Mandatory facemasks will be reintroduced to hospitals and GP surgeries in north Wales as of next week. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board announced on Thursday that it is set to reintroduce mandatory facemasks for visitors, patients, and staff from Monday, November 14.
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 facemasks will once again be mandatory at north Wales' hospitals including Glan Clwyd Hospital, Ysbyty Gwynedd, and Wrexham Maelor Hospital. All community hospitals across north Wales will also implement the rule including outpatients appointments. The rule will also apply to GP practices, health centres, and pharmacies.
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This 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 have 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 they 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." For more information about Covid-19 restrictions and hospital visiting times, people are advised to visit the BCUHB website.
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