There are 5 new COVID related deaths in Jamaica.

All 5 patients are male.

The number of people dead as a result of the virus is now 179.

The new deaths are 2 men from St. James, 2 from St. Mary and the other was from Portland.

Their ages range from 39 to 77-years-old.

One more death is also under investigation.

One hundred and fifty-five new cases were recorded yesterday.

There is a total of 8,600 cases in the country.

And Local Government Minister Desmond Mckenzie says investigations are under way into the cluster of coronavirus cases at the Vineyard Town Golden Age Home in the corporate area.

During a joint digital news conference with Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton, Mr. Mckenzie on Wednesday outlined measures, which will be taken to contain the spread of the virus.

He said it is clear some of the protocols put in place at the home for the elderly were not observed.

The cluster of cases at the facility was discovered during the Health Ministry’s ongoing island wide surveillance of senior citizens’ homes and infirmaries.

Up to Tuesday, 43 residents and 3 staff members had tested positive for COVID-19 from 72 samples taken. 

The cases are confined to 1 section of the facility.

The testing of all 428 residents and 162 staff members is expected to be completed in the next 2 to 3 days.

Minister Mckenzie also urged all members of staff of infirmaries who have not yet been tested, to make themselves available.