A number of patients at the Midlands Regional hospital in Mullingar have tested positive for Covid-19.
The hospital has confirmed that an outbreak of Covid has occurred at a ward in the hospital and it is now closed.
In a statement this afternoon, the hospital says it was notified of an outbreak of Covid on one ward at the hospital this afternoon and a number of patients are also Covid positive.
The ward is closed to new admissions, discharges and transfers out and patients in the ward will continue with their care and treatments.
In accordance with HPSC guidelines, the Hospital Outbreak Control Team were convened and are undertaking testing and contact tracing of both staff and patients to ensure the protection of public health. Staff identified as close contacts are self-isolating.
The Hospital says that appropriate steps have been taken in accordance with the national guidelines and staff and patients have been provided with key Hospital contacts should any concerns need to be addressed.