Norovirus cases extend hospital visitor ban

No visitors will be allowed at the University Hospital of Wales, University Hospital Llandough, Barry Hospital or Cardiff Royal Infirmary

A ban on hospital visits by a health board in response to a norovirus outbreak has been extended.

Cardiff and Vale health board said on Friday all general visiting would be stopped to protect patients, staff and visitors.

Norovirus is highly contagious and can be caught from infected people and through touching contaminated surfaces such as toilet flush handles.

The health board said on Wednesday that a review of the restrictions found they needed to remain in place until the end of the week.

Exceptions to the ban will be considered for patients who are critically ill, receiving end of life care, birth partners and the Children's Hospital for Wales.

The ban does not affect outpatient appointments.

Most people recover from norovirus in a few days without hospital care but some become very ill and symptoms include sudden, projectile vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature, stomach pains and aching limbs.

The hospitals the health board manages are:

• University Hospital of Wales

• University Hospital Llandough

• Noah's Ark Children's Hospital (which will still allow visitors)

• St David's Hospital

• Barry Hospital

• Cardiff Royal Infirmary

• Hafan y Coed Mental Health Unit

• University Dental Hospital

The health board added that those allowed to visit will have to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water and use hand sanitising gels.