WARDS at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and Redditch's Alexandra Hospital remain closed this weekend following an outbreak of norovirus.

Only immediate family members are being allowed onto wards with no more than two people per person at each time.

No children under the age of 16 are not being allowed onto the wards to prevent the bug from spreading to or from schools, nurseries and playgroups.

Chief nursing officer Lindsey Webb said limiting the amount of people coming into hospital wards would significantly reduce the risk of spread of norovirus and helps keep the hospital running efficiently.

“Norovirus is very common during the winter months. We would continue to ask anyone with any symptoms of norovirus infection such as diarrhoea and/or vomiting to stay at home and not come to the hospital until they have been symptom free for at least 48 hours.

"For advice please telephone your GP or NHS 111 rather than risk transmitting the infection further.”

Those planning to visit the hospitals should contact the wards directly for advice.

There is no specific treatment for norovirus apart from letting it run its course.

Patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids to prevent infection, wash their hands thoroughly after using the toilet and avoiding sharing towels and flannels.

Preparing food for others should also be avoided for at least 48 hours until the symptoms have subsided and all surfaces should be disinfected.

For advice contact your GP or NHS 111.