Great Western Hospital has this week taken the decision to reintroduce mask wearing throughout all areas of the hospital, following a sharp rise in COVID-19 in the community.
In the past few weeks, COVID-19 case rates have been increasing throughout Swindon.
As of the week ending Friday 27th June, for those that tested and recorded a result, cases of COVID-19 in Swindon had increased by 47 per cent when compared with the week before.
At Great Western Hospital, there has also been a significant increase in COVID-19 cases, which have almost doubled across the past seven to 10 days.
A spokesperson for the hospital said: ‘Following the rises in number of cases of Covid-19 we are now asking patients and visitors to wear a face mask when coming to Great Western Hospital, attending our GP surgeries or having a home visit.
The current strains of coronavirus are very infectious and we are re-introducing the requirement to wear a mask to keep patients, visitors and staff protected. Please also continue to be vigilant about hand hygiene.’
The spike in cases is also understood to be affecting staff, with an increased number of absence due to COVID-19 related illness.
How you can help:
- Wearing a mask, unless medically exempt, and use hand gel when visiting the hospital
- Stay away from the hospitals if you have symptoms, or are a contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
- Attend appointments on your own, wherever possible
- Choose which service might be best if you are unwell and need medical care – consider a pharmacy, your GP, or visiting the urgent treatment centre unless it is urgent or a life-threatening emergency
