One of two wards closed at Royal Columbian Hospital because of a norovirus outbreak has re-opened.

Tasleem Juma, spokeswoman for the Fraser Health Authority, says the other ward is still closed to new admissions as a pre-caution until staff can determine the virus is no longer being transmitted.  

This, after 16 patients and several staff members came down with highly contagious norovirus.

 Juma says a new strain is sweeping through the Lower Mainland.

She suggests people stay home and avoid going to hospital if they have symptoms, which include vomiting and diarrhea, unless in dire circumstances.