A  ban on visiting is in place at Dungarvan Community Hospital in Co. Waterford,  in a bid to curb suspected cases of the Noro virus (vomiting bug) and will continue pending review.

The closure includes Dunabbey house and mass scheduled for the hospital chapel on Sunday morning will not now take place.

The hospital says restrictions are in place in the interest of patient care and to curb the spread of the illness at the hospital.

“Dungarvan Community Hospital regrets this inconvenience but it is necessary at this time to prevent the spread of these illnesses to both patients and staff. Where appropriate, mobile phone contact between families should be considered as an alternative to visiting.

“It is important for patients that these infection control measures are respected. The vomiting bug is currently in the community and people may unknowingly bring the bug into the hospital when visiting sick relatives or friends. The public are urged to co-operate with the restrictions currently in place and for anyone who has been affected by vomiting and/or diarrhoea, or anyone who has had contact with persons with these symptoms, not to visit the hospital until they have been symptom free for 72 hours. Patient care is the priority and the public is urged to help hospital staff keep the virus at bay, as it can further debilitate those who are already sick in hospital.”