All staff and visitors are now required to wear face masks at the health board
The health board warned there had been a “significant rise” in flu cases(Image: Getty Images)
People are all of a sudden being asked to wear face masks at several Welsh hospital sites following a “significant rise” in the flu. The compulsory mask wearing rule will apply to all staff and visitors for at least one week.
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board issued a statement on Monday afternoon, November 24, stating that they would be introducing the rule to all staff and visitors within acute and community hospital settings, unless they are exempt, for at least a week when the position will be reviewed based on the infection levels at their hospitals.
The rule came into effect on Monday, November 24, and will currently last until Monday, December 1, but masks will be provided at the entrances to buildings. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here.
The health board said the decision to implement the rule was “as a result of a significant rise in the flu virus circulating in Royal Glamorgan Hospital and increasingly in our other sites”.
Which hospitals are under the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board?Royal Glamorgan HospitalPrince Charles HospitalYsbyty Cwm RhonddaPrincess of Wales HospitalWhich areas of hospitals does this impact?Front door areas (including emergency departments and maternity units)Outpatient areasMental health unitsCommunity hospitals
The health board also encouraged members of the public, and those visiting people in hospital, to help prevent the spread of the illness by getting vaccinated against the flu or Covid and washing your hands frequently with soap and water.
They also recommended only visiting hospital sites if absolutely necessary, and said if you are immunosuppressed, think you may have a virus, or have recently spent time with someone with a virus, to avoid visiting any hospitals.
The rise in flu cases comes after several experts have warned that this flu season may be the “worst in a decade” after a seasonal flu virus mutated in the summer evading some of our immunity.
Australia also saw their biggest flu season in history, which is often an accurate predictor of what to expect in England.
How can I get the flu vaccine in Wales?
Certain groups of people are eligible for a free flu vaccine in Wales and can book this through their GP surgery. If you are not eligible, you can still book in to pay for the vaccine at a pharmacy, or you may be able to get a walk-in appointment.