A number of patients have died after an outbreak of coronavirus within Prestwick's Biggart Hospital.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran confirmed the news this afternoon.
Health bosses said a "small number of patients" had tragically lost their lives and sent their condolences to families.
The affected ward is currently closed to admissions.
Medical director, Dr Crawford McGuffie, said: "We appreciate this is a very worrying time.
"However, we would like to assure members of the public that every measure is being taken to protect patients and staff.
"We would like to remind people of the symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19): new persistent cough; high temperature; and / or loss of taste and smell.
"Anyone who develops any of these symptoms should book a test and self-isolate immediately."
