1Health Minister Kim Wilson confirmed another two COVID-19 deaths last night, bringing the total up to 22, with another 35 new cases confirmed in the latest round of test results.

At last check there were 31 people in hospital with eight patients in the Intensive Care Unit.

In a statement released last night, the Minister said: “It is with sadness that I must announce yet another two more individuals have passed away with COVID-19 related illness.

“The sad news of two more deaths related to COVID-19 is a reminder of how serious this virus is and that our battle with the coronavirus is far from over.

“My sincere thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families and friends who have to deal with the unfortunate death of a loved one.

“My sincere thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families and friends who have to deal with the unfortunate death of a loved one.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 1,277 test results with 35 new cases confirmed.

“One of the new cases is classified as imported by a resident who arrived on American Airlines AA 2044 from Charlotte on April 5, 2021 and tested positive on their Day 14 test. Sixteen (16) of the new cases are classified as local transmission with known contact as they are associated with known cases.

“The additional 18 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 81 recoveries.”

There are currently 845 active cases, of which 814 are under public health monitoring.

“Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 2,261 confirmed cases of coronavirus, out of which a total of 1394 have recovered, and 22 persons have sadly succumbed to COVID-19,” the Minister added.

The Ministry also issued a reminder to the public that “although there are government restrictions in place, you can leave your house to go and get your scheduled vaccination”. 

“This also applies to people who need to have a relative or friend to drive them to get their vaccination.

“If you have a vaccination appointment scheduled, please do not miss that appointment,” said Ms Wilson.

“If you cannot make the appointment, please call the Vaccine hotline at 444-2498 to be re-scheduled.

“Also, to help achieve our goal of ‘community immunity’, the Bermuda College Vaccination Centre is accepting walk-ins this week to make access to vaccinations easier. The hours are Thursday and Friday, 8am to 8pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 3pm. You don’t need to register online – just show up. Again, going to and from your vaccination is allowed under the current restrictions.”

The Minister also noted that there is “a lot of misinformation and people posting harmful and inaccurate information on social media along with various conspiracy theories”.

“This causes confusion, anxiety and stress and is unhelpful in our efforts to slow the spread of the virus,” she said.

“I will remind the public to get reliable, up-to-date information on COVID-19 and the coronavirus vaccine on coronavirus.gov.bm.

“We each have 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, please speak to your doctor about the COVID Vaccine. Following that conversation, please register to get vaccinated or take advantage of the walk-ins that will start at the Bermuda College.”

For “reliable, up-to-date information on COVID-19 and the coronavirus vaccine” go to coronavirus.gov.bm.