The Mount Gambier Hospital’s medical ward has been temporarily closed to visitors until further notice due to an outbreak of COVID cases within the ward.

A Limestone Coast Local Health Network spokesperson said the Mount Gambier and Districts Health Service had enacted the hospital’s Outbreak Management Plan and immediately put measures in place to safely control the outbreak.

“These measures include implementing visitor restrictions for all patients in the ward, monitoring and re-testing patients who were admitted to this area and received negative PCR tests,” the spokesperson said.

“All confirmed COVID-19 positive patients will remain isolated and continue to receive care in the closed medical ward to reduce the risk of transmission and ensure the safety of other patients and staff.

“During this time, no further patients will be admitted into the ward and visitors will not be permitted to the area.”

The spokesperson said as of Monday, a total of 16 COVID-19 cases from the medical ward had been reported, seven of which were staff.

“The entrance to Community Health at Mount Gambier Hospital is currently closed to ensure we can maintain appropriate COVID-19 safe measures at the hospital,” the spokesperson said.

“All patients and visitors are directed to enter via a single entry point through the main entrance of Mount Gambier Hospital. Community Health services continue to be provided and can be accessed through the main entrance of the hospital.

“Emergency, medical and community services at the hospital will continue to operate as normal and remain available to the community.

“We would like to reassure the community the care and wellbeing of our patients and staff is our highest priority and we will do everything possible to ensure that we maintain a high level of care throughout the outbreak.

“We will keep the community informed of any updates and will reopen the ward as soon as it is safe to do so.”