Hospitals around the North East have confirmed that - though the Government has moved away from 'Plan B' - mask-wearing, social distancing and restrictions on visiting remain vital to protect vulnerable patients and NHS staff.
Top medics around the North East are reminding patients and visitors, though those remain strictly limited, to follow the rules and help support the NHS's fight to prevent the spread of Omicron.
The package of restrictions which were part Plan B have been lifted in England - meaning face coverings are no longer mandatory in indoor venues, the work from home order no longer applies and Covid-passes are no longer mandatory for large events.
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But Government guidance remains that mask wearing is important in health and care settings as it has been throughout the pandemic - and local NHS figures have reiterated this.
Visiting restrictions remain in place at our hospitals, too - though at each there are exceptions for those receiving end-of-life-care and birthing partners for those giving birth.
Senior figures from the QE in Gateshead and the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust spoke of how important these remained, and rules remain in place at Northumbria Healthcare, Newcastle Hospitals and County Durham and Darlington NHS Trusts.
However, Dr Jeremy Rushmer - exec director at Northumbria - told a meeting of the Trust's board it was hoping to return to previous visiting arrangements whereby a named visitor was allowed "in the coming week".
Andy Beeby, medical director for Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Although Plan B restrictions are being lifted, all infection control and prevention measures will remain in place for the foreseeable future in all of our Trust buildings, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon Urgent Treatment Centre, and Bensham Hospital, as well as our community services."
He said mask-wearing, social distancing and visitor restrictions to limit footfall were vital.
"Like other NHS Trusts, Gateshead is still under extreme pressure so thank you to the public for their continuing support and help during this challenging time," he added. "Our teams have worked tirelessly for the last two years to minimise the spread of Covid-19 and it’s really important that we stick to our measures for now and protect our patients and staff."
Dr Shaz Wahid, who has the same role at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust, echoed the plea for the public to be respectful of staff and said: "Our teams have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to minimise the spread of Covid-19 and it’s really important that we keep up these strict measures to protect our patients, staff and services.
"We will be asking everyone to comply with these rules and ask that you are understanding and kind to our staff if they speak to you about this."
Dr Wahid said measures would be "continually reviewed" but said it was important not to become complacent with Covid-19 still circulating in our communities.
He added: "Covid-19 is still with us and we know the Omicron variant is much more easily spread.
"Keeping our current measures in place gives us the best chance of continuing to safely treat these infections without impacting the huge efforts our teams have made to restore much of our non-urgent activity, such as planned operations, tests and scans.
"With Covid-19 infections still on the rise in our local communities, we are urging the public to continue supporting us by wearing a mask, washing your hands and social distancing in all of our hospital and community buildings."
What are the visiting restrictions?
Visiting is restricted across the five North East NHS Trusts - County Durham and Darlington, South Tyneside and Sunderland, Northumbria, Newcastle and Gateshead.
At each, there are a number of exceptions including for people receiving end of life care; those giving birth; children - who can have a single parent or guardian with them; and patients with complex needs including learning disabilities.
Hospitals are also able to use discretion in cases of exceptional circumstances - which may include around the care of people with mental health difficulties or dementia.
The Newcastle Hospitals and the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust specifically require visitors to be double-vaccinated and boosted where possible. All require evidence of a negative lateral flow test.
