Coronavirus (Covid-19) Guidance

Current face mask guidance

We are continuously monitoring the COVID-19 situation in our hospitals and in our communities.

It is necessary for patients and visitors to wear masks in all patient-facing areas and corridors from Wednesday, 16 November, 2022.

The wearing of masks is an important safety measure to control the unintended transmission of COVID-19.

The requirement to wear a Type IIR fluid-resistant surgical face mask applies to all colleagues, visitors and outpatients unless exempt on entry to our hospitals and these are provided.

Infection Prevention and Control Guidance

It remains very important to ensure robust adherence to infection prevention and control guidance as the best means by which to minimise and hopefully stop nosocomial transmissions. We can all play our part by following these very simple steps:

• Rigorous application of hand hygiene Ideally, wash hands for a minimum of 20 seconds with hot water and soap but if not available use hand sanitisers.

• Rigorous application of respiratory hygiene Catch it, bin it, kill it!

• Compliance with social distancing requirements Keep your distance, on corridors keep left and walk in single file, do not dwell in corridors, stairwells or enclosed spaces.

• Appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Please follow the latest guidance including the wearing of a Type IIR fluid-resistant surgical face mask as described in this letter.