Face mask rules scrapped in hospitals and GP surgeries in England

Rules on wearing face masks in hospitals and GP surgeries in England have been largely scrapped under new NHS guidance. Instead organisations will now draft their own policies regarding face coverings.

Despite the rule change, a number of hospitals have called on patients and staff to continue to wear masks on their sites. However, some GP surgeries and health centres have already taken down signs telling patients to wear masks on entry.

In a letter to all local health bodies, NHS England highlighted new infection control guidance set out by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Patients visiting GP surgeries or hospital outpatient appointments and people attending A&E no longer need to wear masks 'unless this is a personal preference', the letter states.

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But those with respiratory symptoms – such as a cough – should wear a face mask or face covering 'if tolerated'. Patients admitted to hospital with Covid-19 or suspected to have Covid should be provided with a face mask when they are admitted to a ward or in a communal area 'if this can be tolerated and it is deemed safe for the patient', the letter adds.

Covid-19 patients in single rooms will not usually be required to wear a mask. Hospital patients who do not have Covid do not need to wear a face mask unless it is their 'personal preference', the letter adds.

But they may be asked to in some high risk areas such as cancer units, blood disorder treatment services or elderly care wards. Mask use is still advised for staff in high risk areas but the rules should be 'guided by local assessment'.

Staff who could come into contact with someone with Covid-19 should also