A WINCHESTER surgery has said that it will close early for the next week after a number of staff have been told to self-isolate.

A member of staff at St Clements Surgery, in Tanner Street, tested positive for Covid on Sunday and since then a number of employees have been told that they must isolate. Local reports suggest that seven members of staff are currently self-isolating.

Now the Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has confirmed that the surgery will close early until July 13 to "relieve the pressure on staff".

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In a joint statement the CCG and the surgery said: "We are aware that a number of administrative and reception staff at St Clements surgery in Winchester are currently isolating. They were contacted by the Track and Trace service following a positive test on a member of staff on Sunday 4 July.

"No clinical staff are affected and extra cover has been put in place to support the reception team. To relieve the pressure on staff the surgery will close at 6pm instead of 6.30pm until Tuesday 13 July. Appointments will not be affected, phones will still be answered until 6.30pm and there should be little or no impact on patients and we ask that they bear with us during this time."

As previously reported, a notice on the surgery's website said: "Unfortunately over the past couple of days a large number of staff members have been told to isolate. This is leading to long waiting times on the telephone."

The practice has thanked patients for their patience and understanding.