Covid Wales: Masks are back and one hospital bans visitors amid rise in cases
Face masks are back at all hospitals in Wales - for staff and visitors - amid an increase in Covid cases.
One hospital has gone a step further and reintroduced a ban on visitors.
Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, paused visits for patients from Tuesday 5 July, except for end-of-life situations, and masks must now be worn by all on the site.
In Wales, 575 patients with Covid-19 were recorded on June 30, up 53% from the previous week.
Infections in Wales have climbed to levels last seen at the end of April. The latest ONS figures estimate one person in every 30 has Covid-19.
Cases of the omicron subtypes BA.4 and BA.5 have increased across the UK, with BA.5 now the dominant form of coronavirus across Wales.
Despite the fresh wave of infections, Covid-19 deaths remain at a low level.
Hywel Dda University Health Board has also announced that outpatients must attend appointments alone, unless the need the support of a carer or relative, and all patients must be tested for Covid before they are admitted to the hospital.
A designated partner can still attend antenatal appointments or scans and when a mother is admitted in labour to the Midwifery-led Unit.
Mandy Rayani, Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience, said: “We have made the decision to reinforce these measures at Withybush Hospital to reduce the risk to our patients and staff and thank people for their support and co-operation at this time.“While the situation at Withybush Hospital and across our other hospital sites will be reviewed and updated frequently, we can all continue to take protective measures to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19 to protect vulnerable people and the NHS.“We strongly advise anyone in our locality who has the classic symptoms of Covid-19, or who suspects they may have Covid-19 to isolate and take an LFD test. If positive, we urge people to isolate – this will help you to rest and recover while protecting others from the risk of transmission.”
Meanwhile, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CAVUHB) announced the reintroduction of face masks in all settings for both staff and patients from Monday July 4.
Patients were also asked to social distance where possible to help minimise the spread.
A spokesperson for CAVUHB said: "Due to a continuing rise in the prevalence of Covid-19 in our communities, healthcare staff and visitors are now required to wear a face covering in all our settings unless exempt.
"Please follow this guidance to help us reduce the impact of Covid-19 on our patients, workforce and services. In addition to wearing a face covering, it is important to continue to maintain social distancing where possible.
"Thank you for your continued support and co-operation at this time. We continue to regularly review our guidance based on prevalence in our communities and our hospitals."
The Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Sir Frank Atherton is reminding people to follow simple steps to protect themselves from the risk of catching Covid-19.
This includes getting vaccinated, wearing face coverings in crowded indoor settings and taking a lateral flow test if you have symptoms.
Sir Frank said: “The pandemic has not gone away. While we are learning to live safely with it, we still need to think about taking the simple steps to help keep us safe and limit the spread of coronavirus.
“The successful roll-out of the vaccine has significantly reduced cases of serious illness, however the virus is still spreading quickly in our communities.
“Whilst it is no longer mandatory, people should still wear a facemask in health and care settings and in crowded indoor places and remember all the other simple steps they can take to stop the spread, particularly around more vulnerable people.”
The Welsh Government has extended the availability of free lateral flow testing until the end of July.
Next week the Welsh Government will update its vaccine strategy with details of the next booster dose in the autumn.