Health Minister Kim Wilson has issued another update, now that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that the global number of COVID-19 cases has surpassed 100,000.

“Amid this disheartening news, I want to remind people that the spread of this virus can be significantly slowed or even reversed through the implementation of robust containment and control activities,” Ms Wilson.

“To that end, in following WHO’s recommendations, Bermuda is working hard to ensure that it is ready to deal with a possible introduction of Covid-19 into our community by preparing our hospitals and clinics to manage a potential surge in patients and providing specialised training for health workers where most appropriate.

“Every person has the capacity to contribute, to protect themselves, to protect others, whether in the home, the community, the healthcare system, the workplace or the transport system.”

The Minister also noted that a guidance document had been prepared for hotels, guesthouses and Airbnb operators.

On a related note, the Bermuda Post Office moved to reassure customers that mail coming out of China was safe – posing no risk of passing on the virus.

The statement issued by WHO, added: “From previous analysis, we know coronaviruses does not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.”

A poster which has been created by the Government of Bermuda for healthcare facilities to print and display on their doors, advising individuals with respiratory symptoms and/or a relevant travel history to call ahead before entering the building, in an effort to limit any potential exposure risks to others.

The Ministry also produced a poster detailing COVID-19 prevention tips, encouraging people to print and display the poster in their workplaces, community clubs and public bulletin boards.

It was also noted that “travel advisories are regularly reviewed by the Public Health Emergency Response Team who make formal recommendations to the Government’s Ministers and Cabinet members”.

“If/when the travel advisory changes, the Ministry of Health will announce those changes to the general public.”

A guidance document was created by the Government of Bermuda entitled: ‘Guidance for hotels, guest houses, and Airbnb Operators in Bermuda’.

Residents were also urged to watch and share the following video regarding good hand hygiene:  https://youtu.be/gSl9STwhTmY