TWO wards at Poole Hospital have temporarily closed due to positive coronavirus tests.

Visiting is restricted on the Kimmeridge and Lytchett wards, the hospital confirmed.

The Kimmeridge ward is a short stay ward specialising in caring for older patients who are expected to need a hospital stay of around three to five days.

The Lytchett ward is a general ward, part of the department of medicine for the elderly.

A spokesperson for Poole Hospital said: “There are a number of patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 at Poole Hospital.

“This means that we have had to temporarily close two wards. Visiting is restricted in these areas and to isolated patients who are receiving treatment for Covid-19.

“Covid-19 is highly infectious, so restricting visitors helps us to prevent further people becoming infected.

“Also, by reducing the number of people within the ward, our ward staff can focus on the extra needs of the patients and undertake additional cleaning during this time.

“We understand closing wards to visitors may cause additional distress and our staff will help family and friends stay in touch with their loved ones through alternative means.

“As the numbers of Covid infections continue to rise in the community, we urge that anyone with symptoms, including a temperature, cough or loss of sense of smell or taste, does not come into our hospitals but follows public guidelines.

“We are working with our partners to help reduce the spread of this infection, and encourage the public to observe all measures they are asked to. “