Bermuda recorded another death due to COVID-19 this weekend bringing the total to 18, with 63 new cases confirmed by the Ministry of Health last night (April 17).

Minister Kim Wilson said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda I extend my condolences and prayers for support to the family and friends of the person who has died.

“The Ministry will not release personal details about the individual and I ask the public to respect the privacy of the family as they mourn their loved one.”

There are currently 868 active cases on island, 831 are under public health monitoring with 37 in hospital – seven in the Intensive Care Unit.

One of the new cases is classified as imported by a returning resident who arrived on an American Airlines  flight from Charlotte on April 15 who tested positive on their arrival test.

The Minister noted that 28 of the new cases were classified as local transmission with known contact as associated with known cases.

The additional 34 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 42 recoveries and one death.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 2123 confirmed cases of coronavirus, out of which a total of 1237 have recovered, and 18 persons have sadly succumbed to COVID-19.

“We know the COVID-19 vaccine saves lives and is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones,” said the Minister.

“If you haven’t already done so, please speak to your doctor about the vaccine; and if advised, please register to get vaccinated at coronavirus.gov.bm. Having the vaccine does not necessarily stop you from getting a coronavirus infection but it does lessen the severity of the symptoms and greatly minimises the risk of hospitalisation or death.

“If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19 (which includes cough, tiredness, headache, muscle ache and sore throat) please contact your doctor and make an appointment to get tested. Likewise, if you have been in contact with someone who has these symptoms, immediately make an appointment to get tested.”

Minister Wilson concluded: “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. If you haven’t already done so, register to get vaccinated – because vaccinations work.”