NHS Highland asks visitors to wear fluid resistant surgical masks

NHS Highland is asking hospital visitors to wear fluid resistant surgical masks to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The health board said it had updated its guidance on face coverings and masks because of the virus being more prevalent in the region than previously, and with the new more transmissible variant present.

In a statement, NHS Highland said: "Having taken advice from infection control we are now asking that staff, patients and visitors in all hospital and care settings should now use fluid resistant surgical masks [FRSMs] instead of face coverings. FRSMs will be provided.

"With immediate effect all visitors, patients and staff should put on an FRSM rather than a face covering when coming into the care facility.

"This guidance also applies to all non-clinical/patient-facing staff when it is not possible for them to physically distance from colleagues within offices or moving between departments.

"Staff who work in non-clinical shared office spaces should also ensure they are using an FRSM.

"We would also continue to encourage hand hygiene – this is particularly important when handling face coverings and masks.

"Further information is available online in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual."

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