The latest figures on the rising number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bermuda will be released later today, now that we have gone from 39 active cases to 149 in a matter of weeks leading up to Christmas and the New Year holidays.
According to the statement released late last night: “Due to the high volume of COVID-19 tests, the Ministry of Health is still processing results received from labs.
“The Ministry of Health will report COVID-19 test results on Sunday, December 13th and on Monday, December 14th.”
Meanwhile, Premier David Burt tweeted the same information, adding that “further results will be given on Monday” at the Government briefing at 5:45pm.
In the interim, he said: “The Gov lab (MDL) are catching up over the weekend & COVID-19 results are being emailed. They are prioritising close contacts, symptomatic persons and flights. Please allow up to 48 hours for your results. Negative results are emailed, positive results go to your physician.
“Thanks to everyone in Bermuda for their patience.”
While noting that the curfew went back into effect at 11pm on Saturday night, the Premier added: “Please minimise your movements and mixing with other households. Let’s support our health workers by doing our part to control this outbreak. We will get through this.”
As it stands now, 27 new cases of COVID-19 were reported on Friday, bringing the total number of cases up to 391, with two hospitalized – 1 in Critical Care. Restricted visitation at the hospital’s Acute Care Wing is now back in effect as well.
The average age of all active cases is 35 years.
In light of the increasing number of cases being recorded all businesses must close by 10pm until further notice and gatherings are limited to a maximum of ten people.
There is still no word on when the island’s public bus service will resume. An update is expected on Monday.
Speaking in the House of Assembly on Friday, Premier Burt told MPs: “These restrictions are not imposed lightly or wantonly. They are guided by public health advice and based on the trends identified in both the average age of the confirmed positive cases and by the results of the contact tracing.”
Ultimately he said: “The numbers do not lie and the story they are telling cannot be ignored. This outbreak is being driven by residents, more specifically young residents. More than half of the new infections reported over the last six days are residents under the age of 30.”
