Government

The Minister of National Security, Renee Ming advised this morning that the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) has been keeping a close watch on Hurricane Sam, which is currently a category 4 storm located some 1,082nm south-east of Bermuda.

And Minister Ming confirmed that the EMO will meet Wednesday (Sept. 29) morning to get the latest updates from partner agencies regarding their state of readiness.

Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP today stated, “It is with extreme sadness that I report that over the weekend, Bermuda has experienced ten more coronavirus-related deaths. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are extended to the families and friends who lost a loved one over this weekend.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 6460 test results, and 163 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 2.5%.

These results are from testing done on:

·         Thursday: 79 positive out of 2480 results (3.2% positivity)

Yesterday, I issued a statement confirming that the Government would utilise minibuses’ services to cover the core bus routes. We implemented this contingency plan to help our residents who have been burden with having to find transportation.

The Ministry and Department of Education are happy to announce that all primary schools distributed Chromebooks to P3, P4, P5, and P6 students the week of September 13th. 

The Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP shared, “The provision of Chromebooks was made possible by a very generous donation from the Hasso Plattner Foundation. This international foundation aims to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies through science and education.” 

The Economic Development Department (EDD) is inviting all Bermuda’s middle- and high-school students to participate in a technology-focused Reverse Pitch. The Challenge aims to assist Bermuda-based companies with innovative technology solutions to real-life challenges.

This evening, the Minister of Transport, the Hon. Lawrence Scott, JP, MP, confirmed that Government had implemented a contingency plan to provide public transportation services.  

Mr. Speaker, the public bus service has been disrupted for seven days now. In these trying times, not having transportation adds additional stress, anxiety and burden to those who rely on the public bus service. As Minister, I feel compelled to report exactly why the commuting public has been without public buses.

“I am extremely sorry to report today seven COVID related deaths,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “This is very sad news, and I extend heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 4982 test results, and 182 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 3.7%.

These results are from testing done on:

●        Tuesday: 91 positive out of 2618 results (3.5% positivity)

Mr Speaker, Honourable Members,

As this Honourable House will recall, a 14 day quarantine in a government approved facility for unvaccinated travellers came into effect on 20 June, with an end date of 30 September 2021.

The purpose of the 14 day quarantine is to curtail the movement of unvaccinated, recently arrived travellers to the island. The incubation period for COVID-19 is between two and 14 days, and that sets the quarantine period.

The Ministry and Department of Education is providing an update on the Saliva Screening Programme and reminds parents and guardians that all public schools are continuing with remote learning until further notice.

The Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, shared, “As we have repeatedly expressed, our goal is to return to in-person learning as quickly as possible and we will return to in-person learning once it is safe to do so and the data supports it.” 

On September 21, 2021, the Bermuda Cabinet approved the appointment of three International Experts to the Sargasso Sea Commission, established by the Hamilton Declaration on Collaboration for the Conservation of the Sargasso Sea, signed in Bermuda on March 11, 2014. 

The three incoming Commissioners are the President of The Ocean Foundation, Mr Mark Spalding, former Chief Executive of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory,Professor Stephen de Mora (both re-appointed for a third term), and Dr Ana Colaço, a distinguished deep-sea ecologist at the University of Azores. 

Good Afternoon Bermuda, I would firstly like to extend my condolences and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those members of our community whom we have lost during this outbreak.

All of those who have been so tragically affected by the coronavirus, including those persons in the hospital and at home, remain in my thoughts and prayers.

“Sadly, Bermuda has suffered two more coronavirus related deaths,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP.  “I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of those who recently lost a loved one to circumstances related to the coronavirus.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 4074 test results, and 168 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 4.1%.

These results are from testing done on:

§  Sunday: 75 positive out of 1658 results (4.5% positivity)

Good afternoon.

I begin my remarks today by offering sincere condolences to the family and friends who recently lost a loved one to circumstances related to the coronavirus. This month we have seen quite a few deaths, and I realise that this is causing unbearable pain for so many families.

I ask everyone to please keep these families in their prayers. As well, keep in our prayers those currently in hospital with COVID-19 related illnesses.

Good morning members of the media,

In these trying times, not having transportation adds additional stress, anxiety and burden to those who rely on the public bus service. As Minister, I feel compelled to report exactly why the commuting public has been without public buses for the last five days. 

The Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (ESU) is aware of a coronavirus exposure at the K Margaret Carter Centre (KMCC). 

The Minister of Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, shared, “The Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (ESU) has advised that KMCC remains closed until a full risk assessment is completed.” 

“The entire facility has been deep cleaned and we will update stakeholders and the community once we receive additional information from the Department of Health.” 

The Ministry of Transport has advised that bus and ferry service will be interrupted tomorrow, 21 September 2021. 

This evening, the Department of Marine and Ports Services BIU staff sent notice that they will be withdrawing their labour tomorrow due to health and safety concerns at work.   

Last week,  the BIU Bus Division raised concerns regarding health and safety standards in the workplace.  Discussions were held over the weekend and again today; however, there is no agreement between BIU and the Department of Public Transportation (DPT).

“Sadly, I am reporting another COVID related death,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “I am so sorry to hear of another loss of life, and I extend heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.”

The Ministry of Health received 5368 test results since the last update, and 155 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 2.9%.

These results are from testing done on:

▪          Friday: 124 positive out of 3572 results (3.5% positivity)

The Ministry of Public Works advise that due to staffing shortages garbage collection will be impacted over the next few weeks.

The public is reminded that they may deliver household garbage to the Tynes Bay Waste to Energy Facility, which is open daily from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily.

The Ministry of Public Works wishes to thank the public for their patience and apologizes in advance for any inconvenience.

Yesterday afternoon the Acting Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Wayne Furbert, JP, MP, attended the formal ribbon cutting ceremony for the Casa dos Acores Community Centre.  

The Centre will serve as a base for the non-profit organisation and registered charities purpose of promoting and preserving the Azorean heritage and culture in Bermuda and preserving the historical significance and contribution that Azoreans and Azorean descendants have made to Bermuda since the mid 1800s.

The Government of Bermuda is tonight releasing an interim coronavirus update, to keep residents fully informed of all aspects of our current situation. Following tonight’s interim update, a full update will be provided tomorrow evening from the Ministry of Health as scheduled.

Regrettably, the Ministry of Health reports that since the last update on Friday, sadly there have been four (4) additional coronavirus-related deaths.

Coronavirus Statistics:

The Ministry of Social Development and Seniors joined the global observance of the United Nations International Equal Pay Day. 

“This day, commemorated on the 18th of September, is dedicated to raising awareness and highlighting the global efforts towards achieving equal pay for work of equal value.” said the Hon. Tinee Furbert JP, MP, Minister of Social Development and Seniors. 

This evening (Sept. 17), the Department of Public Transport (DPT) confirmed that the bus service has been interrupted due to industrial action taken by the Bus Operators.

The operators raised concerns regarding health and safety standards in the workplace.

The DPT stressed this evening that it considers the health, safety and wellbeing of all bus operators, staff and commuters the highest priority.