Foster Skelton Reports

07/01/2022

The Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory has lost some of its staff to quarantine, putting further pressure on our limited coronavirus testing resources.

Dr. Carika Weldon, head of the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, said the team is a full two days behind in starting to process test samples.

We were also told yesterday that MDL had given Government prior warning about the potential delays.

Gary Foster Skelton reports on how high positivity among recent tests is stretching our diagnostic resources to breaking point.

24/12/2021

The hospital used up 6 months of intensive care drugs in just 6 weeks during our deadly 4th wave of coronavirus infections.

Studies overseas suggest the new Omicron will not cause as many hospitalisations as previous variants, but data may be lacking for older, more vulnerable patients.

As Bermuda's coronavirus cases are once again rising, hospital boss Dr Michael Richmond spoke about their battle-readiness, if things should take a turn for the worst.

23/12/2021

A update from the front line of the pandemic... In these unprecedented times, medics might be forced to adopt extraordinary measures.

While Omicron raises more questions than answers right now, should the hospital be flooded with cases staff would once again be under tremendous pressure.

Hospital CEO Dr Michael Richmond says a major concern is that Omicron could spread to staff and mean that doctors and nurses would not be able to work.

17/12/2021

A sudden work stoppage by bus drivers today left travelers and school students stranded.

The action appears to have been prompted by an incident in which, it is alleged, a foreman secretly recorded the conversation of Bus Division workers, and shared it with management.

It's also the latest in the uneasy relationship between DPT Director Roger Todd and the BIU's Bus Division.

09/12/2021

In the shifting battle lines against COVID, speed of response is key.

And while we don’t yet know enough about the threat posed by the Omicron variant, Bermuda can now deploy cutting edge technology to help thwart the enemy.

Genome sequencing has been introduced to the island, and it allowed us to detect the first case of Omicron at our border.

02/12/2021

Government continues to skirt around the issue of whether Omicron has been detected in Bermuda.

Bermuda Broadcasting understands a suspected case has been sent to CARPHA for testing, but since it could take up to three weeks to confirm, Government is looking into speedier options.

I look at the difference between a 'suspected' Omicron case, and a 'confirmed' case...

01/12/2021

It was surely only a matter of time before Omicron was detected here in Bermuda.

No official confirmation from Government yet, but Bermuda Broadcasting understands a 'suspect' sample has been sent overseas for further testing.

30/11/2021

The new coronavirus variant of concern - Omicron - was announced on Friday... but no word from Government today on whether or not it’s here on-island.

Real-world data on the variant is lacking, and one of first South African doctors to observe Omicron says symptoms have been mild so far.

Others suggest the global trend of locking down borders is understandable after the Delta variant caused such devastation.

25/11/2021

What happens when you've navigated the pandemic through relatively calm waters, only to hit the perfect storm?

The Cayman Islands are facing this question right now.

On Saturday, for the first time in 20 months Cayman welcomed travelers without a 10-day quarantine restriction... but that comes just as the islands are in the middle of their first severe COVID outbreak, with an unprecedented 4000 active cases.

Hospitalisations are rising – and the vast majority of them are unvaccinated.

Gary Foster Skelton spoke to former Bermuda journalist James Whittaker to get an on-the-ground perspective.

24/11/2021

COVID vaccines for children under 12 have been rolled out in major countries across the world including the US and Canada - but nothing so far in Bermuda.

Bermuda was three months ahead of the UK in rolling out vaccines for 12-15 year-olds... so why the wait for younger children?

It’s due to the agreement we have made with the UK for the supply of vaccines, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ayo Oyinloye.

The fact that lower-income countries are still struggling to get the vaccine is an ethical concern that might also contribute to the delay.

22/11/2021

About 5000 to 6000 Bermudians may never agree to take the coronavirus vaccine, a Government survey says.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Ayo Oyinloye revealed this statistic.

He also said they are closely watching the steady rise of new infections in the US and Europe, with the knowledge that Bermuda is often only a few weeks behind.

I asked if this lends urgency to rolling out the booster shot to all adults.

15/11/2021

Nothing worth having comes easy, the saying goes, and the conversion of a derelict rest home into a safe haven for struggling young families has met its share of challenges.

So it was an especially sweet moment when a few drops of Bermuda rum wetted the roof of the Transformational Living Centre to mark the completion of building work.

11/11/2021

For Remembrance Day, the Boys' and Girls' Brigades in Paget recycled drink containers to created a flood of plastic poppies below St. Paul's War Memorial.

11/11/2021

Education Minister Diallo Rabain told us on Monday that with recent in-school coronavirus exposures, efforts were being made to avoid entire classrooms being quarantined.

Health Minister Kim Wilson confirmed that the definitions for close and casual contacts have been re-defined to allow more kids to stay in school.

11/11/2021

Mandating or compelling coronavirus vaccination remains a controversial and divisive issue.

Getting the jab remains a choice in Bermuda, but frontline national health staff in the U.K. will face mandatory vaccination in the new year, while in Singapore the willfully unvaccinated won't get their hospital costs covered by the government.

Here's an update on these international stories.

09/11/2021

Health Minister Kim Wilson today lamented that the expense of Bermuda healthcare is not justified by the population's health outcomes.

In a follow-up to the intentions outlined in the Throne Speech, Minister Wilson expanded on Government's planning strategy for change.

09/11/2021

To cut healthcare costs, what must you be willing to lose?

I was trying to get to the bottom of it in my questions to the Health Minister today.

The over-use of services - trying to get certain procedures or drugs when you don't really need them - is one of the issues that may need to be addressed, Minister Wilson said.

05/11/2021

In Today's Throne Speech, Government lauded a Universal Healthcare system as a necessity, but the path to its implementation appeared to lack detail.

Other features of the statement such as the testing of renewable energy on-island, reducing electricity costs, and protecting the vulnerable, suggest that Government wants to meet some of the core needs of the community.

As Gary Foster Skelton reports, we will have to wait to see if legislation backs up the intentions.

05/11/2021

The concept of herd immunity to the coronavirus may no longer be reliable, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ayo Oyinloye.

This is due to the way the virus has quickly mutated, and because we do not have uniform vaccine coverage across the island.

Health Minister Kim Wilson lamented that there is lower immunisation among the black community – and more deaths because of it.

Gary Foster Skelton reports.

03/11/2021

2 MORE COVID-RELATED DEATHS - TOTAL CORONAVIRUS FATALITIES IS NOW 106

8 NEW CORONAVIRUS CASES; 9 HOSPITALISED, 1 IN ICU

Ministry of Health press release below...

***

"Sadly, Bermuda has recorded another two coronavirus related deaths since our last update,” said the Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “I extend heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 2997 test results, and eight were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 0.3%.

These results are from testing done on:
§ Sunday: 3 positive out of 1286 results (0.2% positivity)
§ Monday: 5 positive out of 1711 results (0.3% positivity)

7 of the new cases are classified as imported with history of travel in the previous 14 days.

The additional new case is classified as under investigation.

Additionally, since the last update, there have been 15 recoveries and two deaths.

There are 57 active cases, of which:
· 48 are under public health monitoring and
· 9 are in hospital, with 1 in intensive care

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 5665 confirmed coronavirus cases, out of which 5502 have recovered, and sadly 106 COVID related deaths.

01/11/2021

3 MORE COVID-RELATED DEATHS, TAKING THE DEATH TOLL TO 104

10 NEW CORONAVIRUS CASES; 10 HOSPITALISED, 2 IN ICU

Ministry of Health press release (abridged) below...

***

"Sadly, Bermuda has recorded three coronavirus related deaths since our last update,” said the Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “I extend heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 6461 test results, and ten were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 0.2%.

These results are from testing done on:

§ Thursday: 5 positive out of 1934 results (0.3% positivity)
§ Friday: 1 positive out of 2595 results (

31/10/2021

29/10/2021

Halloween is just a few days away.

How are we going to negotiate the trick-or-treating, parties and costumes during a pandemic?

To get some expert guidance, Gary Foster Skelton spoke to Dr. Vandana Madhaven, Clinical Director of Pediatric Infectious Disease at Mass General, Boston.

27/10/2021

CURFEW WILL BE LIFTED NOVEMBER 1st

Ministry of Health press release (abridged) below...

***

Minister of Health, Kim Wilson: “The Ministry of Health is pleased to announce changes to the Public Health (COVID-19 Emergency Powers) (Phased Re-opening) Regulations 2021 as listed below.

1. Curfew will be lifted.

2. Group sizes will be limited to a maximum of 30 people (up from 20 people) unless a large group exemption is granted. This impacts:
o weddings, funerals and domestic partnerships’ services and ceremonies, as well as the wakes and receptions,
o recreational boats, which are limited to 30 people, and,
o Island Boats, where SafeKey is required for boats with more than 30 people.

3. The number of people permitted to sit at a table will no longer be restricted to 10, and this applies to bars, clubs and restaurants.

“The changes will come into effect at 6 am on 1 November 2021.”

“Additionally, the United States Consulate yesterday provided updates to the U.S. International Air Travel Vaccine Policy as announced by President Biden. Starting on 8 November, foreign national air travellers to the United States will be required – with only limited exceptions – to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to fly to the United States. This has serious implications for our unvaccinated citizens who wish to travel to the U.S. or who may have to travel there for medical reasons.

“I encourage everyone who has not been vaccinated to seriously consider the implications in the event they need to travel to the U.S.”

27/10/2021

BERMUDA REACHES 100 TOTAL COVID-RELATED DEATHS; TOTAL DEATH TOLL HAS TRIPLED IN 2 MONTHS

12 NEW CORONAVIRUS CASES; 21 HOSPITALISED, 6 IN ICU

Ministry of Health press release (abridged) below...

***

"Sadly, Bermuda has recorded two more coronavirus related deaths. I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased," said the Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP.

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 3450 test results, and 12 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 0.3%.

• Sunday: 2 positive out of 1631 results (0.1% positivity)
• Monday: 10 positive out of 1819 results (0.5% positivity)

Two of the new cases are classified as imported with a history of travel in the previous 14 days.

The additional ten new cases are classified as either local transmission or are under investigation.

Additionally, since the last update, there have been 38 recoveries and two deaths.

There are 99 active cases, of which:

· 78 are under public health monitoring and
· 21 are in hospital, with 6 in intensive care

Since the last public report on Monday, there have been two admissions and one discharge from the hospital.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 5637 confirmed coronavirus cases, out of which 5438 have recovered, and sadly 100 COVID related deaths.

25/10/2021

BERMUDA SUFFERS 97th & 98th COVID-RELATED DEATHS

13 NEW CORONAVIRUS CASES; 21 HOSPITALISED, 7 IN ICU

Ministry of Health press release (abridged) below...

***

"Sadly, Bermuda has recorded another two coronavirus related deaths,” said the Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased."

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 5022 test results, and 13 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 0.3%.

These results are from testing done on:
• Thursday: 8 positive out of 1753 results (0.5% positivity)
• Friday: 2 positive out of 1837 results (0.1% positivity)
• Saturday: 3 positive out of 1342 results (0.2% positivity)

Three of the new cases are classified as imported with a history of travel in the previous 14 days.

The additional ten new cases are classified as either local transmission or remain under investigation.

Additionally, since the last update, there have been 55 recoveries and two deaths.

There are 127 active cases, of which:
· 106 are under public health monitoring and
· 21 are in hospital, with 7 in intensive care

Since the last public report on Wednesday, there have been two admissions and one discharge from the hospital.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 5625 confirmed coronavirus cases, out of which 5400 have recovered, and sadly 98 COVID related deaths.

22/10/2021

Almost all public schools are now back to in-person learning... but they will all have to test again before returning to school after the half-term holiday.

Education Minister Diallo Rabain today suggested there could be changes to prevent entire classrooms being quarantined for an exposure, and that donors may help provide Rapid Antigen Testing for public schools.

However, the frequency of ongoing testing remains unclear.

22/10/2021

BERMUDA SUFFERS 96TH COVID-RELATED DEATH

19 NEW CORONAVIRUS CASES; 26 HOSPITALISED, 7 IN ICU

Ministry of Health press release (abridged) below...

***

"Bermuda has recorded one more coronavirus related death this week. I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends who are mourning this loss," said the Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP.

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 5419 test results, and 19 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 0.4%.

These results are from testing done on:
• Monday: 1 positive out of 1615 results (0.1% positivity)
• Tuesday: 8 positive out of 1759 results (0.5% positivity)
• Wednesday: 10 positive out of 2045 results (0.5% positivity)

5 of the new cases are classified as imported with a history of travel in the previous 14 days.

The additional 14 new cases are classified as either local transmission or remain under investigation.

Additionally, since the last update, there have been 105 recoveries and one death.

There are 171 active cases, of which:
· 145 are under public health monitoring and
· 26 are in hospital, with 7 in intensive care

Since the last public report on Wednesday, there have been 3 admissions and 3 discharges from the hospital.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 5612 confirmed coronavirus cases, out of which 5345 have recovered, and sadly 96 COVID-related deaths.

The source of all active cases is as follows:
· 20 are Imported
· 72 are classified as local transmission
· 79 are Under Investigation

Active cases by vaccination status, transmission, and type:
· Imported cases: 95% are fully vaccinated, and 5% are not vaccinated
· Local/Under Investigation cases: 30% are fully vaccinated, and 70% are not vaccinated
· Variant typing is not available at this time due to the prioritisation of test results.

13/10/2021

BERMUDA SUFFERS 3 MORE COVID-RELATED DEATHS, BRINGING THE DEATH TOLL TO 95

12 NEW CORONAVIRUS CASES; 37 HOSPITALISED, 8 IN ICU

Ministry of Health press release (abridged) below...

***

"Sadly, since our last update, Bermuda experienced three more coronavirus-related deaths," said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP. "My sincere condolences go out to the families and friends grieving the loss of a loved one today.”

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 3149 test results, and 12 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 0.4%.

These results are from testing done on:
§ Sunday: 3 positive out of 1401 results (0.2% positivity)
§ Monday: 9 positive out of 1748 results (0.5% positivity)

One of the new cases is classified as imported with a history of travel in the previous 14 days.

The additional 11 new cases are classified as either local transmission or remain under investigation.

Additionally, since the last update, there have been 193 recoveries and three deaths.

There are 474 active cases, of which:

· 437 are under public health monitoring and
· 37 are in hospital, with 8 in intensive care

Since the last public update on Monday, there have been six admissions and five discharges from the hospital.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 5548 confirmed coronavirus cases, out of which 4979 have recovered, and sadly 95 COVID related deaths.

The source of all active cases is as follows:

· 27 are Imported
· 115 are classified as local transmission
· 332 are Under Investigation

Active cases by vaccination status, transmission, and type:

· Imported cases: 89% are fully vaccinated and 11% are not vaccinated
· Local/Under Investigation cases: 27% are fully vaccinated and 73% are not vaccinated
· Variant typing is not available at this time due to the prioritisation of test results.

11/10/2021

BERMUDA SUFFERS 3 MORE COVID-RELATED DEATHS

35 NEW CORONAVIRUS CASES; 37 HOSPITALISED, 9 IN ICU

Ministry of Health press release (abridged) below...

***

“Bermuda has recorded three more coronavirus related deaths. I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends who have recently lost their loved one,” said the Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP.

Since the last update, the Ministry of Health received 5141 test results, and 35 were positive for the coronavirus, giving a test positivity rate of 0.7%.

These results are from testing done on:
· Thursday: 25 positive out of 2095 results (1.2% positivity)
· Friday: 5 positive out of 1893 results (0.3% positivity)
· Saturday: 5 positive out of 1153 results (0.4% positivity)

7 of the new cases are classified as imported with a history of travel in the previous 14 days.

The additional 28 new cases are classified as either local transmission or remain under investigation.

Additionally, since the last update, there have been 186 recoveries and three deaths.

There are 658 active cases, of which:
· 621 are under public health monitoring and;
· 37 are in hospital, with 9 in intensive care

Since the last public report (Friday), there have been 2 COVID admissions and 4 COVID discharges from the hospital.

Since March 2020, Bermuda has recorded 5536 confirmed coronavirus cases, out of which 4786 have recovered, and sadly 92 COVID related deaths.

The source of all active cases is as follows:

· 30 are Imported
· 160 are classified as local transmission
· 468 are Under Investigation

Active cases by vaccination status, transmission, and type:
· Imported cases: 90% are fully vaccinated, and 10% are not vaccinated
· Local/Under Investigation cases: 30% are fully vaccinated, and 70% are not vaccinated
· Variant typing is not available at this time due to the prioritisation of test results.