Visiting has been restricted at the Maniototo Hospital and the neighbouring Chalet Home for the Aged in Ranfurly following an outbreak of suspected gastroenteritis.
Both facilities are run by Maniototo Health Services Ltd and general manager Geoff Foster said the visiting restrictions were imposed on Wednesday and would be reassessed daily.
There was only one rest-home resident showing symptoms of the virus yesterday, but six residents, which represented about 40% of the total occupancy, along with a couple of staff members had been affected earlier this week, Mr Foster said.
Two hospital patients had also shown symptoms, but it was difficult to tell whether their symptoms were because of the virus or were part of the condition which resulted in them being admitted to hospital.
''We're hopeful we're over the worst of it and we've taken the most extreme reaction to it, which is probably overkill, but it's better to be safe to limit any potential spread,'' Mr Foster said.
It was essential-only visiting at the rest-home and visitors to the hospital were ''checked at the door'' before entering the ward, he said. Hospital visitors were also kitted out in an apron to cover their clothes.
Tests were being done to determine what type of gastroenteritis caused the outbreak but results were not back yet.
The health company was fortunate it had enough staff to cover any absences and it was not sharing staff between the two facilities.
