COVID-19 pandemic in Bermuda

Ministry of HealthCrowdsourced Community Spread DataThe COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed by diagnostic test to have reached the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda on 18 March 2020; with individuals having arrived from the UK and US.

To assist in the reduced rumors on social media, the official government website (to the left) was updated with a direct link for information relating to Bermuda.

The government announced a 14-day 24-hour "Shelter in Place" starting 4 April, where residents were only allowed to leave home for groceries, pharmaceuticals, or medical emergencies.

[2] Government Quarantine Facilities (GQFs) had been designated and those locations had prohibited access as the general public was not permitted.

Individuals who had been required to stay at these facilities had been restricted to their rooms and once departures had been completed the sites had been cleaned thoroughly using standards as approved by the department of health.

These facilities are being used until technology based tools, similar to that used in Hong Kong (CITV Bermuda press conference broadcast dated 2020-05-20 on YouTube) could be used to ensure people comply with the stay-at-home orders.

[citation needed] The head of KEMH announced on Wednesday, 20 May 2020 that they are prepared to use convalescent plasma therapy and have six treatments in stock.

(CITV Bermuda press conference broadcast dated 2020-05-20 on YouTube) On Sunday, the 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, which was reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019.

From this version of video aired on the 11 March, with a photo and voice over, they moved to live streaming and clear images.

These clips had been informational in nature to provide the general public with directions on the pandemic and videos of gratitude for the many essential workers like cashiers, dockworkers, doctors, firemen, nurses, Police, Royal Bermuda Regiment, and Sanitation personal to name a few.

[11][12] It was also reported that these cases had been imported from overseas by the follow means:[citation needed] In light of the presence of COVID-19 on the island since those flights the government moved quickly and announced the closure of some facilities/locations including schools.

[16] Bermuda L.F. Wade International Airport set to close to all passengers, non-resident, as of 11:59 p.m. today (20 March).

[citation needed] Another proclamation was made, same day, in accordance with section 14(4) to summon both Houses of the Legislature to meet on Monday, 6 April 2020 at 10:00 a.m.[citation needed] Order to require all businesses to shift to remote work where it can be done by passing the Occupational Safety and Health (COVID-19) Temporary Regulations 2020.

[citation needed] First time in history the Parliament of Bermuda held a virtual meeting to extend the Shelter in Place and enact legislation to continue restrictions for the safety of public health going forward.

[29] "Emergency Powers" amended a third time, to further assist with remote work to allow an office or computer supply store to operate.

It was made clear in the press conference that this Phased approached does not have any dates and it is subject to change, the priority of this Government is the protection of the people.

[citation needed] Racial reporting started to identify the number of persons who contracted COVID-19 based on race.

[citation needed] The Continuing Precautions Regulations was amended a first time,[32] to add money service business which are needed as individuals/families have overseas persons that they cannot send funds and to provide cash chequeing abilities to those who do not have access to a banking facility (no bank account holders).

There have been 60 surgeries (emergency, urgent and cancer-related) performed over the last four weeks and 53 babies have been born between Wednesday, 1 April and Tuesday, 12 May.

Public bus service returns with restrictions, all passengers must wear a face mask and maintain a minimum of one meter (3 feet) distance when seated.

[citation needed] Further issues with public transportation was expressed in the press conference today (20 May) when the press presented a question regarding the drivers will stop work if minibuses are used and that they are allowing only nine people onto the bus; no answer was given at the time because the Minister of Tourism and Transport was not in attendance.

Also, that like other industries, restaurants, bars, and hotels they should be laid off or have furlough days and apply for the government financial assistance if they do not wish to work.

[citation needed] It was also confirmed that KEMH had found a positive case of COVID in the Cooper Ward of a patient recently.

Premier of Bermuda added that 1015 antibody test had been completed to date and provided details of that fact.

(CITV Bermuda press conference broadcast dated 2020-05-20 on YouTube) The head of KEMH also was pleased with the physical distancing people are doing as they are seeing a flat curve, related to the number of cases.

Bermuda Government approved the move to Phase 2 on Sunday, 17 May to start on today (21 May) and continue until Tuesday, 30 June.

The educational support program for parents who have to return to work only, starts for primary, middle aged children.

(CITV Bermuda press conference broadcast dated 2020-05-20 on YouTube) Many events had to be cancelled or postponed during the pandemic; too many to list exhaustively.

[42] Friday, 27 March 2020 they open teller services at Rosebank, temporary, to assist with social distancing at the time.

[44] Friday, 20 March they announced a delay in their sale to Permanent Capital as a result of COVID-19[45] due to market volatility.