Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 5366 test results, and 71 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 1.3%.

These results are from testing done on:

·Wednesday:  23 positive out of 1487 results (1.5% positivity)

·Thursday: 14 positive out of 1523 results (0.9% positivity)

·Friday: 24 positive out of 1360 results (1.8% positivity)

·Saturday: 10 positive out of 996 results (1.0% positivity)

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

The additional 47 new cases are classified as either local transmission (19) or under investigation (28). 

Additionally, there were 121 recoveries and 0 deaths.

There are 167 active cases, of which:

·161 are under public health monitoring; and

·6 are in hospital, with 0 in intensive care.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 11561 coronavirus cases, out of which 11271 have recovered, and sadly there have been 123 coronavirus-related deaths.

The source of all active cases is as follows:

·36 are Imported

·52 are classified as local transmission

·79 are Under Investigation

The source of all confirmed cases is as follows:

·2291 are Imported

·8800 are classified as local transmission of which:

o   4145 are Local transmission with known contact/source and

o   4655 are Local transmission with an unknown contact/source

·470 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  0.78.

“As we near the end of our mass vaccination programme, I want to remind everyone that the COVID-19 vaccine is very safe and very good at preventing serious illness, hospitalisation and in most cases, preventing deaths due to COVID-19,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP.

“As I have said on many occasions, the COVID-19 vaccine remains our best defence in preventing the spread of this virus. If you have questions about COVID-19 and the vaccine, please talk to your doctor.

“If you want to be vaccinated, please register your interest as soon as possible on gov.bm/vaccines. Pier-6 is open for vaccinations until March 31, for 1^st or 2^nd dose and boosters for those who are eligible.

“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 atwww.gov.bm/vaccines.

“Everyone must be responsible and take action to stay safe. Avoid closed spaces, crowded places and close contact settings. Continue to follow Public Health guidance, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, ensure that you have proper ventilation indoors and maintain physical distance.”