Changes To Pre-Arrival Testing Starts Dec 3rd
[Updated with PDF] “Rapid antigen testing has been added as an approved option for pre-arrival testing of vaccinated Bermuda-bound travellers effective December 3, 2021,” the BTA said today.
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Government will require that the rapid antigen tests be observed and certified by a laboratory, health care entity or telehealth service for negative results to be valid for travel to Bermuda.
“Improved technology, shortened results windows, and widespread availability of rapid antigen tests are expected to simplify the pre-arrival planning process for prospective travellers, making it a safe and convenient option for visitors.
“Vaccinated visitors represent less than one percent of those testing positive in Bermuda [on arrival or post-arrival]. In a move that reflects the low risk posed by vaccinated travellers to the island, the Ministry of Health has announced that those visiting Bermuda for seven days or less will not be required to undergo follow-up testing while on-island. The Bermuda Government will however facilitate outbound testing for visitors according to the requirements of their return destination.
“All travelers to Bermuda, are still required to have a PCR test upon arrival. In a previous statement, the Bermuda Tourism Authority cited the start date for the programme as of November 29, 2021. Bermuda will accept antigen test results for travellers headed to Bermuda starting December 3, 2021.”
The Quarantine [Covid-19] [No. 3] Amendment [No. 6] Order 2021 follows below [PDF here]:
You can find more information on the links below from our dedicated website BermudaCovid.com, which is the most comprehensive resource and historic record available of Bermuda’s handling of the pandemic.
- All Charts: Vaccine, testing & more here
- Timelines: Dates of major developments here
- Test results: Chart of testing stats here
- Vaccine: Data covering vaccinations here
- Dedicated website: BermudaCovid.com
“Vaccinated visitors represent less than one percent of those testing positive in Bermuda [on arrival or post-arrival].”
This statement is being trotted out regularly. However, something is amiss.
Most of the positive for arrivals in Bermuda are in fact vaccinated individuals as has been shown.
It may well be that they mean “vaccinated visitors testing positive represent less than 1% of all arriving passengers”
Numbers are important and clearly a huge majority of the positive cases for arrivals are, in fact, vaccinated as virtually all visitors and returning residents that are choosing to travel are vaccinated.
Playing with words and numbers creates more distrust which surely is at an all time night at the moment.