Over the weekend, The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the global number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has surpassed 100,000.

In their statement, WHO called on all countries to continue efforts that have been effective in limiting the number of cases and slowing the spread of the virus. 

The following remarks delivered at a press conference today by the Minister of Health the Hon. Kim Wilson JP MP and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Cheryl Peek-Ball regarding Wednesday’s arrival of the Anthem of the Seas cruise liner.

MINISTER WILSON

Good Afternoon,

I am holding this press conference today to hopefully alleviate concerns some persons may have regarding Wednesday’s arrival of the Anthem of the Seas cruise liner.

Good afternoon and thank you for coming.

I count it one of the privileges of public service to have the opportunity to meet so many men and women whose lives are a study in commitment, perseverance and love. Bermuda’s senior citizens represent a wealth of wisdom and examples of what is best about our story as a people.

In the summer of 2018, I announced a plan to introduce interest-free loans provided by the Government to assist families determined to have seniors ‘age in place’, in the comfort of their own homes.

The Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (ESU) at the Ministry of Health is informing the public of an increase in reports of influenza (flu) and fever and respiratory symptoms in the community, which is designated as a medium alert by the ESU.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Health learned that Bermuda was revalidated for having achieved the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis.

Bermuda received its initial certification of EMTCT status in June 2017. 

EMTCT status is a prestigious public health accomplishment recognized globally.  Only 11 countries worldwide have achieved EMTCT status. 

Today the Acting Minister of Health the Hon. Neville Tyrrell JP MP officially opened the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre's 2019 Men's Health Screening event at the Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Church Hall.

Today’s free screenings included blood glucose, blood pressure, kidney and skin analysis, body composition and lung function. There were also numerous physicians and nutritionists at the event, offering free medical consultations.

During his opening remarks Minister Tyrrell urged men to get annual check-ups. 

Good morning,

Thank you for coming this morning as we recognize UNICEF’s World Children’s Day on 20th November, which is the annual day of action for children.

This year marks 30 years of the Convention of the Rights of the Child – which means 30 years of child rights that have helped transform children’s lives around the world.

Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members,

I rise today to announce that the Ministry of Health will be commencing the STEPS to a Well Bermuda Survey in October 2019.

The survey is conducted in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization utilizing the standardized Pan-American Health Organization / World Health Organization’s STEPwise approach to chronic disease risk factor surveillance.

As a follow-up to last week’s announcement of the public consultation to improve healthcare access, the Ministry of Health is reminding the public to view the proposed Bermuda Health Plan at www. gov.bm/healthplan

Good Morning,

The cost of healthcare is causing real hardship to many families.

We have all heard the stories….

The story of the families who have been driven into debt because their insurance coverage ran out or because they were uninsured to begin with.

The story of the Unemployed Bermudians unable to afford health insurance relying on  hope and prayers that they do not get sick until they find a new job that will provide then with health coverage.

The story of the seniors who had to choose between medication and food.