Bermuda now has 753 people under public health monitoring for Covid-19, with 26 people in hospital for the illness – six in intensive care.

There were 71 new cases of coronavirus recorded yesterday out of the 1,587 latest test results, giving a positivity rate of 4.5 per cent.

Fifty of the new cases, among residents with no links to other cases or recent travel history, are under investigation.

Three came from overseas on Tuesday, all testing positive on arrival: one in a visitor from Boston, and two residents who flew in from London.

Eighteen are classed as local transmission with known contacts.

The Minister of Health, Kim Wilson stated: “The number of people who test positive for the coronavirus remains high, as do the number of people who are being admitted to the hospital.

“If you haven’t already done so, register to get vaccinated. Being immunized won’t necessarily stop you from getting the coronavirus however it greatly lessens the severity of the disease and the symptoms.

“It is extremely important for everyone to continue to follow Public Health guidelines. The symptoms of the UK variant seem different from the symptoms we have identified for the earlier strain of the Covid-19 virus.”

She added: “Symptoms of the UK variant tend to include cough, tiredness, headache, muscle ache and sore throat. If you experience any of these symptoms please contact your doctor and make an appointment to get tested. Likewise, if you have been in contact with someone who has these symptoms, make an appointment to get tested.

“People who have been tested, should expect to receive their results within 48 hours. Often results are sent in much less time. However if you have not received your results, your first call should be to your doctor’s office. Your doctor will be able to advise you of the results, if they have been received and give guidance on what you should do.

“The key point is to be patient. Do not call the Covid-19 helpline or the Molecular Diagnostic Lab. The lab is processing hundreds of tests a day and calls to the lab looking for individual results cause unnecessary delays.

“Walk-in vaccinations are available at Bermuda College between 8am and 9am for people over 65 years old only. If you are not 65 years old and would like to get vaccinated, go to coronavirus.gov.bm and register.

“If you have been told to quarantine, you will be tested on Day 14 or later. You will not be tested on the same schedule as a traveler. You will not be tested on Day 4, Day 8 and Day 14.

“You will be tested 14 days after your exposure to someone who tested positive or as directed by the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit. If you are in mandatory quarantine, you cannot leave your house. You must stay inside your house. You cannot go to the grocery store. You cannot go to work. You cannot go to the laundry. You cannot go to the gym. You should find trusted family and friends to help you with grocery shopping and to pick up medications and other necessities.”

Minister Wilson added: “Each of us has a role to play in stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Follow Public Health guidelines, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance and download the WeHealth Bermuda app. If you haven’t already, register to get vaccinated.”

There have been no deaths since the last update, and 29 recoveries.

The island now has 779 active cases, and our World Health Organisation status is at community transmission.

The seven-day average of real time reproduction number is at 1.10

The island’s Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic now stand at 1,657.

Of the total cases, 255 are from overseas, and 1,042 are local transmission.

Of local cases, 948 have known sources, 94 have unknown sources and 360 are under investigation.

The mean age of positive cases is 41, raging from infant to greater than 100.

The mean of active cases is also 41, ranging from less than 10 to between 80 and 100.

Of the cases in hospital, the mean age is 63, ranging from below 30 to between 80 and 100.

Three cases have moved from being under investigation to local transmission with known contacts.