‘Wear mask in public if poorly’ Welsh Govt advises

PEOPLE are being advised by the Welsh Government to wear masks in public if they have any signs of a respiratory infection.

The new guidance comes as the country experiences high levels of flu and Covid, putting “unprecedented demand” on the NHS this winter. Health boards have asked people not to visit hospitals if they have flu-like symptoms, while the NHS 111 Wales helpline has also experienced record-breaking volumes of calls.Betsi Cadwaladr

Health Board declared a “critical incident” on Monday last week, resulting in routine operations being postponed.

According to Public Health Wales data, the current flu season is the most prevalent since the winter of 2019-20. In the week ending December 25, there were 1,877 cases of influenza diagnosed by family doctors in Wales, highest in those aged 25 to 44. Some 369 people with flu needed hospitalisation in Wales in week 51, up from 236 the week before.

Recent Welsh Government figures also revealed the number of people being treated for Covid-19 in Welsh hospitals is the highest since mid-July. On December 20, of 538 in hospital with “confirmed” Covid-19, 72 of them were being actively treated for the virus – the most since July 22 (77 patients). Hundreds of people a week are also catching Covid while in hospital.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said last week: “The NHS is facing unprecedented demand this winter. There are high levels of flu and Covid circulating. To keep everyone safe and reduce pressure on the NHS, if you have symptoms please try to stay at home and not visit health and care settings. If you have symptoms and have to go out, wear a face covering. Anyone with non-life-threatening conditions is advised to use the NHS Wales 111 website in the first instance.

“We thank the people of Wales for supporting and protecting our health service.”