Face masks return to Lincolnshire hospitals amid rising winter illnesses

Lincolnshire hospitals are reintroducing a face mask policy after a rise in respiratory illnesses across the county.

Patients and visitors must wear face masks in certain Lincolnshire hospital areas today (Friday, December 13).

Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust reported rising cases of Covid-19, Influenza A, and RSV.

The policy covers high-risk areas, including emergency departments, urgent treatment centres, admission wards, and chemotherapy units at Lincoln, Pilgrim, and Grantham hospitals.

Unless medically exempt, visitors and patients must wear hospital-provided type II R masks.

The trust advised visitors to practise good hygiene and avoid visiting if unwell, especially with symptoms like diarrhoea or vomiting, until symptom-free for 72 hours.

Hand hygiene remains critical, with alcohol hand rubs available in wards and departments.

For further details, the public is encouraged to visit the trust’s website for updated visitor guidance.