Face masks brought back to Midlands hospital as Covid cases rise

A Midlands hospital has reinstated the mandatory use of face masks “in all clinical areas” amid a surge in Covid cases. The protective measure, which was a common sight during the peak of the pandemic, is aimed at stopping the transmission of the virus.

University Hospitals of the North Midlands (UHNM) NHS Trust has reintroduced the wearing of masks this week at both Royal Stoke University Hospital and Stafford County Hospital.

With Covid infections on the rise, there could be a potential restriction on visiting hours and those showing symptoms of the virus are being urged to avoid hospitals, according to StokeonTrentLive. A spokesman for Royal Stoke reported a noticeable increase in cases throughout June.

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They continued: “Many variants of Covid-19 continue to circulate in the population in all seasons, and UHNM observed an increase during June. As a result, we are reintroducing the wearing of liquid-resistant surgical masks in all of our clinical areas. “

“Patients and visitors will also be required to wear a mask when in clinical areas at Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital. Entrances to all wards and clinical areas will have masks and hand gel available for staff, patients and visitors to wear. guidance will be reviewed and updated regularly based on the prevalence of Covid-19 in the community,” reports Birmingham Live.

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