Dublin hospital reintroduces visitor restrictions over worrying COVID outbreak

[Nat Quinn]

A Dublin hospital has reintroduced visitor restrictions following a COVID outbreak as fears over the new Eris variant grow.

The news arrives as the HSE confirmed on Tuesday that there are currently 435 COVID cases in Irish hospitals with 12 of them in ICU at this time.

With fears already mounting over another potentially tough winter for Ireland’s healthcare system, Clontarf Hospital said that three of its patients had to isolate after testing positive.

A Dublin hospital has reintroduced visitor restrictions following a COVID outbreak as fears over the new Eris variant grow. Pic: Shutterstock

Following the outbreak in the hospital’s Swan Ward, patients are now only permitted one visitor each while no children are allowed in.

Urging anyone who visits to ‘please wear a mask if requested by a member of staff’, the hospital has told those with any COVID symptoms not to visit.

The visitors have also been instructed to ‘please wear a mask if requested by a member of staff’, and have been discouraged from visiting if they are experiencing symptoms of the virus such as a sore throat, cough, temperature or shortness of breath.

The news arrives as the HSE confirmed on Tuesday that there are currently 435 COVID cases in Irish hospitals with 12 of them in ICU at this time. Pic: Shutterstock

‘There are three cases of Covid-19 (day six) confined to one bay in one ward. There are no staff reported Covid-19 illness (cases.).

‘The affected ward is closed to visitors. However, depending on each individual, patient care needs and compliance with the infection prevention and control measures that are currently in place, visiting may be arranged at ward level,’ a spokesperson for the hospital said.

Attempting to find alternatives to visits, the hospital is helping patients contact relatives through letters, text messages and video calls.

Urging anyone who visits to ‘please wear a mask if requested by a member of staff’, the hospital have told those with any COVID symptoms not to visit. Photo: Getty.

Last week saw the HSE confirm that a new COVID-19 variant called Eris has been detected in Ireland. Described as a descendant of the Omicron strain, the Eris variant, scientifically known as EG.5, is more transmissible than the previous variants.

The World Health Organisation believe Eris is not a variant of concern or a variant of interest as it has a lower rating under monitoring (VUM).

The recent rise of COVID in Ireland is being put down to greater indoor mixing, increased international travel and waning immunity.

source:Dublin Hospital Reintroduces Visitor Restrictions Over Worrying COVID Outbreak (extra.ie)

source:Dublin hospital imposes visiting restrictions due to Covid-19 outbreak – Dublin Live

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