Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 10069 test results, and 345 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 3.0%.

These results are from testing done on:

• Tuesday: 57 positive out of 1639 results (3.5% positivity)
• Wednesday:  52 positive out of  1515 results (3.4% positivity)
• Thursday: 37 positive out of 1726 results (2.1% positivity)
• Friday: 60 positive out of 1713 results (3.5% positivity)
• Saturday: 39 positive out of 838 results (4.7% positivity)
• Sunday: 24 positive out of 1078 results (2.2% positivity)
• Monday: 76 positive out of 1560 results (3.5% positivity)

56 of the new cases are classified as imported with a history of travel in the previous 14 days.

The additional 289 new cases are classified as either local transmission (93) or under investigation (196).

Additionally, there were 262 recoveries and no deaths.

There are 376 active cases, of which:

• 367 are under public health monitoring; and
• 9 are in hospital, with 1 in intensive care.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 13488 coronavirus cases, out of which 12981 have recovered, and sadly there have been 131 coronavirus-related deaths.

The source of all active cases is as follows:

• 62 are Imported
• 103 are classified as local transmission
• 211 are Under Investigation

The source of all confirmed cases is as follows:

• 2577 are Imported
• 10501 are classified as local transmission of which:
  • 4781 are Local transmission with known contact/source and
  • 5720 are Local transmission with an unknown contact/source
• 410 are Under Investigation

As investigations proceed, transmission categories may change. For age distributions and overall transmission categories, please refer to https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus-covid19-update. The seven-day average of our real-time reproduction number is 1.01.

Since January 11, 2021, Bermuda residents have received 131,743 vaccinations.

Of the 131,743 vaccinations given as of April 22, 2022:

• 52% are women and,
• 48% are men

87.0% of all residents over 65 years have had at least one vaccination, and 85.7% are fully immunised.

To date, 75.6% of the population has been vaccinated (1 dose), and 74.2% of the population has been immunised (2 doses).

71.9% of those eligible for a booster have received their booster, and 9.0% of those with a booster have received a second booster dose.

The free fourth dose booster clinic at the site of the former art gallery in Crisson’s at 71 Front Street, across from the number five parking lot, will close this Friday, April 29th permanently. Residents 65 years or older and immunocompromised residents are eligible for a 4th dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, provided their 3rd dose was at least five months ago. Walk-ins are welcome.

Anyone wishing a Covid vaccine can book an appointment on www.gov.bm/vaccines. They may also call the Vaccination Hotline at 444-2498 (option #2) or e-mail vaccine@gov.bm.

Vaccinations and boosters are available are also available at the Hamilton Health Centre, 67 Victoria Street, every Tuesday from 2 – 4 pm. These vaccinations are by appointment only, with no walk-ins. You can get your 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd dose. Call 332-8906 for assistance in scheduling an appointment, or you can book online at www.gov.bm/vaccines.

“Beginning May 1^st, the Ministry of Health will restructure COVID-19 testing to meet the various testing needs of visitors and residents,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “Penno’s Wharf and Dockyard will close as testing sites at the end of April 2022.”

“Residents who require a COVID-19 test to meet the outbound testing requirement, please schedule a COVID-19 test at Washington Mall through early May. After that, outbound testing will be available through participating pharmacies across the island. You will be able to receive test results that meet all requirements for travel.

“Visitors will have their outbound test automatically scheduled for them at Perot Post Office when they arrive in Bermuda.”

Visit https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus-get-tested, for additional information and testing locations and opening hours.

Those who require testing may also go to one of the private labs on island: Helix Genetic and Scientific Solutions (helixbermuda.bm) or C&S West Limited, (cswest.bm), or Northshore Medical and Aesthetic Services (nmac.bm). These labs are certified to carry out COVID-19 testing and diagnostics.

Minister Wilson added: “The Covid-19 virus is still in our community, and our numbers are rising. This is not the time for people to diminish their responsibilities. The COVID‐19 virus is mainly spread from person to person by small virus-containing droplets that are exhaled when an infected person is speaking, singing, coughing, sneezing or breathing.

“Well-fitting masks are an effective form of personal protective equipment, forming a barrier from getting and spreading respiratory infections. They are effective because they help prevent the person with COVID-19 from breathing out virus-containing droplets. They also help protect the person who does not have COVID-19 from breathing in virus-containing droplets and particles.

“You must wear a mask when travelling by bus, ferry (excluding the outdoor decks), taxi, limousine or minibus – both passengers and operators. Masks must also be worn when working in or visiting health services, such as a hospital, dental facility, laboratory, residential care facility, etc. Health service providers such as doctors or dentists, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, etc., must wear masks. Masks are also mandatory when visiting or working at Corrections facilities and inside the L F Wade International airport building.

“People with medical vulnerabilities should continue to wear masks if physical distancing cannot be maintained. Although masks are not required in all indoor settings or outdoors, the virus does spread in crowded settings. This is why it is crucial to wear masks in crowded places (indoors and outdoors) where you cannot maintain an appropriate physical distance of 6 feet (2 meters) from others who are not from your household or whose immunisation status is unknown.

“Also, businesses can continue to require face masks be worn by people seeking to enter their premises and receive services. This is permitted, and those businesses that continue to have policies and good practices to protect the public and their staff are to be commended.

“Everyone should avoid closed spaces, crowded places and close contact settings. Continue to follow Public Health guidance, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, ensure proper ventilation indoors and maintain physical distance.”