Naas General Hospital has confirmed that it is tackling a COVID-19 outbreak on one of its patient wards.

It is believed a staff member working on a 31-bed ward in the hospital tested positive yesterday.

In a statement, the Kildare hospital said all patients on the ward have been tested and have been given the all-clear.

A Hospital Outbreak Control Team is in place and all staff members identified as close contacts are now self-isolating.

The patients will continue to receive care and treatment on the ward, which has been closed off to new admissions.

“The Hospital would like to reassure staff and patients that the appropriate steps have been taken in accordance with the national guidelines,” hospital management said in a statement.

“Staff and patients have been provided with key Hospital contacts should any concerns need to be addressed.”

There were eight suspected cases of the virus in the hospital last night; however, it is not known if any are linked to the outbreak.

Meanwhile, the HSE said the hospital is following all protocols and national guidelines.

It said it can’t comment on individual cases or outbreaks to protect privacy and confidentiality.

It comes as County Kildare deals with a recent surge in cases as a result of clusters identified in meat processing plants.

The surge has seen Kildare, Laois and Offaly placed under a two-week lockdown.