RESTRICTIONS are still in place on two wards at Royal Bolton Hospital due to norovirus.

Today is the sixth day wards D3 and D4 have remained restricted to visitors.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus also known as the winter vomiting bug with symptoms including a sudden onset of vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Some people may also have a temperature, headache and stomach cramps.

It is particularly widespread at this time of year and the illness is very easily spread through contaminated surfaces and close contact with other people.

There is no cure for norovirus but it usually clears up by itself within a few days.

The best way to recover is through self-care at home. This includes getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids and washing hands regularly with soap and water.

You should also keep yourself away from others - especially from GP surgeries or hospitals.

If your symptoms continue for more than two days seek advice from NHS 111.

Today health bosses said the situation at Royal Bolton Hospital had 'improved' and restrictions were lifted on some wards.

Richard Catlin, assistant director of infection prevention and control at Royal Bolton Hospital, said: “We ask all visitors not to come into the hospital if they have had symptoms of norovirus, such as sickness and diarrhoea, within the last 48 hours.

"People are also urged not to come into our Emergency Department if they have had Norovirus symptoms unless it is a genuine emergency.

”Norovirus is something we take extremely seriously. It is something that has the potential to spread very rapidly and the situation can change from one day to the next.

“Admission staff are vigilant to the signs and symptoms of norovirus so we can isolate patients immediately to prevent further infections.

"Staff in wards and departments also look out for the signs and symptoms so that patients can be identified and managed as soon as possible.

“It is with regret that we have had to restrict visiting on a number of our wards due to norovirus.

"This is not a decision we take lightly but is always in the best interests of our patients. We are asking people to please bear with us and understand that the welfare of our patients is paramount.”