Inter-Island Communications News Brief – April 1, 2021

A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Health received 1660 test results since the last update, and 60 were positive for COVID-19. One of the new cases is classified as imported by a resident who arrived on Delta Airlines from New York on March 29 and tested positive on their arrival test. 17 of the new cases are classified as local transmission the additional 42 new cases are classified as under investigation. Additionally, since the last update, there was one recovery. There are currently 476 active cases, of which 474 are under public health monitoring and two are in the hospital, with one in critical care.”

Health Minister Kim Wilson shared that quote “This Easter weekend, we must all exercise good judgement, behave sensibly and resist the urge to interact with people outside of our immediate household. Please be patient. Now is not the time to let our guard down for the sake of social get-togethers, parties and gatherings that risk everyone’s safety. Remember Bermuda – stay in your household bubble at all times, especially this Easter weekend.”

In order to solve Tuesday’s shooting in the East End, the Bermuda Police Service is calling for any witnesses to the incident to assist. This from Detective Sergeant Jason Smith during a press conference yesterday afternoon.

The recently passed amendment to the Education Act provides the legal framework for Signature Schools and their implementation. This from Education Minister Diallo Rabain during a virtual press conference yesterday afternoon.

A BFRS spokesperson said, “On Wednesday, March 31 at 4:10 am the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service dispatch center received a report of a confirmed structural fire on St Augustine Lane. One appliance from Hamilton Station and one appliance from Port Royal responded with a total of 8 firefighters. On arrival at 4:18 am, fire crews reported seeing a two-story structure with flames billowing through the roof and windows. The Officer in charge of the scene directed two firefighters donned in SCBA [self-contained breathing apparatus] to start fighting the fire through the open windows while an additional water source was located. He then instructed Dispatch to have an appliance from the Clearwater Station [CWS] respond with four more firefighters. The crews from CWS responded to Hamilton station and collected a water tender. At 5:25 am the fire was extinguished. Firefighters started overhaul operations. The cause of the fire is still undetermined and is under investigation by fire investigators from the BFRS.” A police spokesperson added that quote “following an initial assessment, with no electricity supply to the premises, the cause is being considered suspicious. There is nothing to indicate this is linked to the recent spate of fires in the Pembroke area, but that possibility has not been ruled out.”