Coronavirus in Scotland: Hospital ward to close over covid cases probe

A Scottish hospital ward is to be closed to new admissions and visitors after a number of coronavirus cases sparked an investigation.

Falkirk Community Hospital has closed a ward while an investigation into coronavirus cases is undertaken.

NHS Forth Valley has confirmed the move at Falkirk Community Hospital, however, it has refused to specify the ward or how many cases are involved.

The health body says that it has suspended new admissions at the ward and paused visiting on a temporary basis as a precautionary measure “whilst investigations are undertaken into a small number of cases of Covid-19”.

It says the cases were discovered through routine testing, but to maintain confidentiality, no further details will be released.

NHS Forth Valley adds that staff, patients and their families have been informed of the development and close contacts are being followed up by its Test and Protect Team.

The health board also says it has notified Health Protection Scotland.

It comes after Forth Valley saw one of the largest overnight rise in cases since April, with 56 new positive tests.