Masks re-introduced in medical settings

12 patients in hospital with Coronavirus

Masks are being re-introduced in medical settings on the Isle of Man due to a rise in the number of patients who have Coronavirus. 

Manx Care says it’s a precautionary measure given the recent admissions of people who are Covid-19 positive. 

Twelve people are in Noble's Hospital with the virus.

Some of these have been admitted to hospital requiring treatment specifically for the infection; others have been admitted for different reasons but have been found to be positive.   

Employees who work in patient-facing settings – including GP surgeries and dentists – will be asked to wear a mask. 

Members of the public visiting people in hospital settings, or attending the Emergency Department or outpatient appointments, will also be required to do the same. 

Paul Moore, Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Nursing and Governance, said: “We want to minimise risk and protect our organisational resilience as far as possible. 

“These are tried and tested infection prevention and control procedures. 

“I appreciate wearing a mask is difficult for some people but it is important we act quickly and proactively. 

“We will continue to monitor this over the coming days and revise our guidance accordingly in line with further developments.” 

Mr Moore told Manx Radio it could take weeks before we start to see a decrease in the number of people infected:

Face masks will be supplied at the entrance to each hospital, as well as on wards and other clinical areas. 

Visitors should not attend the hospital if they are feeling unwell or have symptoms of a cold, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.