Video: Govt Press Conference On Covid-19

[Updated] The Government is holding a press conference this evening [April 16] to update the public on Covid-19. We will have additional coverage later on and in the meantime the live video is below, and you can follow our live updates here.

Update 6.20pm: Health Minister Kim Wilson: “Today, there were 35 tests results received, two were positive, and 33 were negative. Thankfully, there were no additional hospitalizations and there were no reported deaths. With these two new cases, Bermuda’s local confirmed positive cases is now at 83 and the status of those are as follows: there are 43 active cases of which 34 persons are under active public health monitoring and nine persons are hospitalized and a total of 35 persons have now fully recovered and the total deceased remains at five.”

The partial replay is below, apologies but the Govt stream kept dropping:

Update 7.17pm: Minister Kim Wilson’s full statement follows below:

Good Afternoon,
Thank you, Premier.

I want to begin my remarks today by reminding everyone that the future health of Bermuda is in our hands. While we cannot fully predict what will happen regarding transmission in our community, our actions today will determine whether we succeed or fail in our fight against COVID-19.

Before saying more about what we can all do in our collective fight against COVID-19, I will present today’s update on testing results.

Today, there were 35 test results received; two were positive and 33 were negative. Thankfully, there were no additional hospitalizations, and there were no reported deaths today.

With these 2 new cases, Bermuda’s total confirmed positive cases is now 83. Their status is as follows:

• there are 43 active cases, of which
• 34 persons are under active public health monitoring, and
• 9 persons are hospitalized;
• a total of 35 have now recovered, and
• the total deceased remains at 5.

The average age of all of our confirmed positive cases is 56. The median age is 58, and the age range of all of our positive cases is from 18 to 91 years. The age of persons hospitalized ranges between 67 and 82 years, and the average age is 74.

Out of the 83 positive cases confirmed to date, 37 are males, and 46 are females.

As a follow up to developments at the nursing home facility we spoke about yesterday, the Ministry of Health staff is implementing an outbreak management plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors of the nursing facility. This plan includes providing additional necessary PPE, instructions on use, assuring adequate nursing care and medical oversight of residents and staff.

I can confirm that the legislation governing the regulation of care homes has now been amended to prohibit staff from working at multiple facilities when the Chief Medical Officers determines there is a risk of spreading a communicable disease. We are fully conscious of the challenges associated with this measure, but it is necessary right now to save lives.

I have to extend a very special thanks to the staff who are bravely and selflessly taking care of residents at our care home facilities. Theirs is a courageous sacrifice the country must recognize and salute. It is frontline workers like them who are the heroes in this crisis.

Knowing how vulnerable seniors and other at risk populations are with respect to this pandemic, I have to remind us that we are all being called upon to do the right thing for others. Collectively, we have a responsibility to work together to stop the spread of this virus and keep our island safe, especially for those in our community who are the most vulnerable.

Staying in our homes is indeed an interruption to our lifestyles, but more importantly, it is an interruption to the transmission of the virus.

Another way to help slow the spread of COVID-19 is the use of cloth face coverings.

As I have said previously, the Ministry of Health recommends wearing cloth face coverings in any public setting in addition to other social distancing measures. For example: grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies.

A simple cloth face covering can also help prevent people who may not know that they have the virus, from transmitting it to others.

We are encouraged that many people are making cloth face coverings at home, which is not costly and can be used as an additional, voluntary health measure. Thank you to everyone in our community who is making homemade face coverings. I have seen a wide variety of attractive and well-made face coverings; this is another way that we are working together to protect Bermuda from the transmission of COVID-19.

Instructions on how to make cloth face coverings can be found on coronavirus.gov.bm.

In closing; continue social distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene and always wear a mask in public places. Individuals who have respiratory symptoms or other symptoms they think may be related to COVID-19 should be in contact by telephone with their family physician for advice and management.

They should remain isolated in their homes from others as best possible until medical and or public health advice confirm they can end isolation period

I strongly encourage everyone to please abide by the Shelter in Place guidelines – take this seriously. We are all responsible for our actions and we must follow the public health advice to stay in our homes, to stay safe . . . this is what will make the biggest difference for our survival as a community.

Thank you.

Update 8.50pm: Premier David Burt’s full statement follows below:

Good evening Bermuda.

I will start this evening by speaking directly to the families who have lost loved ones in recent weeks to COVID-19 and to those who have contracted the virus and are fighting to overcome it. The thoughts and prayers of our island are with you as you grieve for your loved one. As a Government we will continue to work hard to manage the spread and reduce the impact of this disease. For those who have contracted and are battling the virus we send you well wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

Today, we will have an update from the Minister of Health on matters related to COVID-19, the Minister of National Security on matters related to our current Shelter in Place, and the Minister of Education will give an update on the work being done in his Ministry to continue the learning process for our children.

Minister of Health reads her statement.

Thank you Minister.

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has listened to or medical experts, taken lessons from countries that have been successful in flattening the curve, and work swiftly to protect the people who have become challenged economically. We have listened to, and when necessary adapted to changing circumstances, implemented recommendations from those of all walks of life that truly and deeply care about Bermuda.

Tomorrow, Bermuda’s parliament will meet for the first time in history in a virtual meeting via WebEx, an internet based video conferencing app. This will enable the people’s business to be conducted while still maintaining adhering to Shelter in Place, and social distancing guidelines. I would like to thank the Speaker of the House, his staff at the Legislature, and also the team at the Department of Information and Digital Technologies for working to get this ready for tomorrow, so that we will be able to remain safe while conducting the people’s business.

Tomorrow’s meeting is necessary, as the approval of Parliament is required to extend our state of emergency. What is important to note, is that though we predict that the Shelter in Place will end on May 2, there will be a need to continue some form of restrictions for the foreseeable future. In other countries they do not need to declare a State of Emergency to restrict movement during a public health crisis, but in Bermuda, this is the only way to do so.

The public health modeling that we currently have predicts that we will need to have strict social distancing for the foreseeable future. So the Cabinet has resolved that we must make amendments to the laws that will allow any government in the future to implement appropriate measures, in the case of a future public health emergency, such as the one we’re experiencing right now, without the need to have to declare a State of Emergency.

This evening, we wanted to detail the full changes that are going to be put in place for next week’s Shelter in Place. However, these changes have not yet been completed legislatively, and we do not want there to be any confusion between what is said here, and what is reflected fully in the law. So we’re going to wait to make sure that we can read from the newly updated law so that everyone will have a full and complete update tomorrow.

But, as I have indicated over the last few days, there will be some changes. All the changes that are being made, are in line with social distancing. The purpose of the Shelter in Place Order is to minimise the interactions between persons in different households to minimize transmission that could spread this outbreak further than what it is spread already. However, recognizing that it has been extended for two weeks, and certain persons may not have been ready to be sheltered in place for a full four weeks, there are going to be some additional businesses that will be allowed to be open.

There will be limited allowances for hardware stores, as we want persons who are at home, and want to make sure they can have the opportunity to make any upgrades to their house and make use the time. Plant nurseries, in case you want to plant some items in your garden or start to help us to better enhance our food security in Bermuda.

There will be limited allowances for pet stores as well, as we recognize certain persons may have only had allowances for two weeks of pet food, and we want to make sure that our pets are taken care of. And certainly, as I’ve mentioned before laundromats, as it is important, and recognizing that not all persons in Bermuda aur privileged to have a washer and dryer in their house, and we’re going to make sure that we can find a way that minimizes the risk but allows persons to have access to those particular services.

Additionally, as we’re looking to promote delivery services on island, the Minister of National Security is also drafting up guidelines to enhance the use or expand the use of Bermuda’s taxis, to help enhance delivery services which are taking place on island right now. Many of our taxi drivers have subscribed to the unemployment benefit, as clearly there is a minimal amount of movement that’s allowed by taxi drivers, and this is a move to allow some economic activity for those taxi drivers, while making sure that we continue to maintain our social distancing.

As I had said, Minister Caines will be giving a full update tomorrow on those particular guidelines, but right now Minister Caines will give an update on the Ministry of National Security. Minister.

Thank you very much Minister Caines.

Minister, I would just like to add to your statements, and just say that I took note that further reports of panic buying today, especially in the areas of tobacco and alcohol, due to some headlines in local media. The Government is not banning alcohol and tobacco sales tomorrow as some persons have reported, so there is no need to rush to the store. I cannot emphasize enough that there is no need to panic buy any items as we’re going to ensure that supply happens.

Yesterday, I indicated that we will allow the limited restocking of these particular items in our stores and the Minister of National Security and the amendments that are being made to Emergency Powers Regulations will allow for that to happen. As this Government sees these that must be addressed, we will always look at issues carefully, and if we need to make a different decision, while maintaining the health and wellbeing of Bermudians, we will.

I cannot stress that an overwhelming majority of our people are putting Bermuda first by following the rules, sheltering in place, and maintaining social distance. Yet, there are those who continue to act in undisciplined, reckless and thoughtless manner, as was just stated by the Minister of National Security. For them, the only solution will be facing the consequences before the courts of Bermuda, and that is not something, of which we want to do. So if you do not care about anyone else, I hope that you at least pause, as a thought of paying thousands of dollars in fines or potentially finding yourself behind bars.

Given that we are dealing with people’s lives, the Government is not playing in this particular situation, and we are urging the Bermuda Police Service to continue to enforce the law as it is written.

Now, the Minister of Education, Diallo Rabain, will provide an update on education. Minister.

Minister of Education reads his statement.

Thank you Minister.

I would like to thank you and your team at the Ministry, the Department, Bermuda’s principals, educators, and paraprofessionals, not just the Premier but also as a father. My daughter is enjoying her experience learning online and I’m grateful that in spite of this pandemic she, like so many of our children across the island, has the opportunity to engage in learning.

I am very pleased to share some good news with you. In a press release that was issued a few hours ago, Athene announced this afternoon that it led a joint effort of companies to fund the purchase of eight life-assisting ventilators for the Bermuda Hospitals Board. Together, the companies donated more than $400,000 to fund the purchase of equipment that is critical to patient health, especially during this pandemic.

The joint effort led by Athene is being made possible by the additional support of several other Bermuda-based companies, including Athora Holding Ltd., Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd., and Catalina Holdings Ltd. Widespread shortages of essential medical equipment have created a challenge for the hospital. The Bermuda Hospitals Board identified that there was a need for these additional ventilators and this group of companies responded.

Athene, speaking on behalf of all the supporting companies in this joint effort, said that it is an honor to give back to the community and also expressed how grateful they are and supportive of the healthcare professionals on the frontlines treating patients during this extraordinary time.

On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I extend a sincere appreciation for the generosity of these companies who have paid for these life-saving ventilators.

As we entered 2020, no one could have predicted or imagined that we would be confronting the global emergency we are facing today. The world has been forced to change and so we have been forced to change. It has been said that the true character of a people is not revealed during times of prosperity and happiness, but during times of crisis and woe.

We are pulling together as a people. Our healthcare professionals on the front line working tirelessly with those suffering from COVID-19 and treating them with dignity and compassion. I must also add the professional and technical staff at the Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute. They continue to play a vital role for those who need on-going and additional mental health support.
Whether it is our bus drivers and members of the community working to ensure that our healthcare professionals don’t have to worry about how they will get to work.

Our teachers, many carrying the burden without complaint or reluctance as they educate our children while caring for their own. Our dock workers, truck drivers, grocery, pharmacy and gas station workers, helping to keep us fed and the medicine we need on our shelves.

The security guards who are working at the various stores to make sure that social distancing rules are being followed. There are so many that are working without recognition, quietly behind the scenes to get us all through this difficult time, and to them, I say thank you.

Finally tonight, I extend my warmest thanks to the members of my Cabinet. While I, the Minister of Health and the Minister of National Security have been before the cameras throughout this national emergency, every single member of Cabinet is working hard and doing their part to insure that the government continues to function, continues to listen, and continues to adapt to the swiftly changing circumstances our island faces. I say thank you to them.

Update 8.53pm: Minister of Education Diallo Rabain’s full statement follows below:

Good evening,

We know that this time is not easy for any one, and we are keeping our students, family and staff at the forefront. I am in awe of the efforts being undertaken by our school and system leaders, parents, students and other community support agencies as we navigate this difficult situation.

It is also important to reiterate that our priority is to ensure the health and well-being of our students, families and staff. Therefore, schools will remain closed until further notice.

Now, in light of the extension of the ‘Shelter in Place’ order until May 2nd, it is necessary to provide an update for our Education Family on several education matters.

The updates will focus on:

1. Remote Learning
2. School Registration
3. The Cambridge International Examinations
4. Senior School Graduation Requirements, and
5. Health and Well Being.

I will begin with,

Remote Learning
Again, I would like to say that our principals and school staff are to be commended for their commitment and continued efforts to facilitate learning for our students during school closures.

With the decision to extend the “shelter-in-place”, our teachers will be ready to resume the remote learning programme for students from the preschool level to the senior level starting Monday, April 20th. Senior schools will continue with teaching the essential curriculum for each of the courses students are taking; while the pre, primary and middle schools will focus learning activities on content and skills that have already been taught.

These three levels, in addition to our special school (Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy) and the Success Academy at Roberts Avenue, will all implement a remote learning strategy that is responsive to the shelter in place conditions, and that considers the most current research for remote learning.  More specifically, the learning activities will focus on three key areas: academics, physical activity and student well-being.

This week our school leaders collaborated and agreed on common schedules and expectations for the remote learning programme. Parents will be provided with information on what is to be expected at each school level while the remote learning strategy is being implemented.  School Principals will provide this information to our parents and guardians tomorrow, Friday April 17th.

School Registration Decision Notifications
As a result of COVID-19 and the shelter-in-place requirement, there has been a delay in notifying parents of enrolment decisions for first entry into primary, middle and senior school.  Instead of receiving the usual letter by mail, parents will now be notified electronically.

1. Parents of students who will be entering Primary 1 will receive a letter via email on Tuesday, May 5th, 2020.
2. Parents of students entering S1 will be notified in PowerSchool, (the student management system )on May 7th, 2020; and
3. Parents of students entering M1 will be notified on May 12th 2020, also by PowerSchool.

Middle and senior school parents will be required to log on to PowerSchool to access the enrolment decision.

We look forward to welcoming new children into the Bermuda Public School System in September 2020, and to provding support for those students transitioning to middle and senior schools.

Now I will speak to our:

Cambridge International Examinations
I am pleased to report that students at our middle and senior schools who were registered to sit the Cambridge IGCSEs and A-Level examinations for the June 2020 series, will still be positioned to have grades awarded for the work completed for these courses.

On March 23rd, 2020, Cambridge announced that they would not hold the June 2020 exam series anywhere in the world, to protect the safety of students and teachers. Cambridge International have now set out a process to award grades to students which they believe to be the “most valid, fair and effective approach in these unique circumstances.”

This process involves making evidenced-based decisions about the grades for each student for each subject and this means that our students will be awarded grades commensurate with the work completed for each course.

Graduation Requirements for Senior Schools
Senior school principals and staff have been in discussions with Department of Education officers to consider adjustments to the graduation requirements, while maintaining the standard of the Bermuda School Diploma.  Recommendations are being prepared for submission to the Ministry of Education and the decision on the recommendations will be shared with parents and students by end of next week.

Health and Wellbeing
To reiterate a common refrain, I urge the public education family to continue to protect our families and the community by practicing social distancing and frequent handwashing.

Individuals who need medical care should call their medical provider to report their illness prior to seeking care at a clinic, physician’s office, or hospital. Call the COVID-19 HOTLINE 444-2498 if you have any questions or concerns. The hotline for emotional wellbeing matters is 543-1111. There will remain some questions that cannot yet be answered, for example about graduation ceremonies. At this time, while it is too early to make definitive statements, the Department of Education is working with schools on a number of issues, and further announcements will be forthcoming once decisions can be made.

The Department of Education will continue to provide updates through its Facebook page, email, school apps, social media, and the website www.moed.bm .

In closing, I want to briefly provide an update for our students about the Ministry’s scholarships and awards offerings this year.

We know that it is also a concerning time for students planning to start college or university or to continue their studies in the Fall this year. As such, we have extended our scholarship deadline to May 7th and are looking at ways to make the application process easier for applicants.

The Ministry of Education is running a short survey for scholarship applicants to find out the impact of COVID-19 on their studies.  The survey results will help the Ministry to better support applicants and eventual scholarship recipients. Thus far, we have received 61 survey responses, but we hope to have more participation so that we obtain fuller picture of the effects.

The survey link is available on our Facebook and Instagram page and will run for another week.  Additionally, if you email scholarships@moed.bm, the survey link will be sent to you automatically.  Any questions and feedback can also be sent to scholarships@moed.bm.

Thank You.

Update, April 17, 5.54am:

A Government spokesperson said, “This evening the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne M. Caines, JP, MP, provided an update during the daily COVID-19 press briefing.

“Minister Caines highlighted the shelter in place guidelines and exemptions until May 2, the ongoing management of the Community Action Points, and he provided some fire safety guidance for residents from the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service [BF&RS].

Minister Caines said, “We continue to see an increase of individuals who are moving about before 7.00 am. This is concerning. I think it’s important to remind the public that under the Shelter in Place guidelines, persons are only allowed to move about for legitimate reasons between the hours of 7.00 am and 7.00 pm.

“As a note, we are taking a closer look at the current grocery store last name policy to see how this can be more effective and balanced. We are looking at including three segments instead of the two segments that we currently have. We believe that this will alleviate some of the long lines that we are seeing at our grocery stores. We will be making the necessary legislative changes and will provide an update to the public accordingly.”

Regarding the issue of exemptions for the next 14 days of Shelter in Place, Minister Caines said, “The Ministry of National Security continues to work legislatively on a process to for persons to have their Curfew Exemptions extended until May 2, without the requirement to re-apply. Once this is formally in place, the public will be updated.”

“The Royal Bermuda Regiment continue their deployment across the island providing support in a variety of capacities.

“In partnership with the BPS the Community Advisory Points recorded a total of 11,165 stops over a 24-hour period [April 14 – 15]. Of these 53 were advised to return home.

“The RBR is reminding the public to please have their identification on hand in order to avoid delays at the check points.

“Minister Caines also advised that the BPS marine officers and Bermuda Coast Guard continue to maintain a daily presence on the waters.

“However, the Minister expressed his concern that “we are seeing an increase of unauthorized pleasure crafts on the water.”

“Bermuda, the Shelter in Place guidelines extends to our surrounding waters,” he said. “Yesterday, the unit continued to observe individuals fishing at various locations and using the beaches and parks. Again – we are reminding you that any vessel or individual that is not authorized to be on the water will be redirected home and in many cases dealt with by the Bermuda Police Service.”
And lastly, the Minister provided some fire safety tips for the public, particularly those who are contemplating burning trash in their yards.

Minister Caines said, “With more people at home during this Shelter in Place period, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service is issuing a timely fire safety advisory. We recognize that during this time residents are using the opportunity to clean their properties of unwanted horticultural waste, garden clippings and lawn waste. Residents are reminded that they are only allowed to burn horticultural waste. You should not be burning trash such as lumber, plastics or furniture, either on the ground or in a barrel. So we are taking this opportunity to remind you of the correct procedures for burning horticultural waste on your property.”

Residents should note:
1. Before starting a controlled burn you should notify the BFRS Dispatch on 296-7559 and give the following information:

• Name
• Address
• Contact Number
• Approximate Duration of the Controlled Burn

2.Ensure that the area where the burning is going to take place is a minimum of ten [10] feet away from any buildings, trees or other combustible materials.

3. A garden hose or other means of completely extinguishing the controlled burn should be readily available.

4. The controlled burn should constantly monitored; and

5. Upon completion, the controlled burn should be fully extinguished and the BFRS Dispatch notified.

“If at any time during the controlled burn the smoke becomes a nuisance to neighbors the fire must be extinguished immediately.

“For more information about controlled burning please contact the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service Fire Prevention Division at fireportection@gov.bm or 292-5555.“

As the island and world deals with the Covid-19 pandemic, we are doing our best to provide timely and accurate information, and you can find more information on the links below.

• Live: Our continuously updated live blog here
• All: Our coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic here
• Official: The Bermuda Government website here
• World Stats: Live graph of all cases worldwide here
• Bermuda Stats: Chart of the Bermuda stats here
• Timeline: Visual look at the timeline here
• Comprehensive: Our new Covid-19 website here

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