Almost 80 Ayrshire NHS workers are in Christmas quarantine after testing positive for coronavirus.
The health board confirmed it is dealing with an increase in staff absences with 72 confirmed to be off sick with Covid-19.
Health chiefs are also concerned over the significant pressures on services following the arrival of the Omicron variant.
Medical director Dr Crawford McGuffie said: “Covid-19 has not gone away and positive Covid-19 cases within communities continue to be at a high level.
“An increase in Covid-19 admissions, staff absence and rising emergency attendances has resulted in significant pressures across the whole health and care system.
“This pressure is being felt right across acute services, and primary and community care.
“As of Thursday, December 23, we currently have 72 staff self-isolating at home as a result of testing positive for Coronavirus (Covid-19).
“This is an extremely challenging time for many of our staff. We are extremely grateful to our teams for the continued support to patient care under difficult circumstances, while also providing support to colleagues.”
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