VISITORS and patients arriving at hospitals across North Wales are being strongly encouraged to wear face coverings or marks.

Visiting across North Wales hospitals - including Glan Clwyd Hospital, Ysbyty Gwynedd and Wrexham Maelor - is still strictly limited to control the spread of Covid-19.

The face covering and mask advice was introduced on Monday, August 3.

If a patient or visitor does not have a face covering when they come into the hospital, a face mask will be made available and offered by a member of staff upon arrival.

Gill Harris, executive director of Nursing and Midwifery for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), said: “We know that coming to hospital at the present time might cause our patients some anxiety and worry. We would like to reassure our communities that the safety of our staff and patients is our key priority.

“As such we have taken the decision to actively encourage the wearing of face coverings, or face masks, for all staff and patients in the public or communal areas of our hospitals.

“Evidence has shown that people infected with Covid-19 can have very mild or no respiratory symptoms and can transmit the virus to others without being aware, so it is important that we take steps to reduce the risk of transmission.

“We want the safest possible environment for our patients and visitors and we will be taking extra steps to ensure social distancing and encouraging the use of hand sanitisers on entering and leaving the hospital.”

BCUHB is also encouraging family and friends of patients under their care to consider alternative ways of keeping in touch, including the use free WiFi at hospitals for video calling.

There is also a Letter to Loved Ones service.

The Welsh Government has publishing revised NHS Wales hospital visiting guidance which commenced from 20 July 2020. This supersedes previous published guidance of 25 March and 20 April 2020.

BCUHB said they are urgently working on how to implement the latest guidance safely but restrictions remain. Visit bcuhb.nhs.wales/health-advice/covid-19-patient-advice/hospital-visiting-suspended