Inter-Island Communications News Brief – May 14, 2021

The most recent batch of test results confirmed only one new positive case of COVID-19 and nearly 4 in 5 seniors have gotten at least one dose of the covid19 vaccine. This encouraging news came from Health Minister Kim Wilson during yesterday evening’s national pandemic briefing.

Premier David Burt was also present at the briefing yesterday evening emphasizing the point that, border control requirements notwithstanding, vaccine discrimination in Bermuda is not and will not be standard practice.

The Wage Commission Report is complete and, through research and consultation, has put together a package of three national minimum wage options with the lowest being $13.19, a number that many employers have indicated they can meet. This from WC Chairman Cordell Riley during a press conference yesterday afternoon where he described the other two minimum wage options detailed in the report.

Finally, congratulations to the Imaging Technology team at the Bermuda Hospitals Board on their successful roll out of the first three-dimensional mammograms on island earlier this week.

As you’ll recall, General Electric’s Pristina 3D mammography unit was installed in the Diagnostic Imaging Department of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital earlier this month to obtain clearer images. Research has shown that 3D mammography locates more cancers than its 2D predecessor and also reduces the number of false positives.

Tanya Smith was the first person to have her mammogram using the new equipment and said that quote “It was actually quicker than the last one that I remember. It was great. I would say definitely come and get it done for sure. The ladies here make it so easy for you. You don’t even have to think about it. Before you know it you’re done and they are saying, ‘You’re done,’ and you are thinking, ‘Oh, ok that was so easy!’”