The Isle of Wight NHS Trust has confirmed that COVID-19 measures and restrictions are to remain in place at St Mary’s Hospital – but NHS England suggests the recommendation of wearing a face mask could be lifted by the end of April.
Despite the Government announcing that England will fully return to Plan A from tomorrow (Thursday 27th January), infection prevention and control measures will remain in place at St Mary’s and across the Isle of Wight NHS Trust’s sites. This includes face masks, lateral flow tests and restricted visiting.
The Government has confirmed that face coverings are no longer required by law in any setting – the use of face coverings in a healthcare setting is recommended in guidance only. NHS England has said that the use of face masks for staff, patients and visitors will remain a recommendation over the winter period until at least March or April.
There is no legal requirement to carry out a lateral flow test and testing itself is starting to be wound down, with travellers no longer having to test on return to the UK from 11th February. PCR testing has also been massively scaled back and COVID passports are being scrapped.
It has been suggested by Boris Johnson that the requirement to self-isolate will be dropped in March, effectively bringing the pandemic to an end as the country learns to live with COVID. However, there has been no clear indication from the Isle of Wight NHS Trust as to when things will return to normal.
Steven Parker, Medical Director, has said:
“COVID-19 is still circulating in our community and remains a risk for vulnerable people, such as those in hospital and in our care.
“Wearing a face mask remains in place at St. Mary’s Hospital and at our community locations and we support the Public Health England recommendation to still wear a face covering in public places and crowded spaces.
Article continues below this advertisement “As COVID-19 restrictions change, we would like thank everyone who has come forward for a booster, to protect themselves, reduce transmission and save lives.”
The Trust has not commented on whether bouncers will remain in position at the entrances to the hospital.
The Government has confirmed that face coverings are no longer required by law in any setting
There is no legal requirement to carry out a lateral flow test
and what do the little dictators at the hospital do..they are trying to keep face masks, lateral flow tests and restricted visiting.
What part of – not a legal requirement, therefore not legally enforceable do they not get.
This is just their way of trying to have less work to do.
a recommendation by NHS england is not enforceable, as it is not mandatory, as the public health legislation mandating it, has been removed.
It’s a health care setting they can bring in any rules they want. Just just put up with it and stop moaning about it.
your an odd one arnt you, enjoy your lock in your own little world..
You mean lockdown and not lock I presume, The English language is not your strong point is it ! As a matter of fact I did enjoy the lockdown, got paid for not working what could be better. Still back at work now and dealing with idiots like you.
no oh conceited one, i meant locked into his own sad litttle world, much like yourself..so thick yhr pair of you, you’ll be paying it all back through raised taxes for years, your intelligence is in question really not mine ..mask wearing when there is no threat to life is obstinate cretinous behaviour.
Empty vessels make the most noise ,boy you must be a joy to know!
I have always said this Hospital is H M P ST MARY’S
There are sick and vulnerable patients in the hospital. Why can’t people like you understand that and stop being so selfish.
Wearing a face mask is only a recommendation they cant do anything if you don’t wish to wear one each department can go out the night before to a crowded pub and not wear one then go to work the next day and their told to wear one POINTLESS
Definitely wear mask in hospitals. Rather be safe than sorry you moorons x x x
the so called masks that people wear and they way they are worn are woefully ineffective – using these is akin to stopping marbles with a tennis net. Useless.
and as the number of infections was much much higher in hospitals, then it goes without saying that masks were absolutely useless in that setting
The Government partied when the virus was rife, yet things are a lot better now
Yet still no normal Hospital visits.
I hope people stop wearing these filthy, bacteria-riden things, or at least get therapy to wean themselves off them.
Good, well done At Mary’s. Face masks do stop infection from coughs and colds and viruses.
Don’t listen to the Tory Government toffs. They haven’t a clue what they’re talking about.
Glad to hear it, I too will continue for at least 6 months to take precautions to protect myself and others. It is what is known as being a caring human being – unlike some. Walking into an NHS facility tells you there are vulnerable people around, so common sense (for those that have it) would make you want to protect them and yourselves. Not rocket science, and I am glad some of the shops are also asking people to continue wearing the mask. Just because the Government say’s we don’t have to doesn’t mean we have to, I still have a brain and the function to think for myself.
Really sad being in hospital and not being able to have any visitors its lonely and with all the doors locked its feeling like a prison
I think it is a Prison, it’s being run like one.