Visitation requirements at the hospital have been relaxed after a decline in active Covid-19 cases on the island.

Wesley Miller, the Bermuda Hospital’s Board’s chief of staff, said that the board was “pleased” to allow more visitation – but that it still remained prepared for another outbreak.

He added: “The last surge of cases was so large and fast, it was extremely challenging for us.

“At its peak we had 45 cases in the hospital and about 120 Covid-19 patients over two months.

“Thankfully we purchased an additional oxidiser last year, otherwise we would have run out of oxygen this year.”

Dr Miller said: “This is a sobering reminder of how quickly things can escalate, especially with the Delta variant, which is 60 per cent more infectious than the variant that caused our last dramatic surge.

“So we look forward to welcoming more visitors, but remain cautious.”

Visitors must be masked and maintain proper distancing at all times, including in patient rooms. They must also pass a temperature and mask check at entry screens before entering a BHB establishment.

Those who show symptoms of Covid-19 or any other infections will not be allowed to visit. People who have travelled will only be allowed to visit after they received all negative post-travel tests.

Visitors must use the public restrooms on each floor instead of the patient bathrooms and overnight stays will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances.

Visitors will be allowed in the Acute Care Wing between noon and 8pm, while acute care patients in the general wing can only have one visitor in their room at a time.

Visitors are allowed in the Intensive Care Unit two at a time and can visit for two hours between 10am and 2pm or 4pm and 8pm. Visitors must be on the ICU list.

One designated supporter is allowed to stay in the Maternity Wing for a maximum of eight hours after the birth. The person can also visit between noon and 8pm after the birth, but will be restricted to the patient’s room.

Doulas can attend the birth and visit once a day afterwards between noon and 8pm.

Visitors attending the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute for acute inpatient care for 30 minutes a day between noon and 6pm.

Only one person will be allowed to visit at a time and visitation must take place in a public space. Visitors must be listed beforehand and must check in with the front desk upon arrival.

Only one person is allowed to visit a long term care resident at Agape House or the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and is allowed one hour maximum between noon and 8pm.

Isolated residents are allowed to have visitors unless the resident is infected with Covid-19. No more than two visitors are allowed in a room at any given time.

Patients can attend the Emergency Department or the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre with one other visitor as long as they remain masked and physically distanced from other attendees.

Minors, combative individuals and end of life cases are allowed as many as two companions.

Two immediate family members are allowed to visit if someone dies in the Emergency Department or if someone is brought to the hospital after death.

Only three family members are allowed in the waiting room at a time as the room does not have enough space to accommodate large gatherings.

The changes are effective immediately.