NHS Highland update mask policy due to higher prevalence of COVID-19

Only surgical masks should be worn when in NHS facilities across the Highlands, the region's health board have said.

NHS Highland say visitors, patients and staff in all hospital and care settings should now use Fluid Resistant Surgical Masks (FRSM) instead of face coverings.

They say after taking advice from Infection Control, the decision has been made due to COVID-19 being "more prevalent here than previously."

A statement said: "With immediate effect all visitors, patients and staff should put on an FRSM rather than a face covering when coming into the care facility.

"This guidance also applies to all non-clinical / patient-facing staff when it is not possible for them to physically distance from colleagues within offices or moving between departments.

"Staff who work in non-clinical shared office spaces should also ensure they are using an FRSM.

"We would also continue to encourage hand hygiene, this is particularly important when handling face coverings and masks."

Further information is available online in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM).