Visitors will be banned from all of NHS Fife’s hospitals from Tuesday night.
In an attempt to prevent the spread of covid-19, loved ones will not be able to see patients at the sites from midnight on Tuesday.
The health board announced the “unprecedented” measures on Monday afternoon in a bid to protect staff and patients.
The restrictions are expected to be in place for several weeks.
Exceptions to the visiting suspension are only being applied in neonatal units, maternity services, children’s wards and hospices.
NHS Fife nursing director Helen Buchanan said: “In these unprecedented times we are having to take big decisions, often at short notice, to protect those most at risk.
“Our staff are working tirelessly in preparation for an expected rise in Covid-19 cases and whilst stopping visiting may ordinarily seem drastic, the challenges facing us over the coming months make such actions necessary and will enable us to continue to provide a good standard care to those who need it most.
“We do not know how long these arrangements will remain in place but it will likely be for a number of weeks.
“In the meantime, we would encourage visitors this evening and tomorrow to consider bringing in technology, such as phones or tablets, which will help ensure patients remain connected to family and friends, along with other essential items”
The suspension will apply to all hospitals in Fife, with the following exceptions:
Suspended visiting will applied with the exception of the neonatal unit, maternity services, children’s ward, and hospices:
Maternity Ward and Delivery Units – One visitor/ birthing partner is permitted and must remain within the maternity area at all times.
Neonatal/ Special Care Baby Unit – Only parents are permitted to visit and should remain with the child at all times.
Children’s Ward – Only parents are permitted to visit and should remain with the child at all times.
Hospices/ End of Life Care – Visiting arrangements are unchanged.
