One more person has died due to Covid-19 and 28 people are in now hospital, the Government announced last night.

“Sadly, we had a coronavirus-related death since our last update,” said Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health. “I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family and loved ones of the deceased.”

The number of people now hospitalised has shown a sharp increase – from five at the last update a week ago to the current number of 28, the highest number since October 28, last year. None are in intensive care.

The minister also again warned that actual Covid-19 numbers are being undercounted and urged people to continue to take precautions.

“The pandemic is nowhere near over, and Covid-19 remains a public health emergency of international concern, reconfirmed by the World Health Organisation as recently as this week.

“We must continue to take precautions and avoid the risks of getting infected. Our case numbers are rising, and our test result data is undercounted as most people are testing at home and not reporting their positive status to the Government.

“There is an increase in people coming through the emergency department with the coronavirus, and hospital admissions have also risen. I am strongly encouraging everyone to please continue to follow public health guidance.”

Since the last update, the ministry of health received 3,982 test results, and 321 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 8 per cent. Last week there were 258 confirmed cases and the week before, 229.

The ministry said 122 of the new cases are classified as imported with a history of travel in the previous 14 days.

The additional 199 new cases are classified as either local transmission – 92 – or under investigation – 107.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 16,722 coronavirus cases, out of which 16,201 have recovered, with 141 coronavirus-related deaths.

Ms Wilson added: “We must keep doing our individual part to help stop the coronavirus spread for the benefit of the entire Bermuda community.

“Avoid closed spaces, crowded places and close contact settings. Wear a well-fitting mask. It is an effective form of personal protective equipment, which is easy, and everyone can do it.

“Masks are required in all health service settings, for travel on public transportation, taxis, limos and minibuses, as well as inside at LF Wade International Airport and our corrections facilities.

“Also, practice good hand hygiene, and maintain physical distance. Importantly, ensure there is proper ventilation when you are indoors.

“Fresh air ventilation is essential for any building or internal space and protects all of us from infections such as Covid. We should all increase fresh air ventilation wherever possible when indoors.

“As a further reminder, mask-wearing is mandatory in all Government buildings and Government offices.”

For age distributions and overall transmission categories, click here. For information regarding other conditions being reported to the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, click here.