NHS Borders is no longer battling with an outbreak of norovirus, according to a spokesperson.

Last week, the region’s health board closed ward 4 to new admissions after confirmed cases were recorded at Borders General Hospital (BGH).

It has now reopened, but one bay is shut as a “precaution due to gastrointestinal symptoms”, the spokesperson said.

They added: “We no longer have a norovirus outbreak in the BGH. However due to the infectious nature of this virus it can start abruptly and spread quickly throughout healthcare settings and local communities.

READ MORE: Borders attraction calls on locals to join award-winning volunteer programme

“This is why it is vital to practice good hand hygiene and stay at home if you feel unwell.”

Announcing the outbreak last week, Dr Tim Patterson, director of public health at NHS Borders, said: “Norovirus is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea and vomiting illness. It is very infectious and spreads quickly between people. This is why outbreaks happen in hospitals where a number of people are sharing facilities. However it doesn’t just occur in hospitals, and can start abruptly and spread quickly through communities.”