In addition, Panama has suspended elective surgical procedures and limited hospital visits by outpatients, Turner said.

A number of patients will be admitted to the Galway Clinic at Doughiska today for minor elective surgical procedures tomorrow.

Background: Development of infectious complications after high volume elective surgical procedures imposes a significant clinical burden to the United States population.

DHBs said 628 elective surgical procedures, 316 other procedures and about 3000 outpatient and follow-up appointments were postponed.

Elective surgical procedures will be rescheduled for a later date unless patients are specifically contacted by the hospital.