Cherrywood Grove Residential Aged Care Facility and Wontama Village restricted visiting early last week after several residents fell ill, and the shutdown continues.

Late last week Orange Base Hospital identified six cases of the virus and patients were isolated in the Frost Ward.

Coordinator of communicable diseases for the Greater Western Area Health Service, Priscilla Stanley, said fortunately preschools and day care centres had escaped the grip of the virus.

“But it really has got a hold now into the wider community,” she said.

“We understand it is inconvenient not being able to visit loved ones but it is important that visiting remains restricted so we can get control of this virus.

“We (public health unit) just want to emphasise again the importance of something as basic as handwashing for 15 seconds is the key to infection control.”

Ms Stanley said contraction of the virus is often by touching infected surfaces.

“This can happen by putting your hands on shopping trolleys, using buttons on ATMs, and holding on to the escalators,” she said.

Ms Stanley said around the home people need to be strict about handwashing procedures, particularly when changing babies’ nappies, and always wash hands before preparing food.

“If you are getting over the virus it is important not to be involved in food handling for other people for at least 48 hours,” Ms Stanley said.

She said anyone who needed help about information on the virus should call Orange Base Hospital.

At Orange Base Hospital affected patients have been moved into Frost Ward to be isolated from other patients.