Bermuda could reach herd immunity by June 1, the Premier said last night.

David Burt predicted that if the present rate of vaccination continued, 50 per cent of the eligible population would have their second dose before May 1.

He said: “We can reach 70 per cent of the eligible population of Bermuda – those persons who are over the age of 16 – can receive both doses by June 1 if we continue at the pace we are.”

Mr Burt added: “Having the majority of our population vaccinated gives the virus nowhere to go and it reduces transmission, which is significant.

“It is at this point we can truly begin our return to normal and significantly reduce restrictions – however we must give ourselves the time we need to reach these goals by controlling the spread and continuing to follow guidelines.”

Mr Burt said there was still “vaccine hesitancy”, but that had reduced as shots became more available.

He was speaking after Kim Wilson, the health minister, announced that ten new Covid-19 cases had been identified in the latest 866 test results.

The new cases brought the number of active cases to 113 – about a third of them school-aged children. The Covid-19 reproductive number - the R rate - seven day average is greater than one.

Ms Wilson said one of the new cases came in from overseas, a resident who flew to the island from New York on March 7 and tested positive on day 14.

Six new cases were listed as on-island transmission with known contacts and three cases are under investigation.

The active infections are all being monitored by public health official and none are in hospital.

Ms Wilson said 20 per cent of the island’s over-65 population had been immunised, along with 24 per cent of people aged between 50 and 64.

A total of 34,204 doses of the vaccine have been administered from January 11 to Monday.

Ms Wilson added: “These are excellent results so far, and I would like to thank all those who have taken the step to get their vaccination to protect themselves, their families and our community.”

She appealed to anyone ordered to quarantine to “take it seriously”.

She added the UK variant of the coronavirus spread “very easily” and that parents should not ignore symptoms in their children.

Ms Wilson told parents: “If you or your children have flu-like symptoms, fevers, chills, nasal congestion, runny nose or coughing, stay at home.

“Do not send your children to school as it puts all students and staff at risk of contracting Covid-19.

“Just as we ask you not to send symptomatic children to school, you, as a parent or guardian, should not go to work if you or someone in your household has symptoms.”

Ms Wilson announced that walk-ins for the vaccine were suspended for this week, but would resume later.

Ayoola Oyinloye, the Chief Medical Officer, added about a quarter of the new active cases had been asymptomatic and 80 per cent were the more virulent UK variant.

Dr Oyinloye said there had been “a handful” of people who were immunised, but still tested positive.

He added: “They tend to be either asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms.”

Mr Burt said: “Having a vaccine does not stop you from getting an infection, it stops you from getting sick.

“That is not abnormal. That does not mean the vaccines don’t work, that does not mean the vaccines are fake, that does not mean this is all a scam.“

Mr Burt said unemployment relief for people thrown out of work by the tougher restrictions, which total $1,500 for the three-week period, would be paid out next week.

He added the problem of banks repossessing properties had been discussed in Cabinet and he expected a meeting to be held with the Bermuda Bankers Association.

Mr Burt said: “Yes, this outbreak, like the previous one, was the result of the selfish actions of a few.”

He applauded the “overwhelming majority of Bermudians who are quite simply doing the right thing.”

Mr Burt warned that people who breached the health regulations, including those who held illegal parties, would be prosecuted.

He said Cabinet today agreed to fixed penalties for breaches of restrictions, which would be brought to the House of Assembly for approval.

The Premier appealed to the public: “Accept personal responsibility and collective responsibility and talk to your friends and family and make sure we get through this.”

He said: “Your friends who may be breaking the rules are putting us all at risk.”