A UK hospital announced it is reintroducing mandatory face mask use to help prevent the spread of winter illnesses. The hospital said the measure is temporary and aims at helping to protect patients, visitors and staff. Royal Bolton Hospital said face masks will be used in patient areas to prevent the spread of Covid-19, flu and other winter illnesses as the colder months start. From today all staff, patients and visitors will be required to wear a fluid-resistant surgical face mask when entering inpatient areas, including hospital wards.
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said the decision comes amid a sharp rise in patients attending the Emergency Department with respiratory symptoms.
By the end of October, the hospital had recorded 210 positive cases of Covid-19 or flu, compared with a monthly average of 51 in September.
The hospital says they will keep a close eye on infection levels and review the requirement regularly.
Tyrone Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are currently seeing a high number of flu cases in our hospital, and it is important that we take sensible steps to reduce the risk of infection and protect our patients, visitors and colleagues. For some people, flu can be a very serious illness.
“By wearing a face mask in patient areas, everyone can play a part in reducing the spread of flu and other seasonal viruses. We appreciate the support and understanding of our patients and visitors as we introduce this temporary measure.
“We will continue to monitor infection levels closely and keep the requirement under regular review over the next few days.”
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