Patients and visitors may still be asked to wear a mask, says NHS Highland
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Patients and visitors may still be asked to wear a mask in hospitals or other healthcare settings despite this week's relaxation of Covid rules.
NHS Highland has also pointed out that Covid and other infectious diseases are "still out there" and that masks will continue to be available at entrances to health service buildings.
The Scottish Government's return to pre-pandemic guidance means that staff, patients, service users and visitors will not routinely be asked to wear masks. The move, which came into effect on Tuesday, follows a review and recognises that "Scotland has entered a calmer phase of the pandemic".
A spokesperson for NHS Highland said: "The national guidance on wearing face masks in hospitals and wider community healthcare has been withdrawn as of May 16. Wearing a face mask is now optional but you will still see some staff wearing them when it is needed for clinical care.
"We may also ask patients/visitors to wear masks but we will explain to you why. Masks will still be made available at the entrances of our buildings for those who would prefer to keep wearing them.
"Covid and other infectious diseases are still out there so we would ask that if you are unwell you refrain from coming into any hospital or social care setting."
Scotland's chief nursing officer Alex McMahon said: “Due to the success of vaccines in protecting people, and the availability of treatments, now is the right time to revise the advice on wearing masks in health and social care settings and return to pre-pandemic guidance.
“We recognise that some staff may have concerns around the withdrawal of this guidance and would expect organisations to undertake individual occupational health assessments and risk assessments as appropriate.
“We continue to be vigilant in our response to Covid-19 and encourage everyone to make sure they are up to date with the boosters available to them. We are grateful for the tireless work of health and social care teams during these challenging times and to everyone who has helped them by adhering to the guidance.”
