Bermuda News Updates

[Slide 1] Good Afternoon Bermuda,

[Slide 2] I am pleased to share with you an update of Bermuda’s current ability to detect new coronavirus variants.

[Slide 3] To recap, as of March 2021 Bermuda can identify certain strains using a 1 hr PCR test. Currently, MDL has 7 different tests that targets 9 different possible mutations within the S gene of the virus. The limitation is that these tests only look at 9 positions and not the entire genetic sequence.

Good afternoon.

I am joined today by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ayoola Oyinloye, and Dr Carika Weldon, Director of the Bermuda Molecular Diagnostics & Research Laboratory.

Bermuda currently has 31 active cases, all of which are persons under public health monitoring, with no-one in the hospital.

Of the active cases:

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 6109 test results, and 9 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 0.1%.
These results are from testing done on:

·                  Wednesday: 2 positive out of 1455 results (0.1% positivity)

·                  Thursday: 3 positive out of 2071 results (0.1% positivity)

·                  Friday: 0 positive out of 1697 results (0.0% positivity)

·                  Saturday: 4 positive out of 886 results (0.5% positivity)

~ Public encouraged to support local talent at safely distanced midday concert ~

On Friday, December 17, the Department of Culture will host a special holiday version of the popular Creatives Live! open air concert series, featuring the Bermuda Carolers.

Taking place on the steps of City Hall steps – this midday musical event is aimed at showcasing and supporting Bermuda’s talented artists. 

Next Friday’s special edition of Creatives Live! will showcase the songs of the season from 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm.

~ Slight decline in retail sales volume compared to 2020, value of purchases remains steady~

Today, the Cabinet Office released the August 2021 Retail Sales Index (RSI).

While August’s retail sales volume saw a slight decline of 2.9% compared to last year,  in value terms, retail sales remained unchanged at an estimated $99.6 million compared to last year (August 2020). There were some positive retail sales increases in a couple of sectors with the construction industry contributing a 16.0% jump in sales at Building Material stores.

Acting Minister of Public Works Wayne Furbert today confirmed that landfilling at Marsh Folly will end following a successful weekend’s trial of the repaired Unit at Tynes Bay. The Ministers said: “The single burner, which was returned to service last week continued to operate this weekend without any mechanical issues. This news means refuse collected can now be transported to the Tynes Bay facility and not to  Marsh Folly.”   

Acting Minister for National Security Tinee Furbert expressed concern following the stabbing that took place late yesterday afternoon on South Road near the Southampton Rangers Sports Club stating, “The reports of last night’s stabbing, which has left someone with serious injuries, is very concerning. We are mere weeks away from the Christmas holiday and have another incident of callous disregard for human life.  I strongly urge anyone who may have seen the incident happen, and or witnessed persons leaving the scene, to share what they know with Police.