Face masks no longer required in healthcare settings

THE universal use of face masks in hospitals and other healthcare settings ends today, following recent advice by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

From Tuesday, April 19, new HSE guidance, that moves away from the use of masks for healthcare workers, patients and visitors in health care settings, comes into effect.

The HPSC has advised that health and care workers should continue to wear masks when interacting with patients with respiratory symptoms or illness – including suspected or confirmed Covid-19.

Hospitals and care services will carry out their own local risk assessments, and as a result, staff, patients and visitors may, depending on the setting, be asked to wear a mask on occasion.

Face masks will be available at health and care facilities.

The HSE said that anyone clinically vulnerable is welcome to wear a face mask in any health or care setting.

In a message on its Facebook page, Tallaght University Hospital said that a mask should still be worn for respiratory symptoms and that everyone accessing the hospital is still required to perform hand hygiene regularly.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has sought a meeting with the HSE to raise concerns over the end of mandatory mask wearing.

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