The Western Health and Social Care Trust will continue with visiting to hospital sites, including the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) in Enniskillen, allowing for one visit, for one hour per day per patient. Exceptions will also continue to apply in some areas. All temporary visiting restrictions will be reviewed again on Monday, April 11 and an update will follow then as the Trust plan to implement a phased return to full visiting arrangements across all health care facilities in the months ahead.

A Trust spokesperson said: "Covid-19 transmission rates remain high in the community and the Trust continues to deal with challenges and pressures on our hospitals. Staff absences due to Covid-19 and other sickness together with a sustained number of Covid-19 patients and Covid-19 outbreaks in our hospitals must continue to be managed.

"The Trust treats the safety of our patients, staff and everyone attending our facilities with the utmost importance and therefore strongly recommends that anyone attending any of our facilities to visit a loved one, to take a lateral flow test immediately prior to attending. This will help to reduce the risk for all patients."

The Trust spokesperson continued by advising that all infection and prevention control measures "must be adhered to" when visiting. This includes wearing a facemask properly which covers your nose and mouth at all times, in addition to proper hand washing and adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Important information on visiting any Western Trust hospital:

One Visitor (from two nominees) is permitted to visit for one hour, once per day.

"The Trust treats the safety of our patients, staff and everyone attending our facilities with the utmost importance and therefore strongly advise that anyone attending any of our facilities to visit a loved one, to take a lateral flow test prior to attending," said the Trust spokesperson, adding: "Do not attend any Western Trust hospital or facility if you have any symptoms of Covid-19 or are a close contact of someone who is confirmed Covid-19 positive.

Based on high risk of Covid-19 transmission, it is important to note that some wards are unable to allow visiting at this time and you will be informed of this when you ring to book your visit.

There will also continue to be exceptional circumstances in respect of visiting guidance to the North West Cancer Centre, attending outpatient appointments, maternity scans, neonatal and visiting patients in end of life care. For further information, please refer to the Trust website - link here.