No mask - no entry, warns gP surgery

A GP SURGERY in Cardiff has warned that patients could be turned away unless they are wearing a face mask.

North Cardiff Medical Centre, in Llanishen, posted on social media that it wants all patients to don a face covering before entering the practice.

If someone does not have one on arrival, they could be asked to leave and potentially miss their appointment.

As surgeries are run independently, they can make their own decisions on whether or not to ask patients and visitors to wear masks.

“The health and safety of our patients and staff is paramount here at North Cardiff Medical Centre,” the practice stated on Facebook.

“We therefore kindly request that all patients and visitors to the surgery arrive wearing a suitable form of facial protection.

“We are unable to provide this protection at the surgery.

“Patients will need to source their own.

“Failure to adhere to this request may result in individuals being denied entry into the building.”

The surgery, in Excalibur Drive, also reminded patients that it is not able to provide walk-in appointments.

“Patients are triaged via telephone appointment in the first instance,” the statement added.

“We thank you for your continued support during these challenging times.”

It is understood that some GP surgeries across Wales are adopting the same approach in a bid to reduce the spread of coronavirus. In some smaller practices with many registered patients, staff admit it is difficult for people to adhere to social distancing.

Official Welsh Government advice states that only people who have received a shielding letter from the chief medical officer should wear a medical mask “when there is an unavoidable need to access health or social care settings”.

It states that masks should be provided to people in this category “if required”.

Similarly, visitors to hospitals are not usually required to wear a mask unless they are shielding.

“The evidence remains clear that the most effective way to protect yourself and others from infection is to follow social-distancing rules, avoid touching surfaces and your face, and wash your hands regularly,” said a

Welsh Government spokesman.

“Face coverings are not a substitute for these measures, but in some circumstances where it might be difficult to stay two metres away from others, we are advising the use of three-layer, non-medical face coverings.”

If someone is experiencing any typical symptoms of Covid-19 they are asked to avoid healthcare settings and self-isolate for seven days.

It will become compulsory to wear face coverings on public transport in Wales from Monday.

However, in England they have gone one step further and also made masks mandatory in enclosed public spaces such as supermarkets, indoor shopping centres, transport hubs, banks and takeaways.

Police can hand out fines of up to £100 to those who do not comply in England.