Publish date: 31 January 2023
From Wednesday, 1 February 2023 the use of masks in clinical areas will no longer be mandatory.
Due to relatively low rates of COVID-19, a decision has been made to remove the instruction for mandatory use of masks in clinical areas. This is replaced with a local risk assessment and individual transmission based precautions.
The decision will be subject to further review depending on factors such as the number of cases in the Trust, local community rates and variants of concern.
Please see the updated guidance for further information on the use of masks for staff, patients and visitors, including temporary reinstatement of masks in ward settings during cases or outbreaks of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.
Staff working across other trusts must comply with standard operating procedures at their sites.