[Updated] Minister of Health Kim Wilson, Acting Minister of Education Tinee Furbert, and Bermuda Hospitals Board Chief of Staff Dr. Wesley Miller will be holding a press conference this afternoon [Jan 13] and while the topic of the press conference was not stated, we assume it will be Covid-19 related. The live video above should start at around 3.00pm, and we will have additional information after the press conference concludes.
Update 12.01pm: Government confirmed this, as expected, will be a ‘coronavirus briefing.’
Update 3.12pm: We are ready and waiting, will start stream once it begins. Govt just tweeted, “Apologies for the delay the coronavirus briefing will be commencing shortly.”
Some Key Points From Statements In So Far
- Previously, it was mandatory that all staff and students in public schools produce a negative PCR test results before entering school buildings after a school mid-term break. The policy will now be that all staff and students produce a certified negative antigen test result
- The Ministry will be rolling out at-home antigen testing for all public schools. The weekly school saliva screening testing programme has been placed on pause.
Update 4.19pm: Acting Minister of Education Tinee Furbert’s full statement
Good Afternoon Members of the Media, and the Bermuda Public.
Thank you, Minister of Health, for your update.
This last wave of the Coronavirus has again disrupted our day to day activities. I can say first-hand, as a parent, getting my child back to school has not been the easiest of processes. We have had to consider testing regimes, remote learning, and, in some cases, the challenges of being in quarantine. This current spike has not made engaging in learning the most manageable situation for any parent.
Let me begin by expressing my thanks to all the parents and guardians who have been troopers as we have had to navigate the many testing protocols and processes to get our children back to school. I want to express sincere gratitude to the teachers, staff and principals who have been working with the Ministry of Education to find the best way forward for our young people and are demonstrating willingness to exceed ordinary efforts. Collaboration is vital and I am satisfied we have all had the best interest of our children at the forefront of every decision. I look forward to continuing the collaborative efforts in this regard.
It is no secret, however, that we have also come under fierce criticism borne out of extreme disappointment and inconvenience. But my hope, as we move forward, is that we can all pull together to win together. Because notwithstanding the challenges, failure is really not an option.
Yet, moving forward should also mean acknowledging the past and the present. An unprecedented level of demand for PCR COVID-19 tests – and subsequent delays in processing results – put us all in a difficult position. We were forced to stagger the reopening of schools. This was not ideal for many of our parents and guardians. And it certainly was not the best outcome for some of our students. Staff members were, of course, also inconvenienced. And many had to retest when the three-day window expired.
The Ministry and Department have been fielding many questions, criticisms, and suggestions. Parents and Guardians have asked questions such as:
- Why did we not have a backup plan?
- Why was so little notice given when schools were cleared to open?
- How can you ensure a safe environment if the saliva testing programme is being paused?
These are reasonable questions and I can assure you that our ability to plan and adapt under these circumstances will be reviewed. I can also assure you that staff at the Department and Ministry have performed yeoman’s service – responding to multiple and sometimes conflicting demands at a moment’s notice.
Tough decisions have had to be made and will continue to be made as we move into the future. Some will disagree with these decisions. What won’t change is our overriding priority – ensuring safe in-school learning for our students.
We may not have always agreed, but we have all had the best interest of our children at the forefront of every decision. I look forward again, to continuing these collaborative efforts.
I am pleased to say that this morning I held a meeting with the Education Emergency Measures Committee [EEMC] and shared a number of Ministry updates. These included: a change in the COVID pre-return school testing policy; an update on the re-testing of our students; information about the at-home antigen pilot test that will be launched this weekend; and, the school saliva screening programme.
Let me first share that about the change in the policy. Previously, it was mandatory that all staff and students in public schools produce a negative PCR test results before entering school buildings after a school mid-term break. This requirement was introduced to protect the health and safety of students and staff, and as a necessary measure to prevent and reduce bringing COVID 19 into school buildings upon re-opening. The policy will now be that all staff and students must produce a certified negative antigen test result before entering school buildings after a school break. This will ensure that results are received in sufficient time to support in-person learning.
Due to the delay in students receiving their pre-return PCR tests in January, many had to re-test to return to school buildings. We are thankful to the Health and MDL team for collaborating with the Ministry this week to schedule re-testing of students. On Monday this week Preschool students were re-tested, just yesterday and today our primary school students are being re-tested; and, this morning we were informed that our middle school students will be re-tested next week Monday. Parents of middle school students will need to book an appointment to have their children re-tested. This information will be sent directly to parents from their respective school principals.
Following the advice of the Ministry of Health, and engagement with school staff and parents, the Ministry will be rolling out at-home antigen testing for all public schools. While there are pros and cons that at-home antigen testing is faster, more efficient, and can be done in the privacy of one’s home, it also provides immediate results and eliminates disruptions to teaching and learning schedules in schools. Staff and students of selected pilot schools will start testing this Sunday evening, with all other schools starting later next week. Due to a generous donation, antigen tests are being provided free of charge. Parents of pilot schools have received information on the testing programme, and information will shared early next week with the staff and parents of all other schools.
There have been several questions regarding the weekly school saliva screening testing programme. This programme has been placed on pause. However, the Ministry is cognizant of the rise in the number of positive COVID cases and the importance of keeping our schools safe for students and school staff. Therefore in addition to the antigen testing pilot that will commence this weekend, the remainder of our schools will be provided with at-home antigen tests commencing next week Monday so that all students participate in weekly antigen testing commencing on Wednesday.
The Ministry of Education is happy to acknowledge that we are making progress. However, we urge parents and guardians to continue to work with us by sharing your questions with school staff, administrators and leaders which will assist with understanding. With the at home antigen test programme we ask for your honest word in providing the correct test results. It is imperative that all the instructions are followed correctly and that parents/guardians report the results before a student returns to school.
Ultimately, however, success will depend on the actions of each individual parent. The at-home antigen testing relies entirely on accurate reporting of results by parents.
Support and co-operation of all parents and staff will help keep schools safer for students, staff and families. This includes regular, accurate reporting of at-home antigen testing results, and staying home following a positive test result.
I implore all parents/guardians, school staff and all of our students, let us pull together to win together.
If there are questions or concerns, please contact the COVID unit at covid19unit@moed.bm.
Thank you, and please be safe, Bermuda.
Update 9.20pm: Minister of Health Kim Wilson’s remarks:
Good afternoon. Today, I am pleased to announce that after consultation with our stakeholders, including Public Health England, amendments to the Quarantine [Covid-19] [No. 3] Order 2020 will be made effective January 20,2022. These changes will further streamline our quarantine and testing guidelines.
The current requirement for non-immunised persons who must quarantine or isolate is for a period of 14 days, and they must book and get a verified PCR to test out of quarantine/isolation. This requirement will change as they must now quarantine or isolate for only 10 days and test out on a verified antigen test after 10 days.
If you are immunised and required to quarantine or isolate as a close contact, the current requirement is for a period of 10 days, testing out with a verified PCR test on day 10. This will change to a 7-day quarantine/isolation period with a verified antigen test required to test out.
If you are immunised and boosted within 6 months, you currently must quarantine for 10 days and test out with a verified PCR test. This requirement will change, and no quarantine will be required. However, a verified antigen test is required on day 7. It is also recommended that daily antigen tests are taken for self-monitoring during the 7 day period .
The current requirement is 5 days with a verified Antigen test for immunised persons who require quarantine or isolation for repatriation to the US. Persons will be repatriated according to the country’s repatriation requirements, this requirement may be between 5-10 days quarantine, with a verified antigen or PCR test.
Currently, returning residents and visitors conduct a pre-test, test on arrival, another test on day 4 and day 10 using a PCR. This requirement will change, and those travelling to Bermuda will conduct a pre-test, test on arrival and test on day 4 using a verified antigen test.
Regardless of your quarantine and isolation requirements, everyone should follow public health guidance – avoid closed spaces, crowded places and close contact settings. Wear a mask indoors and outdoors if you cannot physically distance, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance, and download the WeHealth Bermuda app. As well, those recently removed from quarantine or isolation should continue to monitor their health and symptoms .
With respect to antigen test, It is important to note that there are many fake antigen tests on the market, so the Department of Health will oversee and protect importers from counterfeit goods in collaboration with HM Customs.
A complete list of approved antigen tests can be found on the Bermuda Healthcare website: https://bhec.bm/approved-antigen-test/. The listed tests have met the required standards for validation, which are set out in the protocols of the identified regulatory bodies. These kits displayed performance characteristics desirable for mass population, community-based testing in Bermuda.
The desirable performance characteristics include: very high specificity and very high sensitivity against viral loads associated with infectiousness; and robust product review. SARS-CoV-2 Antigen test kits that are not explicitly on the above list, are NOT allowed to be sold within or imported into Bermuda for screening against SARS-CoV-2 in any setting.
The amendments to the Quarantine [Covid-19] [No. 3] Order 2020 , referred to above, will take effect next week, 20th January 2022.
On another note, Anyone travelling to Bermuda should review the entry requirements. Travellers leaving Bermuda should carefully review the inbound travel guidance of their destination for information on entry testing requirements. Bermuda’s Covid travel information can be found on coronavirus.gov.bm. We are trying to get back to some semblance of normalcy as we learn to live and cope with Covid-19. These changes to testing and quarantining are a welcomed transition for Bermuda and pivotal to our progress.
These changes will also allow for persons to return to their employment sooner so that the economy and essential service workers can provide the necessary services to keep Bermuda running. I am certain that these changes will be welcomed by employers and employees alike.
But, please remember, reducing requirements does not mean that we are risk-free. We need to protect ourselves. We are all accountable for the health and safety of this community, and I encourage everyone to be extra vigilant and take personal responsibility for their health and safety. Do not go to work, events, school or any outings if you have symptoms or are positive and asymptomatic. That is how the virus is spreading.
In closing, as of January 15, 2022, we will be able to update our vaccination records to include booster information for persons that received their boosters overseas.
Those persons who have already received Bermuda Government Vaccination Certificates can have their overseas boosters record included as long as they can provide the following information.
1. Proof of Booster dose
2. Valid ID [Passport or Bermuda Driver’s License]
3. Proof of travel during the time the booster was administered
All submissions must be emailed to vaccines@gov.bm.
Furthermore, It was previously announced that anyone who is immunized and whose second dose is older than 6 months will require a booster to receive a renewed SafeKey, commencing on January 15, 2022.
However, as we had limited vaccine centers open over the holiday as well as a delay with testing results, the deadline has been extended to February 15 to allow more time for those who wish to get their booster and be eligible for the automatic monthly renewal of their SafeKey. So, anyone who is immunised and whose second dose is older than 6 months will require a booster to receive a renewed SafeKey, starting on February 15th, 2022.
Another bit of good news for our arriving passengers, we will also soon begin antigen and PCR testing upon arrival at the airport for faster arrival test results. We do not have an exact date for this as we are working on the logistics now.
Bermuda, please remember that our way forward depends a lot on our collective responsibility. Each of us has a vital role to play. As I said earlier, everyone should follow public health guidance – avoid closed spaces, crowded places and close contact settings. Wear a mask indoors, and outdoors if you cannot physically distance, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance, and download the WeHealth Bermuda app.
Thank you.
