Falling Covid numbers and fewer staff absences mean patients on most wards are now allowed more than one visitor.

Restrictions on visitor numbers were put in place in mid-March as Guernsey began experiencing a significant acceleration in Covid cases, peaking at more than 3,000 soon after.

Since then, cases have dropped to just over 1,000 and staff numbers at the PEH have recovered.

Dr Peter Rabey, the Hospital Director, says that as a result, patients on most wards will be allowed more than one visitor as visiting arrangements return to normal.

"We know how difficult any restrictions on visitors to patients in hospital can be and would only ever look to keep such measures in place for as long as they were deemed essential to protect our services.

We currently have fewer Covid cases in the PEH and the community, and less staff off as a result of the infection, and so are very pleased to be able to lift these measures across the majority of wards. We will continue to closely monitor the situation on a ward by ward basis."

Currently, restrictions remain in force on two wards, Corbierre and Brehon, as they have patients with Covid.

Anyone visiting hospital must take a Lateral Flow Test beforehand and not enter if it is positive. No one with Covid symptoms should go into hospital and face coverings while visiting are mandatory.

Dr Rabey says these measures should stop the spread of infection.

"We thank anyone impacted by the restrictions on visitors – past or present - for their patience and understanding. We also thank the community for continuing to take the simple steps to protect the hospital, by taking LFTs before visiting, staying away if they have any symptoms and wearing a face mask while onsite."