Bermuda recorded another six new cases of COVID-19 in the latest round of 170 test results received by the Ministry of Health on Tuesday.
As it stands now, there are a total of 139 cases.
Health Minister Kim Wilson said: “I’m sure everyone will agree how very concerning it is to see six positive results.”
Four were found through Bermuda Hospitals Board’s routine tests and two were identified through referrals from doctors.
The island’s country status remained at local transmission with clusters of cases.
There are currently 39 active cases, with nine people in hospital – two remain in critical care.
Nine people have died and a total of 91 people have fully recovered from this virus.
The average age of COVID-19 cases is 61 and the ages of people infected ranged from 18 to 101.
The average age of hospital cases ranged from 66 to 91, with an average age of 76.
The breakdown of traced cases:
• 41 that came in from overseas
• 81 on-island transmissions, with known contact
• 10 on-island transmissions with an unknown contact
A total of seven cases are under investigation.
“Despite this recent uptick in cases, our real time reproduction number is 0.91,” said Ms Wilson.
“However, as we have entered Phase 2 of the Island’s reopening, these new cases must serve as a reminder of the importance of preventive measures: hand hygiene, physical distancing and mask wearing.”
She also noted that there was “much public interest in testing capability”, but that only approved bodies could import coronavirus test kits.
There is a form online to complete for authorisation and only test kits authorised by overseas regulators can be imported.
“As the public may be aware, there is an abundance of falsified Covid-19 test kits that exist for sale in the global market,” said Ms Wilson.
“This online form has been created to ensure that only test kits that have been authorised by a national regulatory authority reach our shores.
The test kit application form can be found at forms.gov.bm/covid-19/testkitapproval.
“Submissions are reviewed to ensure proposed items have been authorized by an NRA.
“This process will also assist pre-approved entities in verifying that an NRA has deemed the performance of these test kits as satisfactory, prior to their procurement.
“The WHO website provides links to several NRA Emergency Use lists.
“Additionally, the Ministry of Health wishes to remind the public that, currently, only Day Care Centres can apply to the Ministry of Health to reopen.
“At present the Day Care Providers have all received the guidance and are putting things in place in preparation for Phase 3.”
