Bermuda COVID-19 cases spike

(CMR) Bermuda is now experiencing a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, with a large number of active cases classified as local transmission.

There were 108 new cases recorded on Saturday, April 3, with two COVID-19 related deaths recorded on Sunday, April 4.

Twenty-two of the new cases were classified as local transmission with known contact as they are associated with known cases. The additional 86 new cases were classified as under investigation.

Since March 2020, the country has now recorded 1400 cases of the virus. There are now 630 active cases, with 18 persons now hospitalized. Twelve persons have died as a result of the virus.

The number of COVID-19 cases has seen a significant increase in a matter of days.

On March 27, the country had 1028 cases, with 294 active and one hospitalized. However, within a week, the numbers have grown significantly.

In fact, a few days earlier, on March 24, there were 880 total confirmed cases with only 150 active cases.

Since March 19, 2021, there have reportedly been 56 emergency room visits associated with the current outbreak among persons with COVID-19.

Following the recent increase in cases, Bermuda reintroduced several measures which had been lifted. Schools were ordered closed, and only 10 persons were allowed in churches to facilitate a broadcast.

Indoor dining is prohibited except for hotels whose indoor dining is restricted to hotel guests only. Outdoor restaurants and bars can remain open.

Indoor gyms, bowling alleys, indoor cinemas, museums, or any other indoor place used by the public were ordered closed.

Retail stores were restricted to 20% of approved fire occupancy at any one time.  Remote working was also made mandatory where possible.