Restrictions imposed on Watford General Hospital due to patients coming down with norovirus have now been lifted.

West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said there had been no new cases of the vomiting bug in the last week and the four affected patients were no longer showing symptoms.

In a statement, Dr Mike Van der Watt, the trust’s medical director, said: "I’m pleased to say that due to the strict precautionary measures put in place by the trust, there have been no new cases of Norovirus reported at Watford General Hospital since last week.

"Furthermore the affected patients have all been symptom-free for an appropriate period of time and therefore, the isolation arrangements which were put in place to contain this highly contagious sickness bug have now been lifted.

"The ward areas affected have undergone a thorough deep cleaning process and are re-opened to patients.

"I would like to thank all patients and the public for their understanding during this time."