All visiting to Craigavon Area Hospital is to be temporarily suspended from tomorrow (Wednesday).
Confirmation came in an update on Tuesday evening in response to recently reported Covid-19 ‘clusters’.
A total of 14 patients have now tested positive on the Haematology Ward, while 16 members of staff have also tested positive and are currently off and self-isolating.
Contacts of these staff members are being identified and isolating as a precaution.
So far, 40 staff members have been identified as potential contacts and are currently self-isolating.
Detailed investigation is ongoing.
The Ward remains closed to new admissions.
Meanwhile, a cluster has been confirmed overnight on Ward 3 South.
One member of staff and one patient have tested positive.
There are currently 11 staff members self -isolating.
The situation in the Emergency Department is reported as “returning to normal” with no new cases identified.
But the Southern Trust has confirmed changes in relation to visiting.
A spokesperson said: “To minimise the number of people coming on to the Craigavon site, all visiting will be temporarily suspended from Wednesday September 2.
“This will be reviewed after seven days.
“The Trust’s priority is to limit the number of people in the hospital while Covid-19 continues to circulate in the community.
“We understand that visiting is important to our patients and clients and will re-introduce visiting as soon as it is safe to do so.
“Visiting is only for end of life care and must be arranged with the Ward Manager.
“Virtual visiting is available on request by contacting 077 7651 6419 between 9am and 5pm.”
