[Updated] The People’s Pharmacy employee “received confirmation today, from a fifth test administered by the government testing lab, that the employee was indeed negative for Covid-19,” People’s Vice President Tamara Richardson said, adding that this is now being tested a sixth time and they will honour that process before allowing any of the employees back to work who are under quarantine.
Ms Richardson said, “People’s Pharmacy and our employee received confirmation today, from a fifth test administered by the government testing lab, that the employee was indeed negative for Covid-19.
“This negative test result is now being tested a sixth time at their request, and we will honour that process before allowing any of the employees back to work who are currently under mandated quarantine as a result of this unfortunate set of events.
“This entire process brings to light the concerns we as a community should have for privacy around health results, responsibility and duty of care for ourselves during this pandemic, and the absolute danger that can result form rumours and fear being the paradigm in which we operate.
“As the owner, manager and leader of the People’s team, I reiterate what I said in my message yesterday; as a company, we will always go one step above excellence when it comes to the health and safety of our People’s family.
“Today, that one step above excellence means getting clarity around how one Bermudian can require a total of six tests, just to confirm they are Covid free. That one step above excellence tomorrow begins with us reviewing our entire operating processes to understand how we can ensure this never occurs again to a member of our team.
“It is most unfortunate that, out of the more than 100 positive cases, People’s Pharmacy is the only company to have ever been identified or linked with a case.
“As a community, that should give you pause, and I urge you to act as though every place you enter, and every person you greet, could be positive. In doing so, you will likely not feel the angst you felt when our company was so wrongly maligned based on false rumours, false accusations and what so far is proving to be false test results.
“I wish each of you continued health and wellbeing.“
Update: A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry cannot speak to the origins of information leaked or unofficially shared.
“Furthermore, the Ministry wouldn’t discuss individual patient results with third parties and the allegations of privacy breaches are completely unfounded.
“Overall, the Government has effectively dealt with the threat of the Coronavirus pandemic by being extra cautious to ensure that we minimise the risk to the community, we will continue with that cautious approach. The Ministry will continue to assess and review its current testing regime and modify if necessary, however the public should be reminded that Bermuda has the most stringent testing regime for arriving passengers, which requires pre-departure tests for visitors and tests on arrival, day 4, 8, and 14. Any person arriving in Bermuda will be subjected to multiple tests to miminise the risk to the community.
“As a general reminder, the Ministry encourages all persons to continue to follow the public health advice regarding physical distancing, hand hygiene and wearing of masks in public spaces and businesses. These actions minimise the risk of transmission of coronavirus. Anyone who is concerned that they may have had an exposure should monitor their health and be alert to any COVID-19 symptoms. They may also take advantage of the free pop-up testing locations across the island this week.”
