Visiting restrictions that were implemented from the start of 2022 at West Hertfordshire hospitals have now been lifted.

The West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust temporarily suspended visitors to its hospitals from January 1 following the spread of Covid at the time, particularly the omicron variant in the community.

Since then, the restrictions were extended twice after two-week reviews.

But this week the trust has lifted visiting restrictions, before the two-week review.

Visiting must be arranged in advance with the ward and is restricted to inpatient areas only. The NHS Trust says that some areas are not open to visitors, including Covid positive wards, AAU level 1 and holding areas, the emergency assessment unit and ambulatory care and St Albans City Hospital.

The emergency department and the urgent treatment centre at Watford and Hemel will only allow visitors in exceptional circumstances.

However visiting might be subject to short notice closures because of the need for infection control measures.

Anyone wishing to visit must arrange it in advance, complete a risk assessment, complete a negative lateral flow test and wear a face covering.

For more information visit: https://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/covid/visitingrestrictions.asp