Bermuda sadly recorded another death due to COVID-19, taking the total number of lives lost to this virus on island to 118.

According to the latest update, there are currently 18 patients in hospital battling COVID, with three in intensive care and 453 cases being monitored.

“I am sad to report tonight that we have another coronavirus related death,” said Health Minister Kim Wilson.

“I extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.”

The Ministry of Health received 4,169 test results since the last update – 128 were positive – 20 of the new cases were classified as imported with a history of travel in the previous 14 days.

The additional 108 new cases were classified as either local transmission (50) or under investigation (58). 

Additionally, there were 581 recoveries.

There are 471 active cases, of which:

·453 are under public health monitoring; and

·18 are in hospital, with 3 in intensive care.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 10,921 coronavirus cases, out of which 10,332 have recovered.

The source of all active cases is as follows:

·43 are Imported

·156 are classified as local transmission

·272 are Under Investigation

The source of all confirmed cases is as follows:

·2,191 are Imported

·6,601 are classified as local transmission of which:

o   3,919 are Local transmission with known contact/source and

o   2,682 are Local transmission with an unknown contact/source

·2,129 are Under Investigation

Since January 11th, 2021, Bermuda residents have received a total of 121,792 vaccinations.

Of the 121,792 vaccinations given as of January 29th, 2022:

·52% are women and,

·48% are men

87.1% of all residents over the age of 65 years have had at least one vaccination, and 85.8% are fully immunized.

To date, 73.0% of the population has been vaccinated (1 dose), and 71.7% of the population has been immunized (2 doses).

Additionally, 67.1% of those eligible for a booster have received their booster.

The Minister added: “First, second and booster doses will continue to be available at Pier 6 until March 31st either by appointment or for walk-ins.

“After March 31st, we are working to have the COVID-19 vaccine available through physicians’ offices, as well as participating pharmacies.

“COVID-19 vaccinations are also available at the Hamilton Health Centre, 67 Victoria Street, every Tuesday from 2 – 4 pm. There is a limited number of appointments, and these vaccinations are by appointment only, with no walk-ins.

“You can get your 1st, 2nd or 3rd dose. Call 332-8906 for assistance in scheduling an appointment, or you can book online at www.gov.bm/vaccines,” she said.

“I encourage anyone who wants to get vaccinated to do so quickly. As well, I would like to remind people that proper ventilation is one of the leading mitigation methods for reducing the risk of the coronavirus transmission within buildings. We should all increase fresh air ventilation wherever possible when indoors. The risk is much less if outside.

“If you are planning any type of gathering, try to do it outside or if indoors, with all windows and doors open to allow fresh air to pass through. In a workplace check the ventilation system has been evaluated and optimized for Covid. In a shared vehicle, keep all windows open.”

The Minister concluded: “We must keep doing our part to keep each other safe and to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“As always, to decrease the odds of getting the coronavirus, avoid the three “Cs”: closed spaces, crowded places and close contact settings. Follow Public Health guidelines, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, and maintain physical distance.”