A second Welsh health board has reintroduced face masks in all hospital settings. Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board announced the reintroduction of face masks for all areas of all hospitals for both staff and patients on their social media accounts.
The health board has also asked those attending their hospitals to social distance where possible. The new measures came into effect as of 5pm on Thursday, June 23. Cwm Taf Morgannwg is the second health board to reintroduce Covid-19 prevention measures, following Aneurin Bevan earlier in the week.
The news comes as the Welsh Government has decided to extend its access to free lateral flow device (LFD) tests until the end of July due to rising cases. Health minister Eluned Morgan has confirmed that free tests will remain available in Wales until July 31.
The tests will be available to members of the public who are showing symptoms of coronavirus – such as a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – alongside free access for people visiting someone eligible for new Covid-19 treatments. What do you think about the reintroduction of masks? Let us know in the comments.
A spokesperson for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said: "To protect our patients, our staff and visitors, we are now asking ALL hospital staff and visitors to wear face masks in ALL areas of ALL of our hospitals. This is effective immediately (Thursday, 23 June 5pm) and follows yesterday’s decision to reintroduce mask wearing in two of our hospitals.
"We also need to ask you to try to maintain social distancing as much as you possibly can. Our teams will review the situation on a daily basis. If you are visiting any of our sites, please be prepared to answer the questions our staff will ask you as part of the visitor checklist they need to carry out, when you contact us to book your slot.
"Please be aware, if we close wards due to Covid-19, during the closure we will have to revert those wards to essential visiting only. This is to protect our most vulnerable. As always, thank you in advance for your support. It really is appreciated.
"This is the correct action we need to take to reduce the risk to our patients and our staff. We will keep you updated if we make any further changes."
The most recent figures from the Office for National Statistics reported an increase in cases across the UK. An estimated one in 45 people in Wales currently has Covid-19. The emergence of the BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants are also contributing to this increase as they become more dominant across the UK.
Dr Frank Atherton, Wales' top medical expert, has also said that people should social distance and wear face coverings in crowded places to prevent transmission. There is no indication that restrictions will be imposed in Wales, but Dr Frank Atherton has urged people with any respiratory infections to self-isolate.
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