KEY POINTS:
At least 24 more suspected norovirus infections hit staff and patients at Dunedin Hospital today as the battle to contain the outbreak continues.
The Otago District Health Board (DHB) said 11 patients and 13 staff had developed symptoms since 9am today.
There are 26 patients in isolation at Dunedin Hospital and four wards are closed to admissions. The city's Wakari Hospital had no patients with symptoms today.
The norovirus has wreaked havoc on the hospitals' ability to carry day to day duties with about 150 infections reported by the DHB since the start of the month.
Otago DHB operations manager Megan Boivin said today some outpatient clinics and procedures would continue tomorrow at Dunedin Hospital.
"The majority of clinics operating will be in areas where physical isolation from the wards can be maintained," she said.
"There are a small number of patients who will be seen within the main hospital, due to their clinical need and specialised equipment.
"These areas have not had patients with symptoms during the past two weeks."
Ms Boivin said there was a lot of concern about the number of staff and patients who have become ill during the past 24 hours.
The ongoing problem meant visiting restrictions remained in place for both hospitals.
The health board said good hand hygiene was the most important way people could protect themselves from the spread of illness, meaning hands shou ld be washed for 20 seconds with soap and water and dried thoroughly for 20 seconds with clean towels.
"Anybody with diarrhoea or vomiting should stay away from work or school until they have been free of all symptoms for 48 hours."
Meanwhile, the West Coast District Health Board said the virus had also broken out in a Greymouth rest home.
Public health officer Vern Newcombe said today lab tests had confirmed the outbreak at the Kowhai Manor Rest Home.
DHB spokesman Bryan Jamieson told NZPA that about half of the 24 residents of the rest home had been infected and some staff were also experiencing symptoms.
The health board was urging people with vomiting or diarrhoea symptoms not to visit West Coast hospitals.
- NZPA
