The total number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Bermuda stands at 83, but for the first time, the number of women has out paced the number of men who have contracted this deadly virus.

Speaking at the latest government briefing on Friday, Health Minister Kim Wilson said 46 of the confirmed cases are women – 37 are men.

Twenty test results were received on Friday.

The good news – none of them came back positive.

The current status is as follows:

  • there are 43 active cases, of which
  • 34 persons are under active public health monitoring, and
  • 9 persons are hospitalized
  • a total of 35 have now recovered, and
  • the total deceased remains at 5

“The average age of all of our confirmed positive cases is 56,” said Ms Wilson.

“The median age is 58, and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 18 to 91 years. The age of persons hospitalized ranges between 67 and 82 years, and the average age is 74.

“Every new case we discover is a disappointment and worry to us all,” she added.

“However, our mitigation strategies helping us to contain the situation are bearing good fruit.

“We acted quickly and we are in a stronger position for it.

“Just this week Public Health England confirmed that our case vigilance and preparations for rapid case identification, case-isolation, contact tracing, and PCR testing are appropriate and proportionate.”

This past week, the Minister noted that there has been one recurring question by members of the public – ‘What is the treatment for COVID patients?’…

“As most of us know, currently there are no proven treatments to cure COVID-19.

“However, the standard of care for COVID-19 is supportive management, oxygen supplementation, IV hydration, and non-invasive or invasive ventilator support where needed.

“Sometimes COVID-19 can lead to bacterial superinfections and hemodynamic instability which can be treated with antibiotics and mediations to elevate the blood pressure respectively.

“In select cases, patients may be offered other medications if a physician believes the potential benefits outweigh the risks, based on limited evidence.

“Such cases would require informed consent by the patient or a patient’s designated representative after a robust discussion regarding the potential risks and benefits of the offered treatment,” she added.

“In closing, I wish to thank international and local businesses in Bermuda who have collectively raised $1,044,000 to date for essential medical supplies and equipment, including personal protective equipment and ventilators.

“I’m really proud of how Bermuda’s insurers, reinsurers, brokers, investment managers, local insurance companies, financial service companies, medical associations as well as private, individual donors have come together to support the hospital at this time.”