FROM today, patients and visitors to North Wales hospitals are encouraged to wear masks or face coverings.

The advice has been issued to help to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

If a patient or visitor does not have a face covering, a face mask will be offered by a member of staff on arrival.

Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “We know that coming to hospital at the present time might cause our patients some anxiety and worry. We would like to reassure our communities that the safety of our staff and patients is our key priority.

“As such we have taken the decision to actively encourage the wearing of face coverings, or face masks, for all staff and patients in the public or communal areas of our hospitals.

“Evidence has shown that people infected with Covid-19 can have very mild or no respiratory symptoms and can transmit the virus to others without being aware, so it is important that we take steps to reduce the risk of transmission.

“We want the safest possible environment for our patients and visitors and we will be taking extra steps to ensure social distancing and encouraging the use of hand sanitisers on entering and leaving the hospital.”

Hospital visiting is still strictly limited to control the spread of Covid-19.