Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 5196 test results, and 12 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 0.2%.

These results are from testing done on:

• Thursday: 2 positive out of 1778 results (0.1% positivity)
• Friday: 6 positive out of 2005 results (0.3% positivity)
• Saturday: 3 positive out of 1413 results (0.2% positivity)

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

The additional ten new cases are classified as either local transmission (8) or under investigation (2).

Additionally, since the last update, there have been eight recoveries and 0 deaths.

There are 62 active cases, of which:

• 56 are under public health monitoring and
• 6 are in hospital, with 1 in intensive care

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 5688 confirmed coronavirus cases, of which 5520 have recovered, and sadly 106 COVID related deaths.

The source of all active cases is as follows:

• 16 are Imported
• 39 are classified as local transmission
• 7 are Under Investigation

Active cases by vaccination status and transmission:

• Imported cases: 88% are fully vaccinated, and 12% are not vaccinated
• Local/Under Investigation cases: 26% are fully vaccinated, and 74% are not vaccinated
• Of the active cases where typing is available, 100% are Delta

The source of all confirmed cases is as follows:

• 672 are Imported
• 5004 are classified as local transmission of which:
  • 3062 are Local transmission with known contact/source and
  • 1942 are Local transmission with an unknown contact/source
• 12 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 0.53. 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.

“I must stress the need for everyone to be more responsible in their actions,” said Minister of Health Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “We are getting more and more reports about people being non-compliant with public health guidance. People are symptomatic and doing activities anyway. They are going out in public, working, enjoying recreational activities, and children are going to school with symptoms.

“Our contact tracers are speaking to people who tested positive for the coronavirus, and they are not reporting close contacts and not cooperating with the contact tracing process. Subsequently, people that they were in close contact with are testing positive and displaying symptoms. This type of irresponsible behaviour will lead to more community spread.

“I realise that we all want to get back to normal, but we must remember that we are still in a pandemic. People are still testing positive. Physical distancing inside and outside must continue. Mask wearing must continue, and we all must pay close attention to any symptoms that can be COVID – runny nose, sneezing, coughs etc. If you need guidance, please visit gov.bm/coronavirus-guidance. We will not get back to normal without being personally responsible about our choices in this ongoing pandemic.”

“As a reminder, booster vaccines are available for those 50 and older, healthcare workers, essential and critical service workers who have had a second dose at least six months prior. Employment proof of ID must be presented when you attend your appointment.

“Essential and critical workers include Hospital Staff, Healthcare workers, Police Officers, Fire Service, Bermuda Regiment, Prison Officers, Utility workers (Electricity, Communications, Water), Stevedores, and other essentials such as teachers.

“All those with chronic conditions between the ages of 12 and 49, who had a second dose at least six months prior are also eligible for the booster. Pregnant women who have had a second dose at least six months prior can also make an appointment for a booster.

“Those aged 50 or older who have had the second dose over six months ago can walk into Pier Six on Front Street to get a booster vaccine.

“Also, throughout November and December, KEMH booster clinics will be held on Wednesday 8 am – 8 pm, and Sunday 8 am-8 pm. Last clinic 22nd December.

“COVID-19 vaccinations are also 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.”

“To book a booster vaccine appointment, visit gov.bm and select “Book a Booster Vaccine Appointment. Call the Vaccination Hotline at 444 2498 (option #2) or email vaccine@gov.bm if you have questions or concerns or are simply afraid to get the vaccine. If you are not eligible, do not book an appointment as you run the risk of being turned away at the vaccination location.

Minister Wilson concluded, “I want to remind travellers that they must apply for and complete a Bermuda COVID-19 Travel Authorisation 1 to 3 days prior to arriving in Bermuda in order to travel to the island,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “Please do not wait until the last minute to apply for your TA. Applications can take up to 72 hours to process.

“Everyone must do their part to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, and we must not be complacent. Vaccinated or not, we must follow public health guidance. 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.”