Covid Scotland: Hospital ward in the Highlands closed after coronavirus outbreak

A hospital ward in the Scottish Highlands has been closed following an outbreak of coronavirus – making it the second to shut.

Ward 7a at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness was closed on Friday night to new patients and visitors after the virus outbreak.

Ward 5a in the Highlands hospital is also closed because of a Covid-19 outbreak.

Adam Brown, consultant microbiologist, said: “The fact that we have apparently unrelated instances of Covid-19 in two different wards shows how prevalent the virus is in the community at the moment. It is more important than ever to keep to guidance about distancing, hand washing, and wearing a face covering.”

Hospital ward in the Highlands closed after coronavirus outbreak

NHS Highland said it was currently unknown if any of the cases were the Omicron coronavirus variant, but that tests were ongoing. These would not be available until next week.

Patients are being clinically assessed and monitored, with normal in-patient care continuing.

NHS Highland said it would give a further update on Monday at 4pm.

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