First Cases Of Covid-19 In Bermuda Confirmed
[Updated] The first diagnosed cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Bermuda, Premier David Burt has just announced.
We will update with the full text as able but in the meantime, the first part of the Premier’s statement said: “Just two hours ago the first diagnosed cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Bermuda. The Government of Bermuda understands that this news will leave many residents concerned and with questions. We understand these concerns and want to reassure you that we are taking this development extremely seriously.
“The situation is still evolving, so we will share with you the information that we have now, and additional details as soon as we have them. Right now we know that two residents are confirmed who have COVID-19. The patients had recently traveled from the United States and the United Kingdom, respectively, and became ill a few days after returning to the island.”
We will update with the full statement as able, and in the meantime the live video replay is below, and you can view all our coverage of the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic here, and our continuously updated live blog here.
Update 6.50pm: Premier David Burt said, ”Good Evening,
”We have called this press conference today to inform you that just two hours ago, the first diagnosed cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Bermuda.
”The Government of Bermuda understands that this news will leave many residents concerned; and with questions. We understand these concerns and want to reassure you that we are taking this development extremely seriously.
”This situation is still evolving. We will share with you the information we have now and additional details as soon as we have them.
“Right now, we know that two residents are confirmed to have COVID-19.
“The patients had recently traveled from the United States and United Kingdom respectively and became ill three days after returning to the island.
”The two cases are unconnected. Both individuals, who were identified early, are recovering and did not require hospitalization.
”They are presently isolated and have been isolated since they became symptomatic.
”The Ministry of Health is working closely with other ministries across the Government to rapidly investigate this situation and to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
”Our chief concern is how many people had close contact with the individuals once symptoms developed.
”In that regard, we are currently taking the following actions:
- ”Making sure the individuals are receiving appropriate treatment and remain isolated;
- ”And interviewing the individuals and close contacts, such as family members, to obtain detailed information on their travel history and exposures and then monitoring the family members to see if they become ill. Currently they are self-quarantined. This may require collecting and testing specimens from those individuals.
”I want to reassure the public that the government has been actively preparing for an event like this as part of the International Health Regulations. Thankfully we will have the ability to screen for Covid-19 on island tomorrow which will aid us in controlling any spread of this virus.
”The Covid-19 EMO will be meeting at 7:00PM to consider any additional social distancing measures that may be put into place.
”I want to encourage everyone in Bermuda to protect themselves to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory etiquette. This includes:
- ”Washing your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water;
- ”Maintaining social distancing – maintain at least three feet distance between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever.
- ”And avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
”…And if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early. Call ahead and tell your healthcare provider of your symptoms and travel history. If you have returned to the island it is Urgent that guest workers and Bermudians alike keep yourself quarantined.
”As this is an evolving situation; I am committed to keeping you updated as we work together to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in Bermuda.
In closing, I want to reassure the public that ensuring the health of our citizens is our top priority.
”The Government website gov.bm will be updated this evening to reflect the two imported Covid-19 cases.
”Thank you. I will now take questions from the media.”
Thanks for having a sign language interpreter!
This is great news!!! Soon Bermuda will shut-down and school’s will out!!!!!!
Can you let us know which flights? What dates? Airport workers need to know. Taxi drivers need to know when they came in.
Agree – key information
An once again precaution was never taken … they failed at checking on people who self quarantine cause they clearly don’t care for other people’s well being .. useless tactics to prevent it now let the nightmare begin stay safe people an report people who should be in self quarantine if you see them out in the public..
“Isolated SINCE they became symptomatic.” Which means they were walking around coming in contact with numerous people (at work, in the grocery store etc) and likely spreading the virus before they fell ill. Not good.
seriously. cant people just not travel at such a time to prevent killing tons of people on a tiny isolated island?? good grief. we were doing so well and i was so proud. one of 7 countries on earth blessed enough to be clean. if its that important you come here at least make sure you dont have the virus before coming here! you realize these people could potentially cause mass deaths on the island, at a time when there is no vaccine?
Agreed. We need to know which flights otherwise how are we going to track this, isolate people and ultimately stop the spread.
“Agreed. We need to know which flights otherwise how are we going to track this, isolate people and ultimately stop the spread.”
Oh, stop it! You know the Government has your best interests at heart, you do NOT need details of what the Government knows or how it knows it!
By the way, it is American Airlines Flight 308 on March 4 and British Airways flight 2233 on March 6. See http://bernews.com/2020/03/live-updates-coronavirus/
As the premier stated there is an ongoing follow up to identify contacts the two individuals have made with anyone who is now in Bermuda. Now is not the time to generate wildfire speculation that spreads faster than the virus, nor to assume the mantle of government decision maker.
If the guidelines generated by the science are followed then it can be expected that rates of infection will go down.
Trust the government to provide enough information to support the population’s efforts in behaving appropriately according to guidelines.
Well, you cannot blame Govt. There are still places in the US that do not have that kits. This is new to everyone and the best you can do is make the most appropriate decision at the time.
Sadly this virus has been spreading since Oct. 2019 hence the name COVID-19.
If Bernews allow, click on this link and listen a video about COVID-19 from Ted Talks. It is 16m but worth it.
What you will find, is what we are doing now, is simply too late.
https://www.ted.com/talks/alanna_shaikh_why_covid_19_is_hitting_us_now_and_how_to_prepare_for_the_next_outbreak?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tedspread
Government is doing all it can under circumstances new to everyone. Remember, there are places in the United States that still do not have ability to test.
I have attached a link below I think you may find very and informative. It is 16m but worth it and will shed more light on COVID-19.
https://www.ted.com/talks/alanna_shaikh_why_covid_19_is_hitting_us_now_and_how_to_prepare_for_the_next_outbreak?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tedspread
You can carry and transmit the Coronavirus and never outwardly show symptoms. This is something that needs to be communicated. Any persons that were in close or direct contact with these persons should be tested and the people they have been in close contact with.
This is why the rate in the US is exponential right now. People are carrying and spreading not even knowing they’re infected.
I really have a problem with this , the situation requires full compliance to the protective orders set down . but to be nonchalant attitude putting all of the rest of us at risk. There should be in place automatic quarantine for any and all who arrive to our shores regardless how ship , air or eve yacht . It seems to me the Health minister is chasing his tail . Make protective decisions needed or not , they can always be removed .