Dunedin Hospital in lockdown as disease spreads

It is not known when the lockdown at Dunedin Hospital will be lifted.

Visitors are being told to stay clear as an outbreak of the disease norovirus rips through patients and staff.

Ten more people fell ill overnight, taking the total to 50 people within the last fortnight.

Otago District Health Board Operations Manager Megan Boivin says the only entry is through two manned doors. The emergency department isn't affected.

People are being encouraged to wash their hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds to help stop the bug continuing to spread. It causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea.

- NEWSTALK ZB