Hospital closed to visitors as confirmed virus patients rise

Friday 20 March 2020

Jersey's hospital has closed to visitors after two patients confirmed to have covid-19 began receiving medical treatment.

It comes after the number of officially confirmed cases of corona virus hit 10 yesterday.

It was an increase of four from the previous day, with two patients becoming the first confirmed to have caught the illness on-island.

Health and Community Services has said it is now caring for two of the group.

No further details are expected to be released about these patients.

The General Hospital has now been closed to all visitors as a result, while the elderly residential areas of Oak Ward, Maple Ward and Sandybrook will only be open to visitors in "exceptional circumstances".

Under national guidelines, the Maternity Unit and Special Care Baby Unit are still able to remain open at present.

Pictured: The Maternity Unit and SCBU remain open to visitors at present.

In light of the news, Health Minister Deputy Richard Renouf urged islanders to remain calm while praising the staff looking after the pair receiving treatment for covid-19.

Minister for Health and Community Services, Deputy Richard Renouf, said: “We know this news may cause concern for some, but we carry a duty of care to all our patients and their families.

“I would ask people to remain calm and allow hard working colleagues to provide the care which is needed.

“We appreciate the understanding of members of the public whose loved ones are currently receiving care from Health and Community Services, and I pay tribute to the ongoing work of all our staff who are working in challenging circumstances.”

Pictured top: Jersey's General Hospital, which has been closed to visitors. (GoJ)