Five care homes have recorded cases of Covid-19, the health minister revealed last night.

Kim Wilson confirmed that three new cases reported on Wednesday were all residents in separate care homes.

Outbreaks of the virus were earlier confirmed at Westmeath Residential and Nursing Home, in Pembroke, and the Matilda Smith Williams Seniors Residence, in Devonshire.

Ms Wilson did not identify which care homes recorded the three new cases.

She said: “Unfortunately, I must announce today that the three new positive Covid-19 cases reported in Wednesday evening’s press conference were residents in three of our long-term care homes, with one positive in each of the homes.

“This takes the total number of Covid-affected care homes to five.

“Two of the cases were found as part of the routine testing and the third because of a symptomatic elder.

“I was unable to comment on this at Wednesday night’s press conference as all families had to first be notified.”

The minister said that all the cases were under investigation, but that extra control measures, including testing and isolating residents, were now in place for the three additional care homes.

She said: “We will not be releasing the names of the facilities unless there is a public health need.

“There is increased stress for the homes, residents, families and staff during this time and recent experience has shown that a disclosure makes managing the outbreak and continued care of the residents a challenge.”

Ms Wilson said 262 care-home residents and 330 staff members had been tested at 16 of the island’s 21 care homes. A total of 545 results have been negative and 44 positive.

Testing will be carried out at all care homes by tomorrow.

The minister added: “Ongoing testing will continue and we will be working closely with all of our long-term care homes, their staff and patients.

“Retesting will be based on how appropriate it is for the home. Shielding of the elders will continue with no visitation allowed.”

A total of 135 test results were received by the Ministry of Health today. None were positive for Covid-19.

Bermuda has recorded 118 confirmed positive cases; 15 people remain in hospital, 32 people are under active public health monitoring, 64 have recovered and seven have died.

The average age of confirmed positive cases is 60. The age of people in hospital ranges from 64 to 91 and the average is 77.

A racial breakdown shows 56 per cent are black, 38 per cent are white and 6 per cent unknown.