The Delta variant - also known as the Indian variant - of the coronavirus may have been identified on the island.

The variant, considered to be more virulent than other forms of Covid-19 and currently driving an upsurge in cases in the UK and elsewhere, was potentially identified in laboratory tests this week, the health minister said last night.

Kim Wilson said: “While we are still seeking confirmation of this preliminary finding, this variant was detected on arrival testing, with all isolation and contact tracing conducted as per standard protocols.”

She told the public: “Bermuda, we must remain vigilant. This is a concerning variant, so please don’t think that because our restrictions are being relaxed, we can let our guard down.”

At the same time, Bermuda’s World Health Organisation Covid-19 status has been upgraded to “sporadic cases” after no new coronavirus cases were recorded yesterday.

Health officials got back 1,713 test results and all were clear.

The number of active cases remained at ten, with no recoveries since Thursday’s update when five new cases were identified.

All the active cases are being monitored by public health officials and none are in hospital.