Small outbreak of Covid-19 hits Warwick Hospital

An outbreak of Covid-19 is currently being experienced at Warwick Hospital, the South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust confirmed today (Thursday).

It was unclear how many people had been infected and what the variant is.

A statement from South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said: “Our trust, with the support from local partners, is managing our first Covid-19 outbreak since February 2021.

"The safety of our patients and staff is our number one priority and we have taken a number of steps to minimise the impact and prevent the further spread of the virus within the hospital. The variant of this small outbreak, on one of Warwick Hospital’s wards, has not yet been confirmed by the laboratory.

“Rates of Covid-19 are increasing in our community and, subsequently, outbreaks such as this are an increasing risk within hospitals. One in three people with the virus are asymptomatic and, therefore, are unknowingly passing it on to others.

"We would strongly encourage everyone in our local population to carry out regular lateral flow testing to help check if someone has Covid-19. If people test positive and self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading and protects the vulnerable. If you have symptoms, however mild, you must isolate and book a PCR test.

“To protect yourself, your loved ones and our patients and staff this winter we would urge you to book your Covid-19 vaccine/booster as soon as possible."