Two hospitals started enforcing the rule this week
A concerning rise in Covid-19 NHS cases has prompted two UK hospitals to reintroduce mandatory face masks in certain areas. While no London hospitals have officially reintroduced the measure as of yet, it is predicted that more hospitals across the country could follow suit.
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust (SaTH) in Shropshire announced it would implement the measure at sections of the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital. The measure was introduced yesterday (Wednesday, October 8) in an attempt to slow the rapid transmission of two new Covid-19 variants.
Face masks will be supplied, but the Trust has requested people avoid visiting if they are experiencing any infection, including a cold, flu, sore throat, diarrhoea, vomiting or a chest infection. The Trust stated it was implementing the fresh precautions following “guidance from NHS England.”
At the peak of the pandemic, the UK enforced compulsory face coverings in public spaces including shops, supermarkets, public transport, and NHS facilities. Last month, the Government’s UK Health Security Agency issued updated guidance on Covid-19 new variants.
They outlined how the most prevalent current variants are the XFG and NB. 1.8.1, referred to as the Stratus and Nimbus variants, reports the Express.
Their genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 lineages last month revealed that 35 per cent were classified as XFG. 3, 28 per cent were classified as XFG, 11 per cent were classified as NB.1.8.1, 7 per cent were classified as XFG.5 and 7 per cent were classified as XFG. 3.4.1.
The UKHSA said: “It’s normal for viruses to mutate and change, and as more data becomes available on these variants we’ll have a better understanding of how they interact with our immune systems and how to optimise our protection, as well as actions we can take to keep the most vulnerable safe and live our lives as normally as possible. The most important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is due.”
The UK Health Security Agency also encouraged people to wear facemasks if they felt unwell but had to leave home.
They continued: “If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, you should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible. For those of us who absolutely can’t stay at home, the Living with COVID guidance remains unchanged, and will reduce the chance of passing on your infection to others – wear a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask.”
This comes as the Express revealed that Swiss Covid experts are urging the public to start wearing face masks again, just three years after the Covid-19 pandemic was officially declared over. This news arrives as Covid cases continue to surge across the UK, with health officials anticipating a broader spike in viral infections throughout the winter months.
Swiss immunologists have emphasised that wearing a face mask can significantly help reduce the transmission of viruses such as Covid.
Whilst the guidance is primarily targeted at those most at risk of developing severe illness from viral infections – including elderly people or those with weakened immune systems – they also note that people who aren’t vulnerable could choose to wear a mask as well.
Tanja Stadler, an epidemiologist at ETH Zurich and chair of the Swiss Confederation’s Covid scientific task force, told SonntagsZeitung: “In crowded, enclosed spaces, such as public transportation, it’s advisable for vulnerable people-those over 65 or those with compromised immune systems. Even those who aren’t vulnerable can protect themselves from troublesome infections and, at the same time, show solidarity with others.”
Tanja stressed, however, that she is not calling on respective governments to impose another compulsory face mask mandate like that witnessed during the height of the pandemic. Instead, she suggested authorities should establish a ‘virus bulletin’ to help warn people of potential virus hotspots.
She continued: “Data on the spread of viruses already exists, but it’s not easily accessible to the public. Making it available would help those who want to protect themselves act accordingly.”
Earlier this week, SaTH said: We will be re-introducing face mask wearing in some areas of our hospitals from Wednesday 8 October. This follows guidance from NHS England to reduce the spread of respiratory infections this winter and protect patients, visitors and staff. It also follows a recent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in our hospitals.”
The statement added: “Please can we ask patients and visitors to wear face masks at all times in the following areas: Emergency Department, Same Day Emergency Care, Acute Medical Unit, Acute Medical Assessment area, Surgical Assessment Unit, Children’s Assessment Unit & Ward 19, Ward 24 and Ward 17 Respiratory, Ward 23 Oncology/Haematology, Chemo Day Centre, Lingen Davies, Haematology clinics and Paediatric Oncology/Haematology, Ward 35 Nephrology, Neonatal unit.”
It continued: “Face masks will be provided in these areas, please ask a member of staff if you need one. If you feel you are exempt, please discuss this with a member of staff. We will continue to regularly review the use of face masks in our hospitals.”
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