Rumours that suggested the island had confirmed cases of Covid-19 are false, the Ministry of Health said today.

Kim Wilson, the health minister, urged members of the public to rely only on official sources of information to stop “damaging” hearsay from creating incorrect narratives and taking public health resources away where they are needed.

A press release said this afternoon: “The Ministry of Health can confirm that as of today, there are no confirmed cases of Covid-19, also referred to as the coronavirus, in Bermuda.”

Ms Wilson added: “I strongly discourage the dissemination of false information which may incite fear and panic in the community.

“It is critical for the public to turn their attention only to the established, trusted sources of health information.”

She said the Bermuda Government website www.gov.bm/coronavirus and the Government’s Treefrog app, as well as its social media pages, were the official sources of Ministry of Health information.

Ms Wilson added: “These are updated daily as information is received and confirmed.

“The World Health Organisation website is a trusted source of up to the moment global information.

“Any situation posing a risk to the safety of the general public will be communicated through official Government of Bermuda channels.”

The public was reminded to:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash after use.

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60 per cent alcohol.

• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces and objects.

• Practice social distancing — no handshakes etc. Where possible avoid congregate places.

• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care — but call first, don’t just show up at your doctor’s office or the hospital.

These actions are especially important for older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions.