People in Bradford district asked to keep wearing face coverings in places like GP surgeries and hospitals
Following the easing of the latest COVID-19 restrictions, which means there is no longer a legal requirement for face coverings, people visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear them (unless exempt). They should also continue to follow social-distancing rules and "maintain good hand hygiene".
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Rob Aitchison, Acting Chief Executive for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, which runs services from Airedale Hospital, and at other locations across the region including Coronation Hospital in Ilkley, said: "Face coverings, social distancing measures and good hand hygiene will remain in place across the NHS so that people can continue to safely attend our hospitals, their GP surgery or any other healthcare settings for advice, care and treatment.
We all have our part to play when visiting healthcare premises to protect our staff and patients, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to infections. You can do your bit by following the current measures already in place and also by getting vaccinated. Whether it’s your first, second or booster dose we are ready to vaccinate you.
Helen Hirst, Chief Officer at NHS Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "It’s great to see the success of the booster programme and how the COVID-19 vaccines have helped us in this pandemic. We’ve asked a lot from the residents of Bradford District and Craven over the past two years and we still need your support going forward.
"By continuing to take reasonable and sensible measures against the virus, we will be protecting the most vulnerable people from our communities.
Professor Mel Pickup, Chief Executive for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
While restrictions are broadly lifted in other parts of our lives, the difference in healthcare settings is that we have to care for people who are unwell as well as those who are vulnerable or frail. We know the public understand the importance and the reasons we have to continue to enforce these rules in healthcare settings.
People accessing healthcare settings should:
- Wear a face covering
- Use the alcohol gel available or wash their hands with soap for 20 seconds
- Avoid touching the front of any face covering as it is likely to be contaminated
- Maintain a safe distance from others wherever possible
- Practise good hand hygiene
