TWO community hospitals in the Borders are closed to new admissions due to outbreaks of coronavirus.

And all but essential visiting is currently suspended at the facilities in Kelso and Hawick.

The situation is being kept under regular review, with restrictions set to be eased “as soon as it is safe to do so”.

What counts as an "essential" visit?

According to NHS Borders, examples of “essential visiting” include:

  • a person receiving end-of-life care
  • to support someone with a mental health issue, learning disability, autism or dementia in circumstances where not being present would cause the patient to be distressed
  • when someone is receiving information about life-changing illness or treatments
  • where support from another person is essential for advocacy and wellbeing

An NHS Borders spokesperson said: "If your visit is essential please contact your loved one’s care team to make arrangements."