Welsh Hospitals Reintroduce Face Masks for Visitors and Staff
Welsh health boards are reinstating face mask rules for visitors and staff due to rising flu cases this winter season
Llanelli, Wales, Flu, Face Masks, Health Board
Llanelli: So, it looks like Welsh hospitals are bringing back face masks. Four health boards are asking everyone to wear them again. This is all happening because flu cases are on the rise this winter.
Hywel Dda Health Board is specifically asking visitors at Prince Philip Hospital to mask up. Other boards, like Cardiff and Vale University, are doing the same across all their sites. They want to keep everyone safe.
Aneurin Bevan Health Board made it clear on social media that all staff and visitors need to wear masks in wards and clinical areas, starting right away. They’re taking this seriously.
Public Health Wales has warned that flu cases haven’t peaked yet. Recent data shows a nearly 50% increase in flu patients in hospitals since early December. That’s pretty concerning.
Along with the mask rule, visitors are being told to stay away if they have any respiratory symptoms. They’re also encouraged to get flu shots. The UK Health and Security Agency is keeping an eye on flu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus, which are all peaking this winter.
At Prince Philip Hospital, they’ve got some visiting restrictions in place. They’re asking visitors to come only if they’re symptom-free and to wash their hands. Masks will be available on the wards.
Visiting the Acute Medical Assessment Unit is even more restricted. You’ll need to arrange visits with the ward sister, and they’ll consider requests individually.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board stated that due to rising flu cases, they’re urging everyone to wear masks in assessment, emergency, and waiting areas. They’re also asking staff in clinical areas to do the same.
They believe flu rates might peak by the end of next week, so they’re doing everything they can to stop the spread.
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board also announced that if you’re visiting their emergency departments, you’ll need to wear a mask. They’re seeing more flu cases in hospitals, and masks can help prevent spreading the virus.
They’re even providing masks at the entrances of their emergency departments. It’s all about keeping patients and staff safe.