All visiting for antenatal and postnatal women has been suspended.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran announced that the decision this morning which takes immediate effect.

A spokespersons aid: "NHS Ayrshire and Arran has made the difficult decision to suspend visiting for all antenatal and postnatal women and will come into effect from Monday, March 30.

"These measures are to protect staff, mothers and newborn babies from the potential spread of coronavirus."

This follows from a decision to suspend other visiting across the healthboard last week.

The maternity unit visting ban joins the suspension announced on Tuesday, March 24,of all visits to hospitals.

There should still be exceptions for the children’s ward, which will be restricted, and for those visiting a family member receiving end-of-life care or supporting someone with a mental health issue, such as dementia, where not being there would cause the patient to be distressed.

A 24/7 Covid-19 Community Clinical Assessment Centre is now open in Ayrshire at Crosshosue Hospital.

Attendance is by appointment only.