A new record for Covid-19 numbers was revealed last night as cases shot up to 1,882.

The total surpassed the 1,612 peak of cases logged on September 21 last year – the height of Bermuda’s fourth wave.

A total of 661 new infections were recorded from 8,103 tests carried over four days from last Friday – a positivity rate of 8.15 per cent.

The number of positive tests for Monday - 258 and a positivity rate of 10.1 per cent - was the highest single day’s total since the pandemic started in March 2020

There are ten people in hospital, with one in intensive care, compared with six in hospital on Monday with none in intensive care.

Health officials said there have been 383 recoveries since Monday.

The majority of the new cases – 380 – are under investigation.

Another 34 cases were said to be on-island transmissions and 247 came in from overseas.

A health department spokeswoman said that 71.3 per cent of the population had had two doses of the vaccine and more than 50 per cent of those had also had the booster shot.

She added that Information on active cases by vaccination status, transmission, and type was at present not available.

The figures came after the Government announced that some Covid-19 safety restrictions would be relaxed from next week.

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Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said: “These changes will further streamline our quarantine and testing guidelines.

“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.”

Ms Wilson added: 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.”

Ms Wilson said: “I am also pleased that we are making progress with our Covid testing system and processing times.

“I want to assure the public that we will continue to improve the testing process and that plans are under way to ensure a smooth transition in the management of the MDL lab.”

She told the public: “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.”

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