Feature Photos Courtesy of TNNExtra measures to combat the spread of the deadly coronavirus in Bermuda may be on the way, now that Bermuda has hit a “different stage” with a total of 32 cases on island to date.
In his latest update on Tuesday evening, Premier David Burt said there were five more positive tests for COVID-19 in Bermuda.
Consultation with the Chief Medical Officer and the Minister of Health will be held to determine whether or not extra measures will be implemented moving forward.
But for now he said the Cabinet has approved a three-day extension of the 8pm to 6am curfew, to run to Saturday.
There are now three people in King Edward VII Memorial Hospital with the virus.
The good news – there were no confirmed community transmissions, but three cases remain under investigation.
For the countless minibuses parked since the coronavirus pandemic, the Premier said minibus operators will be asked to run special services scheduled to get the island’s essential healthcare staff to work after public transport employees downed tools.
Regulations were also introduced to stop employers from refusing staff permission to work from home if they were able to.
The Premier noted that “the additional cases and the additional one under investigation does mark a different stage in our affairs”.
“That is the reason why we have extended the curfew — and we’re going to continue to have a conversation with the epidemiologist and I’m going to seek advice from the Chief Medical Officer to see whether or not she believes that additional measures should be taken,” said Mr Burt.
Out of the six test results that came back on Monday, he said five were positive.
Two of the new cases arrived on the March 18 British Airways flight and a third arrived on American Airlines flight 308 on March 14.
The other case was the result of close contact with someone with COVID-19 and the fifth was under investigation.
In all, there were 20 cases in total that were “likely” contracted outside of Bermuda and brought in by travellers.
The nine cases were “local transmission”, which meant they were contracted when someone had close contact with another confirmed to have the virus, he added.
The Premier explained that the term “under investigation” meant that “transmission has not yet been determined”.
“These cases are not imported and are likely the result of local transmission. Investigation continues on these cases to determine the source of their transmission and there are three cases under investigation.
“Currently there is no evidence of community transmission.”
Community transmission was when experts were unable to connect confirmed cases of COVID-19 to a large number of new cases, said Mr Burt.
“Unfortunately” he said there were three people with COVID-19 now in King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.
Meanwhile, police reported no breaches of the curfew on the second night.
Still “inundated” with complaints regarding employees working from home, he said: “The Cabinet, in a meeting which just concluded, did bless the implementation of regulations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the regulations will come into effect tonight (March 31), which means that persons who are able to work from home must be allowed to do so and their employer will be in violation of the law if they do not allow them.”
Health Minister Kim Wilson noted that breaches could result in a fine of up to $10,000, six months imprisonment, or both.
An employment violations hotline is available at www.bermudajobboard.bm/evtl.
Mr Burt also urged importers to collect their containers from the Hamilton docks as soon as possible to “maintain safety, efficiency and relieve congestion” at the port.
Unemployment benefit payouts will be made on Thursday and Friday.
A shelter for homeless was set up at The Berkeley Institute, which opens at 6.30pm and provides a hot meal and a place to sleep.
Mr Burt also stated: “I would be lying if I said that I’m not feeling a little bit extra stressed, a little bit extra tired, but the stress and tiredness of which I’m feeling, I’m sure is mirrored by many Bermudians, who have to worry about their children at home and a different routine.
“But the fact is, we’re doing this to make sure that we keep our country safe and I’m sure we’re going to continue to do so.”
Highlights of the Premier’s Full Statement:
Total Of 32 Cases
Out of the six test results received today, five cases were positive and one case was negative, meaning that the confirmed positive cases in Bermuda now stands at 32.
Three of the confirmed cases were imported, one had close contact with a confirmed case and is considered limited local transmission. The fifth case is under investigation.
Two of the confirmed cases arrived in Bermuda on the British Airways flight BA2233 on 18 March 2020. Another arrived on American Airlines flight AA308 on 14 March, 2020.
If you were on the British Airways flight on 18 March, your self-quarantine period ends tomorrow – 1 April, 2020.
If you arrived on the AA flight on 14 March your monitoring period ended on 28 March 2020.
If you are feeling fine and have no symptoms, continue to either practice social distancing, remain in your house and observe the self-quarantine guidelines.
If you have any respiratory symptoms, such as a persistent cough or even a mild fever, please contact your doctor.
Explain that you were on one of the mentioned flights and that you would like medical guidance. Do not go to your doctor’s office or the hospital. Please call ahead.
As of March 31, there are nine cases of local transmission. Local transmission is when a person has had close contact with a person with COVID-19. Close contact is defined as either at work or at home.
Under investigation: This type of transmission has not yet been determined. These cases are not imported and are likely the result of local transmission. Investigation continues on these cases to determine the source of the transmission. There are three cases under investigation.
Ten Persons Out Of The 32 Have Fully Recovered
Recovered is defined as a person who has had no fever for at least 72 hours without the use of fever reducing medication, and their other symptoms have improved, and at least 14 days have passed since they started to have symptoms. It is important to note, again, the ten persons out of the 32 have fully recovered.
Bermuda’s COVID-19 country status is considered local transmission.
Currently, there is no evidence of community transmission. Community transmission is evidenced by the inability to relate confirmed cases for a large number of cases.
Three Persons Who Are Hospitalized With Covid-19
What is clear, however, is the number of cases in Bermuda is increasing and unfortunately today, there are now three persons who are hospitalized with COVID-19, in King Edward Memorial Hospital. The Cabinet has met, we have discussed the current situation, and as noted, if there is an escalation of the situation we will look to possibly take additional measures.
