WITH reference to the virus closing wards at York Hospital (The Press, December 19), I have been a patient there, and relatives past and present have worked within the confines of the hospital.

I wish to make an impassioned plea for visitors to take advice on restricting visits at such times, unless in the case of an emergency and on the express invitation of the ward staff.

Apart from the obvious dangers of spreading infections, others employed may become infected, hence resulting in ward closures because of staff reductions.

Not any one person is immune from any contagious disease which can be transmitted through contact, for example, door handles in public places, even handling money, etc.

Without much cost to themselves antiseptic wipes carried about one’s person will help, especially when engaged away from the home environment. This also applies to the office telephone.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.