Visitors urged to stay away from hospitals nationwide

The HSE is advising people to stay away from hospitals across the country unless absolutely necessary due to an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug.

They said children should not be taken to visit their parents in hospital, but if it must be done, only one patient should be visited per trip.

The HSE is also advising visitors to clean their hands as often as possible during their stay.

Visitor restrictions are currently in place at Beaumont Hospital, the Mater, St Vincent’s and Tallaght Hospital in Dublin, as well as at Naas General, the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Ennis Hospital and the Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar.