Visits banned in virus outbreak

AN outbreak of the Norovirus at St Mary’s Hospital in Castleblayney has led to a ban by the HSE on all visits to the Co. Monaghan hospital with the exception of visits arranged by relatives with hospital staff in emergency cases.

According to a HSE spokesperson yesterday, the outbreak is confined to the Dromore Unit, where there are a number of elderly patients.

Strict visiting restrictions are now in place at the hospital and relatives wishing to visit the Dromore Unit may only do so by prior arrangement.