One of Dublin's busiest city centre hospitals has re-introduced visitor restrictions due to the growing cases of COVID-19 in the capital.
St James's Hospital have said that the hospital is closed to all visitors except in exceptional clinical circumstances.
While the hospital has apologised for any upset this may cause to families, they have made the decision to minimise the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.
Health bosses have said that the COVID-19 situation in Dublin has "deteriorated" this week. Yesterday, a further 136 cases were confirmed in the capital.
NPHET are due to meet this morning to discuss the situation in Dublin, which currently sees the county at Level 2 of the Government's five stage plan for managing the spread but with further restrictions.
The notice from St James's said: "Visiting restrictions are in place at St James’s Hospital for the safety of our patients, staff and community to reduce the further spread of COVID-19 infection. This means that the hospital is closed to all visitors, except in exceptional clinical circumstances, where very limited visiting may be arranged by prior agreement with the Nurse in Charge on the ward.
"The hospital regrets any upset that this is causing to our patients and their families, however, these restrictions are necessary to minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
"We are encouraging families and loved ones of our patients to keep in touch with them as much as possible by phone, through video calls and more traditional ways like letters or cards. Devices are available on the wards to facilitate phone and video calls for patients who require assistance or don’t have access to a phone. Please contact the ward to arrange this.
"If you are a permitted visitor and are experiencing symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, high temperature and loss or change to your sense of taste or smell, please do not visit St James’s Hospital."
