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A norovirus outbreak at Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital has forced the health board to introduce new visiting rules.

In a statement issued on Friday January 16, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) confirmed 90 patients and 28 staff members at the hospital have caught the virus.

ABUHB has now introduced a ‘visiting with a purpose’ policy, which means essential visits such as delivering fresh clothing and personal items, supporting mental wellbeing, and end-of-life care.

All visitors are urged to contact the ward before visiting the hospital. Visitors who arrive without prior contact may be turned away, the health board said.

In a statement, ABUHB said: “Norovirus spreads very easily and can have a serious impact on vulnerable patients and the safe running of our services. We know Norovirus is circulating across our communities and we need everyone’s support to keep our hospitals safe.

“This decision to introduce visiting with a purpose has not been taken lightly, but it is necessary to protect the health of our patients and staff and to reduce further transmission of norovirus, which is circulating across Gwent.”

Anyone with sickness or diarrhoea, a cough, or cold or flu-like symptoms, are being told not to visit the hospital until at least 48 hours after symptoms have gone.

But the health board reiterated that anyone with an appointment should still attend, unless they are displaying symptoms.

Meanwhile, face masks will remain compulsory at all hospital sites across Gwent.