Health board bringing back mandatory mask rule for hospitals

MANDATORY face masks will be reintroduced to hospitals and GP surgeries in North Wales as of next week.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board announced that it is set to reintroduce mandatory face masks for visitors, patients and staff from Monday.

According to the health board the measures are necessary due to an increased rate of winter respiratory infections in recent weeks.

From next week it will be mandatory to wear a face covering in hospitals, GP surgeries and pharmacies unless an individual is exempt.

This will mean that face masks will once again be mandatory at north Wales’ hospitals including Glan Clwyd Hospital, Ysbyty Gwynedd and Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

It comes after health experts warned there would be significant winter pressures expected this year with flu and Covid set to affect particularly vulnerable people.

Despite the fact there are no changes to visiting arrangements at present, Betsi Cadwaladr health board has said that “transmission rates can change rapidly” and urge visitors to check arrangements with the relevant ward or department before visiting.

The health board also warned the regulations are subject to change.

In a statement it said: “The situation in any health care setting can change rapidly.

“For the safety of our patients, visitors and staff restrictions may be reintroduced at short notice.

“We will continue to be informed by community transmission rates, Covid-19 admission numbers, hospital outbreaks, infection prevention control policy, and local risk assessments.”