Hospital mask-wearing rule dropped as flu cases fall

Hospital visitors in Dumfries and Galloway no longer have to wear masks following a fall in flu and norovirus cases.

The region's health board reintroduced the measure in December in a bid to tackle rising infection numbers.

It said that, due to a drop in the number of cases, staff and visitors would no longer be required to wear masks in wards or other clinical areas.

However, it said that anyone who wished to continue wearing one would be "supported to do so".

When restrictions were introduced, the number of hospital admissions in the region due to flu was more than 30 per week.

The latest figures show that has fallen to below 20.

Public health consultant Dr Keith Allan said the risks of flu and norovirus had lessened but not "vanished".

"We're very grateful to all the visitors for their understanding and support over the last month," he said.

"Precautions like mask-wearing and restricting visiting have helped us keep infectious diseases under control and prevent their spread to vulnerable people in hospital.

"But please don't stop following other precautions just because masking is no longer required."

He urged people to make sure they washed their hands after going to the toilet and not to visit anyone in hospital if they felt unwell.

Anyone eligible for a flu or Covid vaccination has also been encouraged to take up the offer.