Bermuda’s death toll climbed to 114 on Monday (Jan 24) with two more COVID-related deaths.

Extending heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, Health Minister Kim Wilson, said: “I am praying for those currently in hospital with coronavirus related illnesses.

“I sincerely hope that they all recover soon.”

There are currently 16 patients battling COVID in hospital, with three in intensive care.

The Ministry reported a total of 496 new cases in the latest round of 7,344 tests.

Forty (40) of the new cases were classified as imported with a history of travel in the previous 14 days.

The additional 456 new cases were classified as either local transmission (125) or under investigation (331). 

Additionally, there were 661 recoveries and, sadly, two deaths.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 10262 coronavirus cases, out of which 8429 have recovered, and sadly there have been 114 coronavirus-related deaths.

The source of all active cases is as follows:

·248 are Imported

·235 are classified as local transmission

·1,236 are Under Investigation

Information regarding active cases by vaccination status, transmission, and type is unavailable.

The source of all confirmed cases is as follows:

·2119 are Imported

·5678 are classified as local transmission of which:

o   3653 are Local transmission with known contact/source and

o   2025 are Local transmission with an unknown contact/source

·2465 are Under Investigation

Ms Wilson also stated that the Ministry was “receiving reports of parents sending their children to school without first waiting to receive the results of their coronavirus test”.

“Unfortunately in some instances, the children involved, test positive after having spent time in school interacting with others,” said the Minister.

““I would like to remind parents that you should not send your child to school until you have received their negative coronavirus test result.

“Additionally, we have had a lot of queries regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 5 – 11. The vaccine for this age group is not available through Public Health England, and we are trying to source a supply as quickly as possible.

“Regarding booster appointments, the Ministry of Health is sending emails to people who are eligible to receive their booster vaccine. This email is specific to the individual receiving it, and the link within the email is not to be shared. If you receive an email for your booster appointment, please do not forward it to anyone else. Parents bringing their 12-year-old children for boosters must bring identification for their children.

“We must all continue to follow public health guidance andavoid closed spaces, crowded places and close contact settings. Wear a mask indoors and outdoors if you cannot physically distance, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance, and download the WeHealth Bermuda app. Those recently removed from quarantine or isolation should also monitor their health and symptoms.”

The Minister concluded: “These last few years have certainly taken its toll on many of us, both physically and emotionally. There is no need to suffer in silence. 

“If you need someone to talk to, please call the Emotional Wellbeing Hotline on 543-1111. The hotline is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm to 9pm. You will have access to a qualified, experienced mental health practitioner to talk to if you’re feeling anxious, sad, overwhelmed, or stressed.”