Hand-washing warning amid outbreak

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

NHS bosses said at least 98 wards in 44 UK hospitals have stopped admitting new patients and urged anyone who has been ill not to visit friends or relatives until they have been free from symptoms for at least two days.

The use of alcohol gels to kill other germs has been promoted in hospitals but health bosses have warned that it will not kill the norovirus.

"The gel helps with things like MRSA - norovirus needs soap and water," said Lisa Dunn, a hospital director at the Heart of England NHS Trust in Birmingham.

"People want to use the gel and we are having to explain to them that they need to physically wash their hands, not just use the gel."

Bath's Royal United Hospital has closed seven wards. Carol De Halle, deputy director of nursing, said: "We strongly urge visitors with symptoms to please avoid visiting the hospitals until symptoms have settled for two days."

No region has escaped the norovirus but the worst affected are the North West and South West.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Redditch's Alexandra Hospital and Kidderminster Hospital has suspended routine surgery until at least January 9. Some 45 patients will be affected although the trust is talking to private hospitals about using their beds and operating theatres.

The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen Hospital will be conducting minute-long interviews for all new patients, including questions about symptoms and contact with virus-carriers.

The virus has cost UK business more than £80 million because of staff illness and the number of people calling in sick has increased by nearly 40%, according to research by Active Health Partners.