Healthcare workers in some areas of Leicester’s hospitals will now have to wear face masks again due to a recent increase in COVID-19 cases amongst patients. Clinical areas of the Leicester Royal Infirmary, the Leicester General and Glenfield Hospital will require face coverings, but they will not be mandatory in office spaces, lifts, restaurants or corridors. The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) reassured the public that while the number of cases was low, the policy is a precautionary measure to protect patients, staff and visitors.
In particular, the mandate covers the wards and emergency department waiting area. However, UHL’s chief nurse, Julie Hogg, also stated that the hospital system is continually monitoring Covid-19 levels and the situation is ongoing. Speaking on behalf of the trust, she said: “The number of patients testing positive for Covid remains low but has increased, and we are determined to ensure the safety of patients, colleagues and visitors to the hospital.”
The recent requirement for mask-wearing has come after a surge of cases in the UK, with a possibility of a fifth wave. Due to this increase, the rules on masks in hospitals are under review, stated the trust. This move comes after it was announced that some restrictions will lift in the UK, such as mask mandates in crowded areas, but hospitals have been asked to maintain the same precautions to protect patients.
Considering the recent surge in cases due to the Delta variant, some countries have also tightened their restrictions, while others are expanding their vaccination programs. In the UK, the majority of the population is fully vaccinated, with more people getting vaccinated every day. However, hospitals and healthcare providers are not taking any chances and have been enforcing strict protocols to contain the spread
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