Two hospitals in Dublin and Cork have suspended all visiting this weekend due to outbreaks of influenza

St James's Hospital in Dublin says the suspension is in the interests of patient safety.

The emergency department at the hospital remains open for emergencies.

However the hospital is asking people with flu-like symptoms to contact their GP.

Patrick Plunkett is medical director and interim chief executive officer at St James's Hospital. He has this advice for patients.

Meanwhile Mercy University Hospital (MUH) in Cork is restricting all hospital visits, with the exception of the children's ward and critical care areas, over the weekend.

This is also due to an increased number of influenza cases.

"The situation will be continuously reviewed and the hospital is seeking the public's cooperation with the restrictions. The hospital will deal with exceptional cases on an individual basis," MUH said in a statement.

"People with flu-like symptoms are advised to telephone or visit their GPs, in the first instance, rather than presenting at the hospital’s Emergency Department," the statement added.

Originally published at 12.25pm