Visiting suspended at Boston, Lincoln and Grantham hospitals

The only exceptions are the maternity department, which will allow one birthing partner to attend, and parents who do not show the symptoms of infection can visit their children.

Any other visits are by exception only and typically will be granted on compassionate grounds agreed in advance with the nurse in charge of the ward.

If granted, the majority of these visits will be taking place between 6pm and 7pm.

No visitors under 16 will be allowed.

A spokesman for ULHT said: “The Trust is working on ways for families to use Skype or FaceTime to talk to their relatives and as soon as these arrangements are in place, we will update further.

“We can appreciate this may be frustrating for the family and friends of patients, but we can assure that it is required at this time.

“As per usual practice, the ward staff will contact families if the person becomes seriously ill.”

The spokesman continued: “Please also note that anyone attending the Emergency Department or for an outpatient appointment is expected to attend alone.

“Please only bring a maximum of one other person if assistance is required.”