Updated mask guidance for UHDB
From Monday 20 February, mask wearing will become personal choice in all non-clinical areas for patients and visitors across University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB).
Face masks must still be worn (unless exempt) in all clinical areas, including wards, patient waiting areas and the Emergency Department to continue to limit the spread of infection across our hospitals and keep our patients safe.
Garry Marsh, Executive Chief Nurse, said: "After carefully monitoring the levels of respiratory infections, including Covid-19 and flu, in our communities, we have made the decision to ease mask wearing restrictions across our hospitals.
"I would like to thank everyone for their cooperation while restrictions have remained in place for helping to keep our vulnerable patients safe, and ask that this cooperation continues where mask wearing is still mandatory.
"We will continue review transmission and infection rates in our communities and hospitals and will respond to further national guidance accordingly."
It is important to continue to practice good hand hygiene by santising or washing your hands with soap and water regularly while visiting our hospitals, as well as following any additional Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guidance provided by our colleagues.
Thank you for continuing to follow this guidance to keep our patients, visitors and colleagues safe.