COVID-19: Two New Cases, Total Now Stands at 83

Two new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed this evening after 35 test results came back with 33 clear of the deadly virus.

According to Health Minister Kim Wilson, the total number of cases recorded to date now stands at 83.

The good news – no more patients were admitted to King Edward Vii Memorial Hospital and no more deaths were recorded.

At last check there were 43 active cases – nine of them are people between the age of 67 and 82 were hospitalised.

Five people have lost their lives due to the coronavirus in Bermuda.

The Minister opened her remarks with a reminder to everyone that “the future health of Bermuda is in our hands”.

“While we cannot fully predict what will happen regarding transmission in our community, our actions today will determine whether we succeed or fail in our fight against COVID-19,” she said.

The current status of the 83 cases recorded to date, is as follows:

• there are 43 ac”ve 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. The median age is 58, and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 18 to 91 years,” said Ms Wilson.

In follow up to “developments at the nursing home facility” she said: “The Ministry of Health staff is implementing an outbreak management plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors of the nursing facility.

“This plan includes providing addi”onal necessary PPE, instructions on use, assuring adequate nursing care and medical oversight of residents and staff.

“I can confirm that the legislation governing the regulation of care homes has now been amended to prohibit staff from working at multiple facilities when the Chief Medical Officers determines there is a risk of spreading a communicable disease.

“We are fully conscious of the challenges associated with this measure, but it is necessary right now to save lives,” she said.

“I have to extend a very special thanks to the staff who are bravely and selflessly taking care of residents at our care home facilities.

“Theirs is a courageous sacrifice the country must recognize and salute. It is frontline workers like them who are the heroes in this crisis.

“Knowing how vulnerable and other at risk populations with respect to this pandemic, I have to remind us that we are being called upon to do the right thing for others,” she added.

“Collectively, we have a responsibility to work together to stop the spread of this virus and keep our island safe, especially for those in our community who are the most vulnerable.

“Staying in our homes is indeed an interruption to our lifestyles, but more importantly, it is an interruption to the transmission of the virus.”

Premier David Burt noted that for the first time ever, Parliament will hold a virtual session in the Lower House on Friday.

“This will enable the people’s business to be conducted while still maintaining and best adhering to shelter in place and social distancing guidelines,” he said.

Changes to the regulations for the next lockdown period that starts on Saturday were still being finalised.

But he said there will be “limited allowances” for hardware stores, plant nurseries, laundromats, plant nurseries and pet shops to operate.

Education Minister Diallo Rabain advised parents that schools would remain closed “until further notice”.

Remote learning programmes are due to restart on Monday.

The Minister also stated that there was a delay in the notification of parents about school registration, which will be carried electronically.