Patients, visitors and staff urged to wear face masks in a bid to stop the spread of the virus
11:44, 12 Dec 2025Updated 11:49, 12 Dec 2025
A nurse wearing a face mask (Image: Getty Images)
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.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has urged people to wear face mask in parts of hospitals(Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)
“The number of cases of flu and other respiratory illnesses in our hospitals has risen in recent weeks but has not yet reached very high levels. Our teams have now agreed that introducing masks in some areas is a necessary precaution to help reduce the spread.
“This will help to reduce the risk of transmission of flu and other winter viruses to other potentially vulnerable patients.” Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
“As part of our response, our teams will also step up cleaning procedures at our hospitals and increase ventilation where possible. In some areas, it may be necessary to restrict visiting based on local risk assessments – please speak to our ward and department staff for advice, or if you have any concerns.
Health bosses have also asked the public to help limit the spread of winter viruses and prevent illness by:
Avoiding visiting loved ones in hospital if you have a cough, cold, sore throat, or a high temperature. Anyone with symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea must wait at least 48 hours after their symptoms end before visiting one of our hospitals.Making sure you take up winter vaccines you are eligible for to help protect the most vulnerable against serious illness, and reduce the circulation of viruses in the community.Managing mild and moderate symptoms of flu or other winter viruses safely at home, and trying to avoid passing it on to others. Advice and remedies are available from local community pharmacies, or NHS 111 Wales. If you experience severe symptoms or have difficulty breathing, please attend an Emergency Department.Washing your hands or using hand sanitiser regularly, and before entering any of our wards or clinical areas.Avoiding sitting on patient beds, or using patient toilets. Please ask our staff where you can find the nearest visitor toilet.Covering your mouth if you sneeze or cough. Please use a tissue and make sure you dispose of your tissue in a bin and wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue, sneeze of cough into the crook of your elbow.
Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Angela Wood said: “We monitor cases of flu and other winter infections every day, and are now introducing face masks in those areas of our hospitals where the risk is currently greatest.
“We are prepared to step up to compulsory masking in all areas of our hospitals if we judge that this is necessary in the days ahead.
“But we continue to urge people across North Wales to follow our simple guidance to help keep themselves and vulnerable people in our hospitals as safe as possible this winter. Thank you for your support.”
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