Masks required at Waterford hospital amid rise in flu cases 

Masks will now be required at University Hospital Waterford as a result of "sustained presentations with flu symptoms" at the hospital. Visitors to the hospital must now make an appointment based on "exceptional circumstances" until further notice, the hospital said.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) said that there had been "an increase in Flu positive inpatients" to the hospital which had led to the new measures being put in place.

There are currently 61 Flu patients at UHW today, Thursday January 2, with a further three COVID-19 cases at the hospital and three patients with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Staff at the hospital have been hit hard by illnesses, with the HSE announcing that a "high volume of staff" are unable to work having presented with flu symptoms.

All staff and visitors to the hospital must now wear a surgical mask for the duration of their time at University Hospital Waterford in all areas. Those entering outbreak wards will be required to wear two Filtering Face Piece masks (FFP) to stop the spread of the flu. Masks will be available at all hospital entrances and in each ward. Flu vaccines are also still available daily for all who wish to avail, the HSE said.

Visitation to the hospital has been restricted to appointments with the ward only and all patients attending outpatient appointments or entering the emergency department have been asked to attend alone if possible in an effort to minimize footfall to the hospital.

The hospital has asked that any necessary bag drop-offs take place at the Dunmore Wing entrance of UHW and has thanked the public for its "ongoing support in the implementation of these measures, in its effort to protect all patients and staff."

The HSE said that "the situation will be kept under constant review."