Welsh ambulance staff assaulted after asking patients to wear Covid-19 face masks

The Welsh Ambulance Service says a growing number of patients are becoming aggressive, with some crew members being assaulted, when asked to wear surgical masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Ambulance crews are asking some patients to wear surgical masks to limit the spread of the disease to staff and other patients as a precautionary measure.

• 'Despicable' man jailed for spitting at police while claiming to have coronavirus

But the service is reporting a rise in hostility with a small number of staff becoming victims of physical assault.

Ambulance crews are attending calls in full protective equipment - including masks, visors, aprons, coveralls and gloves.