Mask rule relaxed in DG hospitals

VISITORS to hospitals in Dumfries and Galloway no longer have to wear masks, as the number of flu and norovirus infections continues to fall across the region. However, anyone who wishes to continue wearing a mask will be supported to do so. Staff and visitors who are coming into contact with particularly vulnerable people may still be asked to wear masks. And anyone feeling unwell or with symptoms of flu or other infections should not visit anyone in hospital until their symptoms have disappeared. Though the threat of infectious disease has lessened, it has not vanished, emphasised NHS DG public health consultant Keith Allan. He said: “We’re very grateful to all the visitors for their understanding and support over the last month. Precautions like mask-wearing and restricting visiting have helped us keep infectious diseases under control and prevent their spread to vulnerable people in hospital. “But please don’t stop following other precautions just because masking is no longer required. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after using the lavatory. “Also, please don’t visit anyone in hospital at all if you’re feeling unwell - even mild symptoms can spread easily to vulnerable patients and can make them seriously unwell.”