ONLY essential visitors will be allowed at Salisbury District Hospital from tomorrow, January 1.

This is in response to the growing number of Covid-19 infections in Salisbury and the surrounding areas.

The hospital will be closed to visitors with a few exceptions, including those visiting patients receiving end of life care, the maternity ward and those visiting children.

Read more: Another death at hospital caused by Covid-19 infection

Stacey Hunter,  chief executive of Salisbury Foundation Trust, has confirmed that when Covid-19 rates fall "to an acceptable level", visitors will be allowed onsite again.

"It is with huge regret that we are having to stop the majority of visiting from midnight on January 1," she said.

"This is a response to the growing rates of Covid-19 infection in the local community. 

"We appreciate how important visiting loved ones is and will be keeping the situation under constant review."

Talking about Covid-19 more generally and the vaccination roll out, the CEO added: "Please remember to follow all Covid related guidance and wear a face mask when required and maintain hand hygiene. 

"The best protection against Covid-19 infection remains the vaccination programme and I would encourage everyone to get vaccinated and take up the offer of a booster as soon as possible."

The 'Message to a Loved One' service is still running, and contact with patients can be organised across platforms including Zoom and FaceTime.

Details about visiting and other communication services are available from the specific wards.

Get more Salisbury news. 

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date, as well as signing up for one of our newsletters.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.