COVID-19 Daily Release 3 May 2021

“I am sorry to report that another Bermudian has died from a Covid-related illness,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to their family and loved ones.”

The Ministry of Health received 2855 test results since the last update, and 29 were positive for COVID-19, yielding a test positivity rate of 1.0. These results are from testing done on Thursday (15 positive out of 1087 results (1.4% positivity)), Friday (8 positive out of 857 results (0.9% positivity)) and Saturday (6 positive out of 911 results (0.7% positivity)).

Three of the new cases are classified as imported. Two are non-residents who arrived as mariners on 29 April 2021 and tested positive on their arrival test. One is a non-resident who arrived as a mariner on 30 April 2021 and tested positive on their arrival test.

Twenty of the new cases are classified as local transmission with known contact as they are associated with known cases.

The additional six 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 146 recoveries and two deaths, one previously reported over the weekend.

There are 426 active cases, of which:

·         406 are under public health monitoring and

·         20 are in hospital with 3 in intensive care;

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 2422 confirmed cases of coronavirus, out of which a total of 1966 have recovered, and sadly 30 COVID related deaths.

The source of all cases is as follows:

·         294 are Imported

·         1692 are classified as local transmission of which:

o   1430 are Local transmission with known contact/source and

o   262 are Local transmission with an unknown contact/source

·         436 are Under Investigation

As investigations proceed, transmission categories may change.

For information regarding age distributions and overall transmission categories, please refer to https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus-covid19-update.

The seven-day average of our real-time reproduction number is 0.48.

Bermuda’s current WHO country status remains “Community Transmission”.

“Tomorrow, Tuesday 4 May, the “Close to Home” vaccination programme will be at the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre in St. David’s from 10 am – 2 pm. This drive/walk through site is for residents who have not yet registered for the COVID-19 vaccine, do not have access to the internet and prefer to register in person, or have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. There are doctors on site to answer any questions and I urge residents in the east to take advantage of this opportunity. There was a great turnout yesterday at TCD helping us move closer to our goal of community protection. The Close to Home programme will be at Sandys Secondary Middle School on Thursday, 6 May; and on Sunday, 9 May, it will move to the National Sports Centre in Devonshire.”

“The Bermuda College vaccination centre is also open this week for walk-ins from 9 am to 1 pm from Monday – Friday,” said Kim Wilson, JP, MP, Minister of Health. “Those with appointments at the Bermuda College vaccination centre may be contacted to attend the Old Wing of KEMH for their vaccination. The vaccination hotline is doing follow up phone calls to confirm the date and time of those switched appointments.”

“We are also offering free public bus transportation to Bermuda College for the walk-in vaccinations. If you live in the following areas: Glebe Road (Pond Hill), Friswell’s Hill, near St. Monica’s Mission, Government Gate; Cedar Park, Frog Lane, Palmetto Road; or North Shore near Dock Hill, Grace Church, First Church of God, free buses will be available on Wednesday, 5 May; Thursday, 6 May; and Friday, 7 May, to take you to the Bermuda College Vaccination Centre.”

“The buses will leave from the top of Glebe Road (outside of Pembroke Seventh Day Adventist Church); Prospect Primary School; North Shore Road (Servicing the four inbound bus stops with the pink pole from Dock HilI to Docking Stool East, next to Clarke’s Lone).”

“Buses will leave each day at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. Once you have had your shot, the bus will return you to the bus stop at which you were picked up.”

“For those persons who have registered already, please read your confirmation emails carefully to ensure that you get the correct information regarding the time and location of your vaccine appointment.”

Each of us has a role to play in stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Follow Public Health guidelines, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance and download the WeHealth Bermuda app. Do the research, talk with your doctor and make an informed decision about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.