New Covid Measures are to be reintroduced in Powys in health settings after a rise in cases in the region.

Powys Teaching Health Board is reintroducing the wearing of masks in clinical areas for patients, visitors and staff after a rise in cases of Covid infections in the region.

The measures are part of their local infection prevention and control policy to reduce the spread of the virus.

The new policy will apply to in-patients, those that attend out-patient clinics or have a procedure performed, those that attend primary care settings such as visiting their GP, attending our Minor Injury Units, or those that attend our Birthing Centres

In addition, all members of the community nursing and health visiting teams that visit patients in their own homes will also wear face masks.

Claire Roche, executive director of nursing for the health board, said: “Patient and staff safety is our first priority, which is why we now strongly encourage all patients and visitors to wear face coverings, to continue to wash their hands frequently, and to respect social distancing when visiting our sites.

“All staff members working in clinical areas in patient-facing roles will also be wearing face masks and will continue other infection prevention and control measures. This will help keep our patients, visitors and staff members as protected as possible from the potential spread of Covid-19.”

Ms Roche also asked that the public be vigilant about infection in the local community. “These measures are in addition to the health board’s plea to members of the public to be infection aware,”

“We respectfully ask that no one enters any of our sites if they are feeling unwell, have symptoms associated with any respiratory infection such as Covid-19 and flu, or are experiencing cold-like symptoms, diarrhoea and vomiting, fever or have a rash. In such an instance call NHS 111 Wales or consult your GP for advice. If you are severely unwell dial 999 without delay.”