It will remain compulsory for visitors and patients to wear face coverings at the Isle of Wight's hospital after Monday (19), it's been confirmed.
Birthing partners will also be required to keep masks on, although those in labour at St Mary's Hospital won't have to wear them.
Restrictions, including social distancing measures, are to remain in place in all other Island healthcare settings, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust says.
While most of the country will see rules lifted on so-called Freedom Day (Monday), NHS leaders say strict infection control needs to be followed to stop vulnerable people and staff from being placed at additional risk.
Mary Aubrey, Chief Nurse at the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, said:
“The community have been so supportive since the pandemic began and we thank each and every person for the changes they have made to their lives to protect each other and our services.
“As restrictions outside of care settings change, we ask people to keep supporting us so that we can keep vulnerable patients safe. If you are attending an appointment or coming to our hospital or other sites for support or treatment, you will still be required to wear a face covering and adhere to social distancing and using hand sanitiser.
Mary Aubrey
“We know that restricted visiting is particularly hard and we review this regularly so that we can welcome visitors as soon as possible. Covid is still at a higher rate in the local community than we would like and until infection rates come down, every visitor increases the risk of infection", Mary said.
Yesterday (Thursday), the Isle of Wight recorded another 45 positive cases of the virus.
Despite this, NHS England figures show vaccination uptake on the Island is continuing to rise.
Southern Vectis, the Island's bus company, is also recommending Islanders continue to wear coverings when travelling.
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