National rules on mask wearing in GP surgeries and hospitals have largely been ditched under new guidance. Instead, organisations will draft their own policies on general mask use.
Some GP surgeries and health centres have already taken down signs telling patients to wear masks on entry. But a number of hospitals have called on patients and staff to continue to wear masks and face coverings on their sites.
In a letter to all local health bodies, NHS England highlighted new infection control guidance set out by the UK Health Security Agency. Patients visiting GP surgeries or hospital outpatient appointments and people attending A&E no longer need to wear masks “unless this is a personal preference”, the letter states.
