Covid Wales: Masks back at more hospitals as cases rise

All of Wales’ seven health boards are either insisting or encouraging the use of face masks during hospital visits.

Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, has gone further by reinstating a temporary ban on visits.

Cardiff and Vale health board and Hywel Dda health board in west and mid Wales are the latest to require use of masks.

On Monday evening, another one, Aneurin Bevan, asked people to stay away from its hospitals unless “absolutely necessary” due to “extreme pressure”.

Aneurin Bevan did not mention Covid as a reason for this latest appeal.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg and Aneurin Bevan health boards, both in south Wales, asked people to wear masks at their hospitals last month, as did Betsi Cadwaladr health board which covers the north, and Swansea Bay health board.

Aneurin Bevan, which covers Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen and south Powys, said the emergency department at The Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran “remains very busy” on Monday evening.

It asked people to attend only if they have “a life-threatening illness or serious injury”. Anyone with a less serious issue is asked to visit a minor injury unit in Newport, Abergavenny, Ystrad Mynach, or Ebbw Vale.

Hywel Dda are now encouraging staff and contractors to have a lateral flow test, and report the result, twice a week.

“We have made the decision to reinforce these measures at Withybush Hospital to reduce the risk to our patients and staff,” said Mandy Rayani, director of nursing, quality and patient experience.

“We can all continue to take protective measures to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19 to protect vulnerable people and the NHS.

People are also asked to attend outpatient clinics alone at Withybush.

A designated partner can attend antenatal appointments or scans at Withybush Hospital midwifery-led unit and any visits considered necessary through agreement with a ward sister or charge nurse.

Powys Teaching Health board has required visitors to wear face masks for some time.