“Sadly, Bermuda has recorded three coronavirus related deaths since our last update,” said the Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “I extend heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 6461 test results, and ten were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 0.2%.

These results are from testing done on:

• Thursday: 5 positive out of 1934 results (0.3% positivity)
• Friday: 1 positive out of 2595 results (<0.1% positivity)
• Saturday: 4 positive out of 1932 results (0.2% positivity)

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

The additional five new cases are classified as either local transmission or remain under investigation.

Additionally, since the last update, there have been 25 recoveries and three deaths.

There are 66 active cases, of which:

• 56 are under public health monitoring and
• 10 are in hospital, with 2 in intensive care

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 5657 confirmed coronavirus cases, out of which 5487 have recovered, and sadly 104 COVID related deaths.

The source of all active cases is as follows:

• 17 are Imported
• 36 are classified as local transmission
• 13 are Under Investigation

Active cases by vaccination status and transmission:

• Imported cases: 94% are fully vaccinated, and 6% are not vaccinated
• Local/Under Investigation cases: 31% are fully vaccinated, and 69% are not vaccinated

The source of all confirmed cases is as follows:

• 660 are Imported
• 4920 are classified as local transmission of which:
  • 3037 are Local transmission with known contact/source and
  • 1883 are Local transmission with an unknown contact/source
• 77 are Under Investigation

As investigations proceed, transmission categories may change. For information regarding 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 0.60. Bermuda’s current country status is Community Transmission. Community transmission is characterised by an increased incidence of locally acquired, widely dispersed cases, with many cases not linked to specific clusters.

“Healthcare workers and essential workers who had a second dose over 6 months ago can now book a COVID-19 booster by calling the COVID helpline 444-2498 and press #2 to book booster appointment,” added Minister Wilson. “Those persons aged 65 or older who have had the second dose over 6 months ago can walk into Pier six between 10am and 5pm to get booster shot this week Monday-Friday.”

“COVID-19 vaccinations are available at the Hamilton Health Centre, 67 Victoria Street, every Tuesday from 2 – 4 pm. These vaccinations are by appointment only, 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.”

“You can book an appointment or walk into the KEMH Vaccination Clinic on Tuesday and Thursday, 4 to 7 pm, and Saturday, 8 am to 4 pm. Medical doctors will be at KEMH to answer any questions about COVID-19 and the vaccines.”

“The COVID-19 vaccine remains our best defence in preventing the spread of this virus. It will decrease symptoms and severe illness and, in most cases, prevent death.”

Everyone must do their part to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Avoid the three “Cs”: closed spaces, crowded places, and close contact settings to decrease the odds of getting the coronavirus. Follow Public Health guidelines, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance and download the WeHealth Bermuda app.