Face masks reintroduced at two hospitals

The measure was introduced across the emergency department at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and the clinical decision unit at the Glenfield Hospital

Face masks have been reintroduced at two hospitals following an increase in patients with respiratory illnesses, including Covid-19.

Health bosses said the measure had been introduced at the emergency department at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and the clinical decision unit at the Glenfield Hospital.

While they are not yet mandatory in all areas of the hospitals, masks will be provided in stations at the main entrances and in outpatient clinics.

The measure follows an increase in the number of staff getting sick due to these illnesses, the trust that runs both hospitals said.

It applies to patients and visitors, as well as staff working at the hospitals.

The trust said it would keep the situation under regular review, urging patients to observe good hand hygiene.

People presenting symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, sore throat or sneezing have been advised to only visit the hospitals if necessary.