After more than two years of coronavirus regulations and months spent wearing face coverings, First Minister Mark Drakeford has lifted Covid restrictions across Wales - but there is one area where you still have to wear them. Among the changes introduced, Mr Drakeford said people would no longer have to wear masks in healthcare settings - something he said marked Wales reaching "another milestone moment in our response to the pandemic in Wales".
Whilst Mr Drakeford admitted that "the end of coronavirus regulations doesn't mean the pandemic is over," he did suggest that lifting regulations in Wales is a "big step" towards living safely with the virus.
Despite the First Minister having lifted the rule, Swansea Bay University Health Board has confirmed face masks must be worn across all its hospitals and healthcare settings "until risk assessments have been updated".
Read more: Most people 'unlikely' to get another Covid jab this year
The latest statement from Swansea Bay University Health Board states: "Coming to one of our sites? The requirement to wear a mask at Swansea Bay UHB facilities remains in place for the moment. Welsh Government guidance issued last week removing the legal requirement for mask wearing in health care settings does not automatically over-rule local requirements.
"Until risk assessments have been updated it remains a requirement for masks to be worn across our estates in line with current local guidance. We need to understand any remaining risks and whether other measures are required to reduce the risk. In some situations masks may be recommended because other control measures such as increasing ventilation or maintaining spacing between people cannot be put in place.
"Staff, patients and visitors should follow local guidance and not assume that there is no longer any need for Covid control measures. Although the numbers of infections in the community continue to decline, those attending hospitals and health facilities include those who are most vulnerable to infection and we need to bear that in mind. It is important to remember that for many of our patients infection with Covid can have significant consequences.
"Please continue to follow locally issued guidance and protocols in relation to mask wearing and other measures to reduce the risk of Covid infection. The Health Board is actively reviewing the situation and more specific guidance will be issued over the coming days."
WalesOnline understands Swansea Bay University Health Board is the only health board in Wales to continue to keep face masks compulsory for patients and visitors. But other health boards have stated that wearing a face mask is recommended.
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What about the health boards? Are face-masks compulsory in other healthcare settings in Wales?
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
The latest statement from Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, issued on Tuesday, May 31, explains: "From this week, it is no longer a legal requirement for visitors to wear masks or face coverings when entering healthcare premises in Wales, as announced by Welsh Government. Within Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, we will continue to support and encourage our patients and communities to wear masks/face coverings when entering our facilities across Gwent, making them available in public spaces, wards and departments.
"Staff, patients and visitors in areas that are dealing with known or suspected cases of Covid-19 and other respiratory infections will continue to be required to wear face masks/coverings in line with infection prevention and control guidance. Where certain groups of patients remain at higher risk of acquiring Covid-19 (immunosuppressed), an individual assessment will determine whether masks are required to be worn so we can continue to protect our most clinically vulnerable service users.
"Please continue to clean your hands on entering any of our facilities and as often as possible using soap and water or hand sanitiser. Please do not visit our hospitals if you have flu-like symptoms, Covid-19 symptoms, currently have or had diarrhoea and vomiting in the past 48 hours, have been in contact with anyone with the above symptoms in the last 48 hours have an existing medical condition or are on medication that puts you at risk of infection. Thank you for supporting us by doing your part in keeping our hospitals and communities safe."
Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board
The latest statement from Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, issued on Tuesday, May 31, says: "When to wear a face mask in our hospital site: Inpatients and outpatients with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 in wards and communal areas like waiting areas; Isolated with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 if receiving visitors or cannot have the room door closed; There is a ward/departmental outbreak of Covid-19 – this includes visitors to that ward; Patients and visitors in all Haematology/Oncology settings (inpatients and outpatients including community and primary care) due to increased risk of infection in these groups; Patients with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 transferring to another care area; Patients who during triage inform staff that they have Covid-19 symptoms."
The statement adds: "There is no longer a legal requirement to routinely wear facemasks in hospitals. In all other areas there is no requirement to wear a face mask. Patients and visitors may choose to if they wish."
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
A spokesperson for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: "Following the recent lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions across Wales, staff, patients and visitors are no longer legally required to wear masks when moving around all Cardiff and Vale UHB sites. As the safety of our patients remains a key priority, face masks are still required to be worn by staff in the UHB who are caring for patients with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 infection or other respiratory infections.
"It has also been advised as good practice that staff continue to wear face masks in clinical areas when caring for immunocompromised patients. We are aware that some individuals may feel more comfortable in continuing to wear a mask at this time, and we encourage them to do so for as long as required."
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
A spokesperson for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said: "Following Welsh Government’s announcement on Friday afternoon, we are in the process of updating our guidance on wearing face masks in our health care settings and will update our staff and our communities soon."
Hywel Dda University Health Board
The latest statement from Hywel Dda University Health Board, issued on Monday, May 30, states: "From today, 30 May 2022, it is no longer a legal requirement for visitors to wear masks or face coverings when entering healthcare premises in Wales. Within Hywel Dda, we will continue to support service users and the general public to wear masks/face coverings when entering our facilities in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, making them available in public spaces, wards and departments.
"Staff, patients and visitors in areas that are dealing with known or suspected cases of Covid-19 and other respiratory infections will continue to be required to wear face masks/coverings in line with infection prevention and control guidance. Where certain groups of patients remain at higher risk of acquiring COVID-19, an individual assessment will determine whether masks are required to be worn so we can continue to protect our most clinically vulnerable service users.
"Please remember to clean your hands on entering the building and as often as possible using soap and water or hand sanitiser. Please do not visit our hospitals if you have flu-like symptoms, Covid-19 symptoms, currently have or had diarrhoea and vomiting in past 48 hours, have been in contact with anyone with the above symptoms in the last 48 hours have an existing medical condition or are on medication that puts you at risk of infection. Thank you for your co-operation."
Powys Teaching Health Board
A spokesperson for Powys Teaching Health Board said on June 1: "Visitors to any health board premises, which includes our hospitals and community clinics, will no longer need to wear a face covering or to observe social distancing from today onwards.
"However, we would remind all visitors that they must not attend any healthcare setting or clinic if they feel unwell or have any symptoms associated with any respiratory infection such as Covid-19 and flu, or are experiencing cold-like symptoms, diarrhoea and vomiting, fever or have a rash. This is to protect patients and staff.
"If there is a clinical reason to do so – such as visiting a patient with confirmed Covid-19 or other infectious disease – visitors and staff may be directed to observe social distancing and to wear a face covering. Face masks will be available at entrances should visitors wish or need to wear one."
