Ward closed in Raigmore Hospital in Inverness after detection of Covid-19 cases
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A WARD at the Highlands' main hospital has been closed to new admissions and visiting because of Covid-19.
The restrictions announced this evening affect Ward 7a at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
It follows the detection of a small number of cases of Covid-19.
NHS Highland says patients are being clinically assessed and monitored with normal in-patient care continuing.
All appropriate infection prevention and control measures have been put in place.
Close contacts have been identified and given appropriate advice and support.
There is no evidence of any link between these cases and those in ward 5a, which also remains closed to new admissions and visiting.
Tests are being assessed to establish whether any of the cases are of the omicron variant.
The results will not be available until next week.
Consultant microbiologist Adam Brown 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.”
You can reduce the spread of Covid-19 by taking regular LFD tests and booking a PCR test if you have symptoms.
An update will be available after 4pm on Monday of next week, NHS Highland said tonight.