Restricted visiting was introduced by the hospital to contain the virus spread on Tuesday 15 April.

Ann Thomas, chief nurse and director of infection, prevention control at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, said: 'We are continuing to see high numbers of norovirus cases in our hospital setting and people are continuing to visit the hospital with norovirus symptoms.

‘Whilst we recognise how important visitors are to the overall wellbeing of our patients, we must stop the spread of this virus in our hospitals to protect our vulnerable patients and staff.'

Visting is being restricted to one designated friend or family member per patient for one hour a day, except in compassionate circumstances. Maternity and children's wards are exempt.

Norovirus levels have hit record levels in hospitals this spring with 903 patients admitted in the week ending 23 March, almost two-thirds (62.3%) above the previous record for the time of year.