People urged to stay away if they have Covid as Devon’s hospitals remain under 'severe pressure'
NHS Devon CCG say the number of people in hospital with the virus remains high
Last updated 9th Mar 2022
"Please don’t visit friends and family in our hospitals if you have Covid or other illnesses."
That’s the message from Devon’s NHS, as the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 remains high.
Many of the restrictions brought in to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in the community have come to an end, but people are still required to wear a mask in health settings and are being asked to wash and sanitise their hands.
Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 or other illnesses that can spread easily, such as flu or norovirus, are being urged not to visit patients in hospital.
Hospital trusts in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay are continuing to maintain infection prevention and control measures to prevent the spread of the virus and health bosses are asking the public to play their part.
Dr Paul Johnson, NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group Chair and Devon Medical Director said: "Many of our patients are very vulnerable to infection and we need to keep them safe. If you are unwell with Covid, flu or norovirus please do not come into hospital.
"You are still required to wear a mask in health settings and we ask that you respect these rules and are patient with our volunteers and staff if they ask you to comply with them.
"We know visits from friends and family can play a role in helping patients recover so we want to maintain good access for visitors – but we need local people to do their bit by staying away if they are ill, and taking safety measures if they visit."
Dr Paul Johnson - NHS Devon CCG
Currently over 200 people are in hospital in Devon with Covid-19, which means that beds aren’t available for other patients who need them.
NHS Devon CCG say for each Covid-19 inpatient, the NHS in Devon postpones, on average, eight planned procedures.