A ward at Hereford County Hospital is temporarily closed due to a small number of inpatients testing positive for COVID-19.

A spokesperson for Wye Valley NHS Trust told Your Herefordshire:

“Arrow Ward at Hereford County Hospital is temporarily closed to visitors due to a small number of inpatient cases of COVID-19.

“These patients are being cared for in isolation and Covid-19 testing for all inpatients on this ward has been carried out. The Trust has also undertaken ward staff and visitor contact tracing.

“Patient safety is paramount and the Trust has stringent infection prevention and control measures in place to help minimise the transmission of this virus within its hospitals. The Trust has tried and tested plans in place and our hospital is set up to care for coronavirus patients.

“All inpatients are tested for Covid-19 on admission to hospital and cared for in isolation if their test is positive. This testing is also undertaken during the hospital stay and when patients need to be transferred to care homes or a community hospital.

“Enhanced cleaning and decontamination regimes are in place across the Trust and staff are required to wear personal protective equipment when caring for patients and follow hand hygiene practices, in line with The UK Health Security Agency guidance, to provide the safest possible care to patients.

“We would like to thank local residents for following the Governments’ advice and guidance. It is important that we continue to do this, in particular staying at home if you have COVID-19 symptoms and getting PCR tested.”