Face masks urged for all in key parts of hospitals to curb danger flu surge

HEALTH CHIEFS SAY THEY'LL STEP UP TO COMPULSORY MASKING IF THEY NEED TO

- By STEVE BAGNALL Daily Post Reporter

HEALTH chiefs have urged people to wear face masks in North Wales hospitals as flu cases soar. There are concerns over the number of people falling sick to a new strong strain of flu and other winter illnesses.

In a bid to reduce the spread of the diseases, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has urged all patients, visitors and staff to wear face masks in some areas of hospitals.

A BCUHB statement said: “Anyone attending Emergency Departments or other admission, assessment and triage areas should wear a fluid-resistant face mask, unless they are exempt because of a health condition.

“Masks will be provided at the front door.

“Other areas treating patients with a weaker immune system may also introduce masks, based on a local risk assessment.

“Our infection prevention teams have been closely monitoring cases of flu and other winter illnesses at our hospitals, and have been assessing levels of infection on a daily basis.