Good evening Bermuda.

Today I'm joined by the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Caines, the Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, and the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Cheryl Peek-Ball. Before I get to my substantial remarks today's like the Minister of Health to please give an update on the latest tests and statistics for Bermuda, and also other issues related to the management of this virus. Minister.

The Minister of Health reads her remarks.

Good Afternoon,

Between yesterday and today there were 636 test results received by the Ministry of Health; and one was positive for COVID-19.

Bermuda now has 111 total confirmed positive cases. Their status is as follows:

Today the Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sports, the Hon. Lovitta Foggo, JP, MP, shared an update regarding the payments being made from the Unemployment Benefit Fund.

Minister Foggo said, “Yesterday the Accountant General paid $2,004,870 to 2,106 eligible applicants – these are individuals who are receiving payment for the first time.

“Today, an additional 397 applicants will receive their first payment, which will amount to $356,542. All those expecting payment should check their bank accounts to confirm they have received the funds.”

The Ministry of National Security is advising the public of the new swabbing schedule for essential workers requiring COVID-19 testing.

Effective now through Friday, May 1, essential workers can schedule their appointment from 2.00 p.m. until 7.00 p.m. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Please bring the confirmation number provided to you via the email for your screening. As part of the testing protocol, please remain in your car, with a mask on and your windows up until otherwise directed.

This evening (April 27), the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne M. Caines, JP, MP, provided the following update during the COVID-19 press briefing.

Minister Caines said the daily Community Advisory Points continue across the island supported by the Royal Bermuda Regiment (RBR) and Bermuda Police Service (BPS).

Today we joined in mourning with family and friends of those who have lost their lives to COVID-19. Yesterday's news of the passing of a resident of Westmeath, is disheartening, and our prayers go out to the family and friends of the Bermudian whose life came to an end, yesterday, to become Bermuda's sixth victim of COVID-19.

Since last Monday, the Department of Workforce Development has received an additional 1,803 applications bringing the total to 11,001 as of this morning.

Good Afternoon,

Today there were 388 test results received by the Ministry of Health; and 1 was positive for COVID-19.

Also, as confirmed by the Premier yesterday, and in my press release today, Bermuda has, regrettably, experienced another COVID-19-related death at the weekend. This now takes the total number of COVID-19 deaths to six. 

This afternoon (April 27) the Governor, Mr John Rankin CMG, and the Deputy Governor, Ms Alison Crocket, visited the newly launched testing centre for essential workers at Southside, St David’s.

While there they observed the process – while maintaining social distancing - and thanked all of the staff for their critical work.

Good Day Members of the Media,

The Ministry of Health can confirm that, regrettably, Bermuda experienced another COVID-19-related death at the weekend. This now takes the total number of COVID-19 deaths to six. 

The Minister of Health the Hon. Kim Wilson JP MP said, "On behalf of my entire team at the Ministry of Health, I want to extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of this individual. We know you must be hurting deeply right now; and Bermuda grieves with you."