Another returning resident who flew to Bermuda on October 27, has turned up as the only confirmed case in the latest round of test results for COVID-19 out of the 556 test results received by the Ministry of Health today.

This after all of the passengers on a British Airways (BA) flight that touched down in Bermuda last week were told quarantine when eight confirmed cases were detected.

A Ministry spokeswoman said the resident whose test results came back positive was asymptomatic after they tested negative in a pre-arrival and arrival test.

She also stated that the newest case was in quarantine since their arrival, with a close contact of a known case from the same flight. All of the passengers on BA 2233 were given quarantine orders on Wednesday.

All passengers on that flight were given a copy notifying them of the island’s quarantine order on on Wednesday, when they came in for their day eight testing.

As of today there were 207 total confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Bermuda, with 19 active cases, including 14 returning residents and five visitors.

The good news – none of them are in hospital.

Health Minister Kim Wilson said the passengers would be in quarantine until next Tuesday.

“Although travellers on this flight may have tested negative on arrival and on day four, the incubation period for COVID-19 is up to 14 days, which means that the virus may be undetectable in your body during that time as the virus replicates itself.

“We understand the inconvenience this decision may cause these travellers but ask that they consider the worst case scenario should we not act in this way,” said Ms Wilson.

“I ask that all passengers follow the quarantine instructions provided to them and monitor themselves for symptoms as per public health instruction.

“Tomorrow I will provide an update regarding any positives identified during the day eight test for this flight,” she added.

Passengers were told to remain in quarantine, adhere to social social distancing and to check their temperature for symptoms of the virus twice a day.

They were also advised to avoid all public spaces, including public transportation.

Anyone with a temperature over 100.4F, or with symptoms of COVID-19 were advised to practice self isolation and get in touch with the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit. They were also advised to seek medical care if needed.

The Ministry also said quarantined passengers will be given a special location for their day 14 tests, while the COVID-19 surveillance and case management team will stay in touch with them.

To date, there are 207 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Bermuda.

There status is as follows:

  • There are 19 active cases (all imported, consisting of 5 visitors and 14 returning residents), who are
  • All under public health monitoring, and
  • None are hospitalized or in critical care
  • A total of 179 have recovered, and
  • The total deceased remains 9

The average age of all of our confirmed positive cases is 54 and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 7 to 101 years.

The average age of all deceased cases is 74 and the age range is 57 to 91 years.

The source of all cases is as follows:

  • 96 are Imported
  • 90 are Local transmission, with known contact
  • 21 are Local transmission with an unknown contact, and
  • Nnone are under investigation

Meanwhile, Bermuda’s country status is “Sporadic Cases”. The seven-day average of our real time reproduction number is less than 1.

The following instructions were issued to all travellers who arrived on this flight:

  • After attending for Day 8 testing today, immediately return to your accommodation. Strictly adhere to physical distancing (6 feet); especially from vulnerable people, housemates and people not on the flight
  • Use good hygiene (covering your coughs and sneezes, hand-washing) and mask-wearing
  • Avoid all public spaces where there is close contact with others including all public transport (taxis, ferries and buses)
  • Take your own temperature and check yourself for symptoms twice per day. If your temperature is over 100.4F or 38C, or you develop symptoms please isolate and contact the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit.  Also seek medical care, with the assistance of your guest accommodation, as needed
  • A special location for Day 14 testing will be made and communicated to you
  • A member of the COVID-19 surveillance and case management team will remain in contact with you over the quarantine period
  • Please refer to https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus-travellers for more information