Inter-Island Communications News Brief – June 15, 2021

A Government spokesperson said quote, “The Ministry of Health received 4800 test results since the last update, and one was positive for Covid-19. This gives a test positivity rate of 0.02%. The new case is classified as local transmission with known contact as they are associated with a known case. Additionally, there was one recovery and no deaths. There are currently four active cases, all are under public health monitoring and none are in the hospital. Bermuda’s current WHO country status remains “Community Transmission”. Bermuda’s WHO country status is due to be changed to “Sporadic Cases” on June 21st 2021, provided that the epidemiological situation continues to meet the criteria, i.e. that case numbers remain low, and any detected cases are either imported or linked to imported or other known cases.”

Additionally, Government House released a statement confirming that nearly 5 thousand doses of the Pfizer vaccine will arrive in Bermuda on June 24th, to continue the national effort to immunize the adult population.

Summer vacation is on the way, which means it’s summer day camp time for hundreds of local children – which also means that camp coordinators must do the necessary work to ensure their spaces are safe and meet all the required public health regulations.

This from Health Minister Kim Wilson who released a statement sharing that quote “Summer break is almost here, and I want to encourage camp organisers to make sure and register your summer camp. All camp operators should complete the online camp registration form and follow the public health guidance on www.gov.bm/camp-guidance, where approved camps are listed. Parents and guardians should research camps carefully and send their children to approved camps only. Approved camps are assessed for Covid-19 compliance by public health professionals from the Ministry of Health. Camps that are not approved risk closure by enforcement personnel.”

Congratulations and thank you to Freisenbruch Meyer for successfully earning their second consecutive win in the Ministry of Health and Bermuda Hospitals Board’s annual Corporate Blood Drive Competition.

According to a spokesperson quote “The Corporate Blood Drive Competition this year was between eleven companies, who collectively raised 235 blood and 16 apheresis donations in the year running from June 2020 to June 2021. This announcement is being made on World Blood Donor Day 2021, which this year Bermuda is helping launch for the Pan American Health Organisation [PAHO] region along with Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.”

Freisenbruch Meyer CEO Andy Wright added that quote “We are so proud to win the Corporate Blood Drive Competition for the second year running. This win is very much a reflection of the commitment of our employees, and I want to recognise them and thank them for continuing to give through a challenging year for us all. The competition is a way for us to support our employees, raise morale and give back to the community. I hope more companies will join in the friendly competition for next year. We are ready!”

Finally, the Ministry of Education is running a virtual STEAM academy over the summer for students who’re interested in learning how to make movies, compose music and build animation.

According to a Government spokesperson, the academy’s called ‘Pandemic Vibes – Making the Shift’, and that quote “The annual programme, operated by the Gifted and Talented Education [GATE] Programme, will be delivered remotely from July 5th to 28th. Using online tools, students will be engaged in remote learning classes from 10 a.m. until 2:15 p.m. Students will be engaged in project-based learning as they create a collaborative motion picture, from script to screen reflecting their Covid-19 experience. They will be writing scripts, composing music, creating visual animations in 2D and 3D, and, ultimately producing a collaborative motion picture. Student applications will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. Interested parents can register their children by completing the on-line registration form at: www.steamacademybermuda.com. Parents are encouraged to register their children quickly as this is a great opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills, their talent and be creative while increasing their knowledge and learning to work together as a team.”