Cases of winter illnesses like covid-19, flu and norovirus are rising in the South West and people are urged to take steps to prevent the spread.

NHS Devon is reminding people to stay safe and well this winter by wearing a face mask in healthcare settings, washing their hands regularly and practicing social distancing whenever they can.

Darryn Allcorn, Chief Nurse at NHS Devon said: “We are seeing a worrying increase of flu, Covid-19 and norovirus cases in Devon this week and high numbers of patients being admitted to Devon’s hospitals with potentially infectious respiratory conditions.

“We are doing everything we can to try and minimise the impact of this, and the risk to patients and staff, but there are important actions local people can take to help prevent the spread.

“If you are in a healthcare setting, we encourage you to minimise your contact with other patients, have good hand hygiene, especially if you use any shared facilities such as bathrooms and if you can tolerate it, wear a face mask when you move around the environment.

To help minimise transmission and keep patients, staff and visitors safe, the NHS is asking that only one person accompanies someone if they attend an Emergency Department.

“If you are feeling unwell, have diarrhoea, vomiting or respiratory symptoms, please don’t visit a hospital for at least 48 hours after the last symptom has gone. Norovirus can have a serious impact on patients who are often more vulnerable to catching it.

“Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet, and before eating or preparing food. Only hand-washing will prevent spread of Norovirus – alcohol hand gels DON’T kill the virus.”