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The Royal Hobart Hospital had reported an epidemic of gastroenteritis in the Psychiatry Department while closed the admissions for the Department of Psychological Medicine and Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit. Although, the move has not affected the visits to the Department of Psychiatry rather visitors are urged to limit their trips.

The authorities were forced to bar the entries in order to curb the public exposure to the psychiatry department, intended to halt the spread of the illness. As per the reports, approximately 9 patients were observed with the highly contagious illness along with a few staff members. However, exact number of contaminated patients as well as staff is still behind the screen.

The Mental Health Services Chief Executive, Dr. John Crawshaw, verified the severe outbreak while assured that necessary measures had been taken as per the released instructions from the Infection Control Unit and Public Health.

"A range of measures have been introduced across the state to ensure the continuing provision of services for both current patients and any future admission until the incidence of gastroenteritis has cleared", added Dr. Crawshaw.

Meanwhile, the Medical Director of General Practice South, Dr. Chapman, said that the viral gastroenteritis became widespread only if it was a particularly virulent strain.