Bermuda recorded its 23rd Covid-19-related death yesterday – the sixth in the space of a week.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said: “This is distressing news, and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and friends who are now grieving the loss of their loved one.”

Another 23 Covid-19 cases were confirmed after 1,570 test results came back to health officials today - a positivity rate of 1.5 per cent.

But the number of active cases has fallen from 845 to 782 after it reached a peak of more than 900.

The number of people is 31 with seven in intensive care, one down from Wednesday

Ms Wilson said the drop in the number of active cases was welcome, but that the coronavirus was still a serious threat.

She warned: “If we mix households and ignore public health guidance, the number of positive cases will surge, especially among the unvaccinated.

“It is worth repeating that for the unvaccinated people in our community, their risk of developing serious disease after being infected is greater.”

Ms Wilson said that none of those in hospital were fully immunised, which supported evidence that the vaccine was effective.

She added: “I encourage everyone to pull together to stay at home and, of course, please get vaccinated.

“Talk to your unvaccinated friends and family and encourage them to speak to their doctor and consider the pros versus the cons about the Covid-19 vaccine.”

Two of the new cases came in from overseas.

One was a non-resident who arrived on Tuesday’s BA flight from London and the other was a resident who returned on the JetBlue flight from New York on April 6.

Eleven of the new cases were on-island transmissions from known sources.

The origin of the other ten cases is still under investigation.

The seven-day average of the real-time reproduction number is 0.74 and the island’s World Health Organisation country status remained at “community transmission”.

The Bermuda College Vaccination Centre started to accept walk-ins today and will continue to do so tomorrow and over the weekend.

Walk-ins will be accepted between 8am and 8pm tomorrow and between 9am and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Ms Wilson told the public: “Each of us has a role to play in stopping the spread of the coronavirus.

“Please, Bermuda, follow public health guidelines, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance and download the WeHealth Bermuda app.

“If you haven’t already, register to get vaccinated. If you are unsure about the Covid-19 vaccine, please go to reliable sources or speak to your doctor for more information to help you make an informed decision.”