Inter-Island Communications News Brief – May 10, 2021

We have suffered our 31st death related to COVID-19. This from Minister of Health Kim Wilson, who shared this sad update over the weekend saying that quote “It is with a heavy heart that I report another coronavirus related death. Our hearts and prayers go out to the loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time. This death brings the total number of coronavirus related deaths to 31. The Ministry of Health will not release any personal details about the individual, and I ask the public to respect the privacy of the family as they mourn their loved one.”

All public schools have re-opened today and there are strict protocols in place to ensure that in person learning is safe and productive for students and teachers alike.

This from Education Minister Diallo Rabain, speaking in the House of Assembly on Friday where he said quote “The approach used in our school’s safety and health protocols is supported by current research from the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. In an April 30th, 2021 article published by this center, recent research findings revealed that “When strict protocols were implemented for preventing, diagnosing, and managing school-associated cases, in-person learning in public schools was not associated with increased prevalence and incidence overall compared with the general community, and secondary transmission was infrequent. In this regard, it is critically important for staff and students to adhere to all safety and health protocols 100% of the time. This must be the standard, because following the protocols is a contributing factor for ensuring the sustained safety of staff and students. The Department of Health has emphasized the significance of staff and students wearing masks and wearing them correctly; that is, covering the nose and mouth, and fitting the mask snugly across the nose, cheeks, and chin, to protect others. Our Principals will ensure that this protocol is followed continuously as we reopen our school buildings. All staff, no matter what school level, must wear their masks all day. Students at the Middle and Senior Schools must also wear their masks all day; while students at the Preschool and Primary levels will wear their masks only during the times outlined in the Safety and Health protocols.”

In keeping with the premise of ensuring our progress through the pandemic recovery and re-opening phases, the Ministry of Transport has committed to reduced capacity on school buses.

A spokesperson shared that quote “The Ministry of Health Covid-19 guidance for school buses requires that students adopt 3 feet distancing on school buses while the country is in Phase 2. As such, students that are not from the same household are not permitted to sit shoulder-to-shoulder until further notice. This applies to both DPT buses and minibuses and results in approximately 50% reduced capacity. Therefore, school buses can accommodate between 7 and 17 students, depending on the vehicle. The Ministry has contracted additional minibuses to assist with the capacity shortfall and is encouraging parents to make alternate transportation arrangements, where possible, for travel to and from school. All other school bus requirements remain unchanged, including hand sanitising upon entry, wearing a face mask at all times, minimising conversations while onboard, and maintaining natural ventilation with the windows open, as weather permits. This will be reviewed as the country progresses through Phase 2.”

The United Kingdom’s commitment to provide Bermuda, along with the other Overseas Territories, with COVID-19 vaccine should remain in place as long as there’s an on island demand. This from Premier David Burt during the most recent national pandemic briefing.

Premier Burt added that the government’s morally obligated to minimize the risk of life posed by the pandemic, and is uncomfortable with assertions that state policy is designed to prioritize anything else.