Visitors and patients are once again being asked to wear face masks at hospitals managed by a Welsh health board, following a sharp increase in winter illnesses.
On Tuesday, 7 October, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board announced that all staff, patients, and visitors attending its hospital sites will be required to wear fluid-repellent face masks, with immediate effect. The directive applies across all wards, A&E departments, minor injury units, and other clinical areas.
A statement posted on the board’s social media page highlighted that the move is a precautionary measure in response to rising levels of winter illnesses. Masks will be made available at entrances to wards and other clinical settings for anyone attending the sites.
The board also urged people to limit hospital visits where possible and to contact wards in advance before visiting patients, in order to help reduce the risk of infection.
“Wearing a mask and practising good hand hygiene will help us protect our vulnerable patients and reduce the risk of transmission,” the post read. “We urge everyone to help us keep our communities safe this winter by:
- Wearing a mask when attending any of our sites
- Washing your hands regularly
- Getting your flu and Covid-19 booster if you are eligible
“Let’s work together to keep our communities safe this winter.”
Public Health Wales has also encouraged people to receive their flu vaccinations this season, stressing that influenza can be particularly dangerous for those with certain health conditions, who are more vulnerable to serious complications.
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board oversees healthcare across Newport, Caerphilly, Torfaen, Monmouthshire, and Blaenau Gwent. The new mask guidance reflects a growing concern about infection control as winter illnesses circulate more widely across communities.
