REGINA -- The Saskatchewan Health Authority said the Weyburn General Hospital is exclusively caring for COVID-19 positive patients in its inpatient wards.

The decision was made after a COVID-19 outbreak at the facility and an increasing number of cases. The outbreak was declared at the hospital on Dec. 29, 2020.

The SHA said this is part of its pandemic plan.

"While the initial plan in April 2020 had a different scenario for the Weyburn Hospital, we have adapted that plan to reflect the current situation in Weyburn and southeast Saskatchewan," the SHA’s Doug Dahl said in a email to CTV News.

Non-COVID patients requiring inpatient care will be directed to hospitals in surrounding locations, mainly Estevan.

Emergency room services are not impacted by this change.

"If you feel unwell and think you require urgent or emergent care, call 911 or go to the hospital emergency department. Medical professionals are available to address your health care needs," Dahl added.

The hospital in Kamsack is also under a similar restriction. An outbreak was declared at that facility on Jan. 8.