Hospital visitors will need to show proof of vaccination or immunity from Monday

Healthcare workers have welcomed the news.

Hospital visitors will need to show vaccine passports or proof of immunity from Monday. According to The Journal, the changes will be made next week. However, exceptions will be made on compassionate grounds. It is believed NPHET made the recommendation last month. Visitors will be asked to show their EU Digital Covid Certificate, HSE Covid-19 Vaccination Record, or proof of immunity at the hospital entrance. Visitors will also be asked to show their ID to ensure the vaccine passport belongs to them. Regular hospital visitors won't need to do this every time if the member of staff checking certs is familiar with them. Nurses at St. Vincent's Hospital's ICU welcomed the new measure. One nurse told The Journal, “The visiting system is a shambles. You have to show your Covid certificate to get into a coffee shop but not Vincent’s ICU or the wards." Anyone visiting a healthcare setting should wear a face covering. They should also sanitise their hands, practice social distancing and follow all public health measures. People with Covid symptoms or who have tested positive for the virus should isolate. The HPSC says hospitals should only allow one visitor per patient. Changes may be made under special circumstances, the HPSC shared. "There is no upper limit on the frequency or duration of visiting that is acceptable where critical and compassionate grounds apply, subject to the ability of the hospital to manage the visiting safely. Visiting restrictions depend on the individual hospital. You can find a county-by-county breakdown here.