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  • ‘The people you are visiting may be particularly vulnerable’

    Topics:
    • DoH Statistics and Research

    Date published: 7 April 2022

    The public has been urged to keep wearing face coverings when visiting hospitals, care homes and other health and care settings.

    visitors face covering healthcare settings

    The appeal from the Chief Medical Officer comes with reports of a decline in wearing of face coverings by visitors.

    Professor Sir Michael McBride said: “The COVID-19 Omicron variant is extremely infectious and, despite best efforts, can spread quickly in health and social care settings.

    “Please remember to wear a face covering when you are visiting. The people you are coming to see may be particularly vulnerable to the virus - as may other patients or residents.

    “Also, do not visit if you have symptoms of respiratory infection.”

    The Chief Medical Officer added: “Wearing a face covering remains an important way to protect others, as well as yourself. Public health advice continues to encourage their use in everyday life. That also includes on public transport and in any indoor busy setting - especially if they are not well ventilated.”

    Notes to editors:

    1. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
    2. Follow us on Twitter @healthdpt
    3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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