Face coverings: guidance for patients and visitors

NHS Face Cover - Twitter.jpg

From 15 June, we are asking patients and visitors to wear a face covering at all times when visiting our hospitals, or services we provide in the community. Patients and visitors may also wear a face mask if they choose, but a face covering is sufficient.

Wearing a face covering (or mask) will help to limit the spread of Covid-19, and protect others from the virus.

For the face covering to be effective, please be aware that:

 
  • It should cover your nose and mouth while allowing you to breath comfortably
  • You should wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting it on and taking it off
  • When wearing the face covering, you should avoid touching your face at all times
  • You should also follow other infection control safety measures when visiting     our hospitals, including social distancing and regular hand washing.

For safety reasons, the following groups do not need to wear a face covering when visiting our hospitals:

  • Young children under the age of 2
  • Anyone with breathing or developmental difficulties
  • An unconscious person
  • Anyone  who experiences genuine discomfort or distress while wearing a face mask
  • Pregnant women who have gone into labour
  • Anyone unable to remove their mask without assistance.