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Face mask rules remain in place in hospitals across Gwent, the region’s health board has confirmed.

Early in December, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) reintroduced mask wearing and tightened visiting rules across its hospital sites following “a sharp rise in winter illnesses and infection rates”.

It came after mask-wearing was reintroduced across Gwent’s hospitals for a period in October for similar reasons.

ABUHB said last month the rules are being “continually reviewed”. Masks have been made available at the entrances to wards and clinical areas.

In a statement issued on Monday December 29, the health board said: “We continue to see a large number of winter illnesses and infections across our sites. We ask everyone visiting our hospitals to keep themselves and others safe by wearing a face mask.”

The statement added: “These measures are vital to protect patients and staff during the winter months. We would like to thank everyone for their assistance in helping keep our communities safe.”

The area covered by ABUHB includes Caerphilly County Borough, as well as hospitals such as the Grange in Cwmbran, Newport’s Royal Gwent, and Nevil Hall in Abergavenny, among others.