is issued further to Circular 4 of 2021.

The health, safety and welfare of the Members of the Public, as well as Court Administrative Staff continues to be our paramount concern.

The continued surge of positive COVID-19 test results the island is experiencing continues to be of great concern to the community. As such, the Courts must reduce services further as part of protective measures which are necessary to implement in order to assist in the efforts to reduce the community spread of COVID-19.

Introduction

Good evening Bermuda.

The Ministry of Health received 1315 test results since the last update, and 20 were positive for coronavirus, yielding a test positivity rate of 1.5 %. 

The Ministry of Health received 1179 test results since the last update, and 31 were positive for coronavirus, yielding a test positivity rate of 2.6 %.

15 of the new cases are classified as local transmission with known contact as they are associated with known cases. The additional 16 new cases are classified as under investigation. These cases are among residents with no currently identified link to other known cases or history of travel in the past 14 days.

Additionally, since the last update, there were 93 recoveries, and there were no deaths.

“I am extremely sorry to report that Bermuda has recorded an additional COVID-19 related death,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “This is distressing news, and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and friends who are now grieving the loss of their loved one.”

The Ministry of Health received 1570 test results since the last update, and 23 were positive for coronavirus, yielding a test positivity rate of 1.5 %.

The Department of Education is advising parents that this week Friday, April 23rd, 2021, all schools will be closed and will resume with remote learning on Monday, April 26th, 2021.

While the Department is mindful of the disruption that the Coronavirus Pandemic has had on the school year, and on learning for children, it was hoped that this Friday could be used to make up previously lost days. The Bermuda Union of Teachers respectfully declined our request.  As a result, Friday’s school holiday will go ahead as scheduled.

This Practice Dlrection is issued further to Circular 03 of 2021.

The heath, safety and welfare of the Members of the Publlc, as well as Court Administrative Staff continues to be our paramount concern.

The continued surge of positive COVID-19 test results the island Is experiencing continues to be of great concern to the community. As such, the Courts must reduce services further as part of protective measures which are necessary to implement in order to assist in the efforts to reduce the community spread of COViD-19.

Today marks one full year since the official launch of the Bermuda Government Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (MDL) on April 19, 2020.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Reflecting on a roller coaster of a first year, we have achieved so much.