The Covid-19 pandemic has claimed another life and brought the total death toll to 24, the health minister announced last night.

Kim Wilson said: “Sadly, today, I must report that Bermuda has recorded another death of someone who was Covid positive.

“My deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and friends.”

She told the family: “I am truly sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you.”

The news came as 22 coronavirus cases were detected among 2,154 results that came back to health officials today – a positivity rate of one per cent.

But the number of active cases continued to slide.

There are 609 active infections, with 28 people in hospital, nine of them in intensive care.

A total of 581 cases are being monitored by health officials and there have been 88 recoveries since yesterday’s update.

Health officials said 16 of the new cases were classified as on-island transmissions with known contacts and six were classed as under investigation.

Ms Wilson said: “I am grateful that we are making progress in containing the spread of the virus, and we are making progress with our vaccination programme.

“With more than 50 per cent of our population having received at least one dose of the vaccine, we are well on our way to community protection, which will benefit us all.”

Ms Wilson added: “One of the Government's primary objectives is to increase the avenues available to members of the public who wish to protect themselves and others by getting vaccinated.

“With this objective in mind, we are pleased to announce the ’Close to Home’ vaccination initiative has been established.”

“The department of health’s mobile vaccination team will begin an outreach programme to increase access to Covid-19 vaccines with a ride through, drive-through and walk through venue at Penno’s Wharf on Tuesday, April 27, from 10am until 2pm.

“The drive-in venue is specifically for persons who have not yet registered for the Covid-19 vaccine, do not have access to the internet and prefer to register in person or who have additional questions about the Covid-19 vaccine.”

Ms Wilson said: “I must also remind the public that if a friend or relative tells you that they are a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and you attend Bulls Head to get tested, please stay in quarantine until a contact tracer contacts you to provide further advice.

“There have been times where persons have not remained in quarantine following testing who then tested positive.”