A WEST Wales hospital has closed its doors to visitors due to an increase of coronavirus cases in hospital and the community.

Health chiefs announced this afternoon that Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest would be closed to visitors with immediate effect following a rise on Covid-19 cases.

A Hywel Dda Health Board spokesperson said: “Visiting will only be permitted in extenuating circumstances, such as end of life and critical visits.

“All visitors must carry out lateral flow device (LFD) test at home prior to travelling to the hospital.”

Lateral flow self-test kits can be obtained by ordering online for home delivery at https://gov.wales/get-rapid-lateral-flow-covid-19-tests-if-you-do-not-have-symptoms

Alternatively, you can collect tests from most community pharmacies across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire: check here for participating pharmacies near you.

Visitors are still allowed at the health board’s other sites including Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth on a limited basis with prior agreement with hospital staff, in line with Welsh Government guidance.

A health board spokesperson continued: “When visiting our hospitals please remember to wear a face mask, this will be replaced by a surgical face mask at reception or ward.

“Please remember to maintain social distancing and to wash your hands as often as possible using soap and water and hand sanitiser.

“The situation is being monitored at regular intervals and a further update will be made when visitor restrictions (at Withybush Hospital) are lifted.

“We thank everyone for your understanding at this time while we work to stop the spread of this virus.”