The Norwalk-like virus which has forced the closure of half a dozen wards at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth has spread over the Tamar to Saltash. Due to an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting, the North and East Cornwall Primary Care Trust closed St Barnabas Community Hospital in Saltash to new admissions last Friday, while the victims of minor injuries are being told to go elsewhere for treatment. An infection control team was said to be still working to defeat the virus a week later, while the carol service due to take place there on Tuesday has been cancelled. South East Cornwall MP Colin Breed, who has a home in Saltash, said it was sad that the outbreak should have affected St Barnabas which previously had enjoyed an 'excellent' anti-infection record. He said that 'rigorous' action was needed to combat the infection, adding: 'In view of the outbreak in Plymouth, it is hardly surprising.' Baz Gregory the Saltash Town and Caradon District councillor, whose ward contains St Barnabas, said news that the infection had spread across the Tamar was 'extremely distressing.' Trish Cooper, Modern Matron in Charge of St Barnabas said: 'We have taken the step of closing the hospital to ensure the infection does not spread any further. 'We are currently with the infection control team from the Plymouth Hospitals Trust to contain this outbreak.' While the hospital is closed, members of the public needing treatment in the Minor Injuries Unit are being told to use Liskeard Community Hospital, or the Cumberland Centre in Plymouth. Local gps have also been notified of the situation. The virus is described as 'highly infectious' bringing with it distressing symptoms. It has been a frequent visitor to Derriford Hospital where nine wards were closed because of it last winter.