Last ward reopens tomorrow

Tauranga Hospital wards will all be back in action tomorrow now that the norovirus outbreak is under control.

A hospital spokesperson said wards 2b, 2c and Health in Aging have already been reopened.

Ward 2a will be cleaned and opened tomorrow.

The four wards have been shut down since Sunday afternoon to contain the spread of norovirus.

The outbreak was reported on Sunday afternoon after 22 patients fell ill with the gastroenteritis bug, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea. The first cases of norovirs were identified on on September 24.

Visitors have been advised not to visit the hospital unless it was ``absolutely necessary'' to help prevent further spread of the virus.

If you have had or are experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea, rest at home and drink plenty of fluids.

Good handwashing helps reduce the spread of the virus but, if people become really unwell, they should visit their GP.