Covid 19 Coronavirus Omicron: Kenepuru Hospital in Porirua temporarily closed for surveillance testing

Kenepuru Hospital will be closed to visitors for three days. Photo / Facebook

Kenepuru Community Hospital in Porirua is temporarily closed to all visitors after a number of patients tested positive for Covid-19.

Capital and Coast District Health Board announced the closure on social media today, saying it would initially be for three days, after which it would be reassessed.

Hutt Valley DHB and Capital & Coast DHB chief medical officer John Tait told the Herald the Covid-19 positive people have been transferred to Wellington Hospital but Kenepuru will be closed for three days as a precaution.

"Whanu members or loved ones nominated by patients as kaitiaki are able to visit on a case by case basis with prior arrangement with ward staff."

The Kenepuru Accident and Medical Clinic will remain open, as does the maternity service and people giving birth will be allowed a birthing partner to support them.

Translators are not viewed as visitors and will be able to visit the hospital throughout the closure.

"We recognise the inconvenience that this is causing patients and whanau however this is being undertaken to protect the safety of our patients, staff, and wider community. We ask that people please bear with us for the next few days."

CCDHB announced this month they would not be permitting visitors to Wellington Regional Hospital, with exceptions for children and maternity patients.

One parent or caregiver could support a child under 16 in the emergency department, and a support person could accompany patients with disabilities or communication difficulties.

Only one parent or guardian could be with a child in hospital, and only one support person could accompany a patient in labour and following the birth.