Severe restrictions on hospital visitors to control infections

Attempts to halt the spread of highly contagious seasonal infections at two Cork hospitals have led to the introduction of severe visitor restrictions.

While the Mercy University Hospital (MUH) is battling to contain influenza infection, Cork University Hospital (CUH) has taken 15 beds out of circulation in an effort to stop the spread of suspected norovirus, or winter vomiting bug, which is affecting a “significant” number of patients.

The upshot is only the critically ill and children are allowed visitors at either hospital. A maximum of two visitors is permitted at any one time, and only parents or guardians are allowed visit sick children.