By Lucy Ashton
In line with guidance elsewhere in the UK, the local Health Board have decided to change the guidance for use of face masks in our hospitals.
The Board have issued the following statement: “Although we have seen an increase in Covid-19 cases in recent weeks, most patients have had mild symptoms at most and there have been no patients admitted to Intensive Care.
“There are early signs that numbers are stabilising or reducing. In line with guidance elsewhere in the UK, we have decided to change the guidance for use of face-masks in our hospitals.
“From this week, it is no longer compulsory to wear a face-mask in our hospitals. Our staff will continue to wear masks when providing patient care or when walking through clinical areas. The use of masks when providing care to children will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
“If visitors to our hospitals have no symptoms of COVID there remains no need to take a test before entering any of our buildings. However, if you do have symptoms, we ask that you follow national advice and stay at home for five days.
“Patients who show symptoms of COVID will continue to be tested, to guide their care and for Infection Control purposes.
“We would like to thank you for your co-operation with these changes, and for your patience and understanding in these difficult times.”
For further information about this guidance, please go to the NHSGGC website. For national COVID-19 advice, please go to NHS Inform.