Important message for our patients-Face coverings
Important message for our patients-Face coverings
In accordance with the new guidance issued by the government this week, we are now asking all our patients to wear a face covering if you come to the surgery for an appointment or for any other reason.
This will protect other patients in the waiting area and our staff. All our staff with continue to wear PPE including surgical masks for all patient face to face appointments.
The new advice on the use of face coverings by the Government is as follows:
People should aim to wear face coverings on public transport and in some shops
Also in other “enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible and they come into contact with others that they do not normally meet”
“Social distancing” means staying more than two metres away from someone
We feel that the practice cannot always ensure social distancing of 2 metres so therefore we must ask all our patients to wear a face covering as they come in through the door. Face coverings should be worn and not surgical masks or respirators which should be left for healthcare staff and other workers who need them
The government advises washing your hands or using hand sanitiser before putting on and after taking off face coverings
Homemade masks are not necessarily intended to help the wearer, the government says, but they could help stop you inadvertently passing on the disease to others if you have it but are not showing symptoms.
If you do have coronavirus symptoms – such as a high temperature or continuous cough, you should stay indoors and isolate at home.
Whichever face covering you use, they are not a substitute for other lockdown rules. Hand hygiene especially is just as important as before – so washing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds when you get home.
People do not need to wear face coverings where they are:
Outdoors or while exercising
In workplaces such as offices and shops
Children under two or primary aged children who cannot use them without assistance
People who have problems breathing while wearing a face covering.
For information on how to make your own facemask please follow the link below
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52609777