Another person has died of Covid-19, the Health Minister announced last night.

It brings the total number of Covid-19-related deaths in Bermuda to 17.

Kim Wilson said: “This is devastating news, and I extend my sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the individual who has passed away.

“My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. The Ministry will not release personal details about the individual and we ask the public to respect the privacy of the family as they mourn their loved one.”

The Ministry said there were 1,521 test results received since the last update and 51 were positive, giving a positivity rate of 3.5 per cent.

Four of the new cases are classified as imported and 12 of the new cases are classified as local transmission with known contact as associated with known cases.

The Ministry said that the additional 35 new cases are classified as under investigation. “These cases are among residents with no currently identified link to other known cases or history of travel in the past 14 days,” said a spokeswoman.

There were 38 recoveries and Bermuda now has 1,986 total confirmed positive cases with 880 active cases, of which; 841 are under public health monitoring; and; 39 are in hospital with 5 in intensive care; and a total of 1,089 have recovered.

The mean age of all confirmed positive cases is 41 years (median: 40 years) and the ages range from less than 1 year to greater than 100 years.

The mean age of all currently active cases is 41 years (median: 42 years) and the ages range from less than 10 years (age group: 0 to 9 years) to greater than 80 years (age group: 80 to 100 years).

The mean age of all hospitalised cases is 65 years (median: 65 years) and the ages range from less than 30 years (age group: 20 to 29 years) to greater than 80 years (age group: 80 to 100 years).

The mean age of all deceased cases is 75 years (median: 74 years) and the ages range from less than 60 years (age group: 50 to 59 years) to greater than 80 years (age group: 80-100 years).

The source of all cases is as follows: 272 are Imported; 1,226 are classified as local transmission of which; 1,131 are Local transmission with known contact/source: and 95 are Local transmission with an unknown contact/source. Some 488 are under investigation.

The spokeswoman added: “As investigations proceed, transmission categories may change. Today’s update has 25 cases moving from under investigation to local transmission with known contact/source and one case moving from under investigation to local transmission with unknown contact/source.”

Of the more than 200,000 test results reported, the mean age of all persons tested is 43 years (median: 42 years) and the ages range from less than one year to greater than 100 years.

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

Bermuda’s current WHO country status is “Community Transmission”.

Ms Wilson reminded the public about the expanded coronavirus testing programme.

The new testing protocols will allow three additional testing methods to be used.

* The Oropharyngeal test – the test sample is collected from the back of the throat by a trained swabber. This test is for those directed to get a test by a Healthcare professional.

It is used on children and adults with a history of nasal problems;.

* The Nasal Mid-Turbinate test – the sample is collected from both nostrils, is self-administered and observed by a trained swabber.

It is for travellers and people who are concerned they may have been exposed to a confirmed case.

* The Saliva test – the sample is self-administered and observed by a trained administrator. This test is for travellers and people who are concerned they may have been exposed to a confirmed case.

The Ministry said its additional testing protocols will enable it to use its staff more efficiently and thereby increase its capacity.

The testing will take place at the Star of India, in the West End, and Penno's Wharf, in the East End.

The spokeswoman said: “These testing sites are for those who wish to know their Covid-19 Status, as well as anyone concerned that they might have Covid-19, and outbound travellers (who are residents). Tests conducted at this site are Saliva PCR and Nasal Mid-Turbunate PCR.

“Both of these tests are self-administered, while being monitored by a health professional on site. Anyone who thinks they have been exposed to someone that has Covid-19 or is feeling unwell, should book an appointment at the Bulls Head location.

“A very important note – individuals cannot eat, drink, smoke or chew gum 30 minutes prior to test.”

Minister Wilson added: "We continue to encourage residents to get vaccinated. If you haven’t already done so, please register to get vaccinated because vaccination is not only the key to our freedom, but it can also save lives.

"We all have a role to play in stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Please follow Public Health guidelines, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance and download the WeHealth Bermuda app."