We’d like to encourage everyone to continue to play their part in stopping the spread of COVID-19, by wearing a face covering and practicing social distancing when visiting a healthcare setting.
Whilst restrictions in many settings may have ended, face coverings remain mandatory in GP surgeries, hospitals, vaccination centres and all other NHS service buildings. This is to ensure the safety and protection of both staff and patients.
If you access patient transport and ambulances, you should also wear a face covering for the duration of their journey.
You must also continue to follow social distancing rules when visiting any care setting, as well as utilising other personal protection equipment where necessary.
Wearing a face covering and following social distancing guidance while visiting a healthcare setting helps to protect yourself, other patients and NHS staff from catching Covid-19.
Chief Nursing Officer for England, Ruth May said: “Face coverings and social distancing measures will remain in place across healthcare settings so that the most vulnerable people can continue to safely attend hospital, their GP surgery, pharmacy or any other healthcare settings for advice, care and treatment.
“And it is important for the public to continue to play their part when visiting NHS and care settings to help protect our staff and patients, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to infections.
“It is vital that in healthcare settings, we do all we can to reduce the risk of infection for those working in our services and those who need our care.”