A RISE in local COVID–19 cases has prompted Mansfield neighbour Euroa Health to close its urgent care hospital so staff can be realigned to aged care, to support the residents.

COVID–19 case numbers have been rising in the past weeks with more people being able to travel in and out of the Strathbogie Shire to see their families over Christmas and New Year, with cases in the hundreds.

Euroa's aged care facility GraniteHill has also been impacted by rising cases, as an individual with COVID–19 positive status identified as having worked at Euroa Health, which led to Euroa Health activating their COVID–19 protocols immediately.

Many staff returned from annual leave, worked extra shifts and the Euroa Health chief executive officer Cherree Hunter commended her staff for their dedication to their patients and residents at Euroa Health through this time.

She also recognised that over the past few days in the heat, and staff wearing full personal protection equipment, it has been tiring and stressful, and acknowledged the support shown from their patients and resident families throughout this time.

Mrs Hunter said the facility would continue to work under the requirements from the Department of Health, the Commonwealth, and the Public Health Unit.

"Until such time as they provide clearance, we are unable to open the facility to visitors or admissions," she said.

"Euroa Health has not been immune to the long delays in obtaining results from our PCR tests experienced state–wide, our staff, resident and patient test results are taking up to six days to return, which hinders any plans to reopen the facility."

At this time Euroa Health has also taken the unprecedented step to temporarily close the acute hospital.

According to Mrs Hunter, due to the significant furloughing of their registered nursing staff members, the Department of Health has provided to the organisation two registered nurses who have been deployed to assist during this time.

Many local businesses have also supported Euroa Health with deliveries of goods and services requested by Euroa Health at short notice.

Mrs Hunter said Strathbogie Shire quickly acted to provide 66 rubbish bins to assist with the disposal of personal protective equipment.