Two hospitals in Cork have imposed restrictions on visitors due to an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug.
Cork University Hospital and Cork University Maternity Hospital said visting hours are restricted to 6.30pm-7.30pm. Only one visitor per patient is allowed but no children are allowed to visit.
Special arrangements are in place for critically ill patients but visitors are asked to make contact with the hospital in advance.
The hospitals also said all visitors must use the special anti-bacterial gel supplied as they enter and leave.
CUH general manager Tony McNamara said that while the visiting restrictions remain in place, the situation at both hospitals had improved during the course of the week.
"We will continue to monitor the outbreak at the hospitals during the weekend and review it early next week," he said.
Mr McNamara appealed to people not to visit the hospitals or any other healthcare facility if they have been affected by the vomiting bug or have been in contact with anyone who has symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea in the last 72 hours.
People are also advised not to attend emergency departments if they have such symptoms.