People have been asked not to visit a Norfolk hospital unless absolutely necessary after an outbreak of the Norovirus.

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) has one ward not accepting new admissions because of patients who have the stomach bug.

While there is no blanket ban on visiting, the hospital has asked people not to visit unless absolutely necessary, and to avoid bringing in children aged under 12 years.

They say it is important not to visit the hospital if you have had a stomach bug or have been in close contact with someone who has, over the last three days.

Washing hands with hot water and soap is essential for all visitors.

Dr Ngozi Elumogo, director of infection prevention and control at NNUH, said: 'It is that time of year where we see Norovirus circulating in the community and our advice is to wash your hands as a matter of routine with hot, soapy water.

'Hand sanitisers and alcohol gel will work against some bacteria and flu viruses but they will not protect you against Norovirus.

'During Norovirus outbreaks we ask people to wash their hands instead of using hand sanitiser. To keep Norovirus out of hospitals, it is important that people do not visit patients if they have been ill with a stomach bug in the previous three days or in close contact with someone who has had sickness or diarrhoea.'

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