Bermudians have been put on alert, as the country’s health officials are reporting rising numbers of coronavirus (COVID-19) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases.
In an address last evening, Health Minister Kim Wilson said: “Our hospital is experiencing an increase in patients visiting the ER and being admitted with respiratory illnesses. And sadly, we have quite a few of our nursing homes with COVID outbreaks as well.”
Wilson encouraged residents and visitors to wear masks and test for COVID-19 frequently before visiting vulnerable friends and family during this festive season.
She said businesses have a right to set policies such as a mask mandate for customers and staff.
“I strongly encourage everyone to wear a mask in indoor public spaces. And remember to avoid the ‘Three Cs’: close contact, crowded spaces and confined places with poor ventilation. The ‘Three Cs’ are especially important if you live in a high-risk household with people who have pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, heart disease or anyone who is immune-compromised,” Wilson stated.
Ayoola Oyinloye, the Chief Medical Officer, disclosed the outbreak has so far affected 32 residents and staff at care homes.
“These outbreaks are incredibly disruptive to the care settings,” he remarked.
Oyinloye said it was important for the elderly and immunocompromised to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu since they continue to be the ones needing hospital attention.
Wesley Miller, the chief of staff at the Bermuda Hospitals Board, expects the flu season to get worse.
He said: “This is based on what we have seen in Australia and also on the East Coast of the US.
“We are therefore urging people to have both their Covid vaccine and their flu vaccine, and emphasise that it is possible to have both on the same day and it is safe to do so.”
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