Coronavirus latest: Nursing home visiting restrictions now in place across Cork

NURSING home visiting restrictions are now in place across Cork and the rest of the country as the number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Ireland continues to grow.

Nursing Homes Ireland has released a statement in which it says no non-essential visits will be allowed and they add that the decision has been made in the best interests of residents and staff.

"For the protection of nursing home residents, NHI has confirmed that visiting restrictions are now in place in nursing homes nationwide. No non-essential visiting, children or groups will be allowed.

"All visitors are asked to contact prior to attending. Visitors should only seek to attend in urgent circumstances and the management reserve the right to impose full restrictions where necessary.

"We urge prospective visitors to nursing homes to be cognisant and understanding of the measure that is required in the interest of resident and staff safety. Older people and people in nursing homes with pre-existing medical conditions are particularly vulnerable if they contact the virus. The virus presents an unprecedented situation for our nursing homes and the care provided within them. 

"Nursing homes are imposing the visitor restrictions in the best interests of residents and staff. We thank people for their understanding and patience during this period of unprecedent challenges presented by Covid19.

"Nursing Homes Ireland is monitoring the evolving situation on an ongoing basis and is in continuous contact with the Department of Health, National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), HSE and all relevant health authorities."