Updated 9.15pm

Four men died of COVID-19 on Wednesday, the highest number in a single day since the outbreak started in March, raising the death toll from the virus to 69.

In a statement in the afternoon the ministry said two men aged 86 and 87, were admitted to Mater Dei Hospital on Sunday. One tested positive that same day and the other on Monday. Both died on Wednesday.

In another statement on Wednesday evening, the ministry said a 63-year-old man who was admitted to hospital on October 12 tested positive on the same day. He also died at Mater Dei.

The fourth victim was an 83-year-old man who tested positive on November 1 and died at Mt Carmel Hospital, where he was resident and had been receiving care.  

The ministry expressed its condolences and urged everyone to follow directives to control the virus spread.  

Earlier on Wednesday the Jesuit community confirmed the death of  Fr Robbie Wirth, 86, of COVID-19.

The health ministry said 84 new COVID-19 cases were identified in the past 24 hours.