The latest Covid-19 figures show an increase in confirmed cases across all boroughs of Greater Manchester, following a hospital's introduction of mandatory face masks to tackle the spread of the virus.
Royal Bolton Hospital introduced mandatory face masks on Friday, October 30, to help prevent the spread of winter illnesses such as flu and Covid-19, the Manchester Evening News reported. The hospital said it was temporarily introducing face coverings to help protect patients, visitors and staff.
All staff, patients and visitors were asked to wear a fluid-resistant surgical face mask when entering inpatient areas, including hospital wards. The hospital said it had seen growing numbers of patients attending the Emergency Department with respiratory symptoms.
Hospital's temporary measure
Tyrone Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are currently seeing a high number of flu cases in our hospital, and it is important that we take sensible steps to reduce the risk of infection and protect our patients, visitors and colleagues. For some people, flu can be a very serious illness.
“By wearing a face mask in patient areas, everyone can play a part in reducing the spread of flu and other seasonal viruses. We appreciate the support and understanding of our patients and visitors as we introduce this temporary measure.”
The M.E.N contacted Bolton Hospital this week to determine if the mask policy was still in place.
Other trusts respond
Other hospital trusts across Greater Manchester said that although they have no plans to introduce the same blanket requirement, the situation is being kept under review. The paper contacted all the hospital trusts, with only two responding to requests.
A representative from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said there were no current plans to do so, adding: “The situation will be kept under review, masks are available for those who wish to use them.”
A spokesperson from the Northern Care Alliance also said there were no plans to introduce masks, adding: “There are currently no plans to reintroduce mandatory mask wearing across our hospital sites. We continue to keep this under review and welcome all measures that help reduce the spread of infection, including flu vaccination and good hand hygiene.”
Latest case figures
The latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show that confirmed Covid-19 case rates have increased overall across Greater Manchester. The figures are expected to be much lower than previously reported during the initial Covid lockdowns, as far fewer people are testing.
Below are the latest total cases up to October 28, compared with September: Bolton - 32 up from 21; Bury - 19 up from 13; Manchester - 113 up from 103; Oldham - 28 down from 29; Rochdale - 32 up from 16; Salford - 75 up from 48; Stockport - 40 up from 18; Tameside - 16 up from 9; Trafford - 49 up from 31; Wigan - 39 up from 19.
