Flight crews followed government health advice after passengers on an aircraft tested positive for the coronavirus when they landed in Bermuda, an airline said yesterday.

Three arrivals on Delta Air Lines services were found to have the virus after they flew in from Atlanta this week.

A Ministry of Health spokeswoman explained: “Once we receive a positive passenger result, we request the seating plan/manifest from the airline, informing the airline of the positive result(s).

“The airline would then action their own internal plan with regards to the crew.

“The public are reminded that a ‘close contact’ is someone who has been in proximity [closer than 6ft] for more than 15 minutes.”

Two residents on last Monday’s flight and a visitor on last Tuesday’s flight tested positive for the virus during arrival screening.

A Delta Air Lines spokeswoman said: “We have been made aware of three customers who recently travelled from the US to Bermuda received a positive Covid-19 test result upon their arrival at BDA airport.

“We are following the guidance of the Bermuda Ministry of Health and are complying with local health guidelines for a contact investigation.

“The health and safety of our customers and crews is our top priority.”

The spokeswoman was asked if the crew were landed in Bermuda and whether or not they were required to quarantine.

She replied: “I’m unable to share information about our crew, however, we do comply with any process as outlined by local officials.”