Government’s April 9 Update

Today, the Government of Bermuda received 49 new test results as a result of our aggressive COVID testing regime. Out of the 49 tests that were received 40 were negative, and additional nine were positive. However, it is also my sad duty to today report another COVID 19 related death. Today’s tragedy is among the new nine positive cases that were reported. On this occasion, a middle aged person whose source of transmission is still under investigation. I send my condolences to the family whose privacy, we will respect this tragic time. Bermuda’s total confirmed positive cases stands at 48. 25 have now recovered, 10 are hospitalized, and there are nine cases that are under active public health monitoring, but who do not require hospitalization.

Out of the ten, who are hospitalized, eight of those persons are in stable condition, and two of those persons are in intensive care. The range of ages for those persons hospitalized range between 58 years old and 75 years old, and the average age is 68.

The average age of all of our confirmed positive cases is 49. The median age is 48, and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 18 to 83, years old. Out of the 48 positive cases that have been confirmed today, 27 are males, and 21 are females. A review of our over overall testing numbers show that to date, out of the 362 tests, which have been conducted 48 were positive, and 306 were negative.

It is on the somber note of yet another death that is related to COVID-19 in Bermuda, that I have to remind all persons that the Shelter in Place Order is there for a reason.

We must take collective action to stop the spread of this virus, which has already taken four persons from us. We each have to do what we can to keep our island safe, and you do this by following the rules and remaining on your property.

Tomorrow is Good Friday, and normally we’ll be out enjoying our friends and family, while eating hot cross buns and fishcakes. You can still do that, but you must do it at home. No you cannot go to your cousin’s house, your siblings or your friend’s house to collect your usual order. This year we have to sacrifice for the greater good, and stay at home, recognizing that this is just for a time, and we will get through it. But if we do not follow these directions, more persons will, unfortunately, succumb to this illness.

As I’ve indicated before, once the Shelter in Place Order is lifted, we will be able to enjoy our traditional festivities, which we’ll observe on another date in our calendar. But I say to all persons, that it is not the Premier of the country, the Ministers of the Cabinet, or even the elected officials that can make the difference in this situation. It is everyone working collectively together. Stay at home, only leave your house for essentials, and make sure that you are observing social distancing guidelines.

These outings are not social opportunities. You go, get only what you need and then return home. That’s it.

We are asking that individuals only go by themselves. And we’ve seen that that is not being observed. And we’re asking people to be mindful, as any additional resources that are strained with our police and Regiment make us collectively, less safe.

But this request suggests,, to me that some people do not understand that cleaning a pool is not more important than saving a person’s life. We must take this seriously and consider the questions that we’re asking, and the jobs that are being asked for regarding exemptions. So let me be clear, cleaning a pool is not an essential or critical service, while we fight to save lives.

Also, as a reminder, if you are going out, you should wear a mask. It is important to remember that mask by themselves will not protect you from contracting the coronavirus, but what a mask will do is prevent you from spreading the virus to others, if you are an asymptomatic spreader of the virus.

During an earlier meeting today of the Cabinet, the Minister of Health did advise that we will be issuing new guidance to all essential service workers that are out doing, and conducting essential services that they must wear a mask in public. Persons who are not abiding by those particular rules, those businesses will not be allowed to provide any essential services.

I am pleased to report that yesterday 20 Bermudians who were on the ship, the Coral Princess returned home safely on two privately charter jets. Once the travelers were processed, they were immediately taken to the government quarantine facility where they will stay for two weeks.

This was a very difficult task to get these persons back here, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, the cruise ship passengers could not be on the same flight with non-passengers which is why they were not on the flight which is organized by Travel Edge on Tuesday. Travel Edge and Coral Princess had agreed and received approval for a disembarkation plan that involves taking cruise passengers straight by bus from the ship to the airport and the cruise line chartered the flights to bring the Bermudians home.

Read more: https://www.gov.bm/articles/9-april-covid-19-update