Admissions and visiting to a ward at a Dumfries mental health hospital have been halted following a coronavirus outbreak.
Eight cases among staff and patients at Cree Ward at Midpark Hospital have been confirmed by health officials.
The outbreak of the Omicron variant which is wreaking havoc across the region has also had an impact on staffing levels at the facility.
A health board spokesman said a “very speedy response” followed the detection of the cases at Midpark.
Rapid testing of patients and staff along with a deep clean within the hospital has been carried out.
The spokesman said: “At this time, Cree Ward at Midpark Hospital has been closed to new admissions, patient transfers, and routine in-patient visiting.
“This will be reviewed regularly with an aim to open up admissions and visiting as early as possible.
“High numbers of cases continue to be detected across all four areas of Dumfries and Galloway: Nithsdale, Annandale and Eskdale, Stewartry, and Wigtownshire.
“This is placing significant additional pressure on health and social care across the region as staff self-isolate after testing positive or being exposed to infection.
“As Covid continues to spread within the local community, it remains vital to follow the latest rules and guidance – regular handwashing, limiting social contact and wearing face coverings when required can all help reduce the risk of infection, as can being fully vaccinated (including a booster vaccination).
“It is also vitally important that anyone who believes they may be experiencing symptoms of Covid immediately self-isolates, arranges to have a test, and continues
to self-isolate until results are received.”
The board has also said that anyone visiting patients at any hospital in the region must record a negative lateral flow test beforehand.
A massive surge in coronavirus cases was recorded in Dumfries and Galloway over the festive
period.
There were 2,825 new cases between Boxing Day and January 2, compared to 872 the week before.
A resident at an Annan care home died last week after testing positive for Covid-19.
Public health director Valerie White has appealed to people across the region to make sure they are protected against coronavirus.
“We are now in a situation where we are very likely to encounter Covid-19 and we know that what provides the best level of defence and the best protection against hospitalisation is being as fully vaccinated as possible.”
