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Hospital staff, patients, and visitors in the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) area are being asked to wear face masks.

The health board, which covers Caerphilly County Borough, as well as Newport, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire, introduced the measure on Tuesday October 7 due to “an increase in winter illnesses”.

Masks must be worn when entering hospital sites, wards, emergency departments, and all clinical settings, including minor injury units, the health board said.

ABUHB confirmed that masks are being made available at the entrances to wards and clinical areas. 

It also urged people to contact the ward in advance when visiting patients in hospital.

In a statement, ABUHB said: “Wearing a mask and practising good hand hygiene will help us protect our vulnerable patients and reduce the risk of transmission.”