It comes after the health board has seen a steep rise in winter illnesses across their hospitals
The new face mask rule is effective immediately(Image: Getty Images)
A Welsh health board has issued new face mask rules for staff, patients and visitors across their hospital sites. On Tuesday (October 7), Aneurin Bevan University Health Board said all those attending their hospitals will be “required to wear fluid repellent face masks” effective immediately.
In a post on their social media page, the Aneurin Bevan Health Board, which manages healthcare across Newport, Caerphilly, Torfaen, Monmouthshire and Blaenau Gwent, said masks have been introduced due to an increase of winter illnesses at their sites.
It comes after Public Health Wales encouraged people to get a flu vaccine this winter to protect them from serious illness. The health body warned that flu can be serious, particularly for people with certain health conditions because they are more vulnerable to serious complications if they get it.
The health board said the mask rules apply for all those attending their hospital sites, including wards, A&E, minor injury units and other clinical settings.
Masks will be available at the entrances to wards and clinical areas, a spokesperson added. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here
Health board bosses also asked people to limit attendance with patients attending hospitals wherever possible due to high levels of illness circulating in communities.
People were also told to contact the ward in advance before visiting a patient.
A post from the health board said: “Wearing a mask and practising good hand hygiene will help us protect our vulnerable patients and reduce the risk of transmission.
“We urge everyone to help us keep our communities safe this winter by:
- Wearing a mask when attending any of our sites
- Washing your hands regularly
- Getting your Flu and Covid-19 booster if you are eligible
“Let’s work together to keep our communities safe this winter.”