Among restrictions lifting today ( Monday, 12 April), the Mid and South Essex Hospitals Trust has confirmed that visitors will be allowed back into its hospitals, which includes Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford and St Peter's in Maldon.

Most patients will be allowed one visitor between 2pm and 3pm, and between 6pm and 7pm.

However, bosses are asking visitors to make arrangements with the hospital before attending and there are conditions.

And not all patients can bring a visitor when attending the emergency department. To ensure the safety of both staff and patients only vulnerable patients who require complex or difficult decision making may be accompanied by one close family contact, or somebody important to the patient, to support them. This applies to outpatients and diagnosis settings as well.

All visitors will have to adhere to all the infection control guidelines, including wearing PPE.

Patients in critical care (non-Covid areas) will also be allowed one visitor – but by prior arrangement with the critical care unit. Visitors are not allowed on to wards where patients have been isolating prior to admission.

The full list or visiting requirements is listed at the link here.

The trust added: "We will keep these restrictions under constant review as the national guidance continues to change."