Change to face mask guidance
From Monday 3 April 2023, we are relaxing face mask guidance for staff, patients, carers and visitors. This follows an agreement with our NHS Norfolk and Waveney partners and local risk assessments.
Instead of face masks being universally worn, they will be required in certain settings based on the local risk assessments.
Staff will continue to wear masks when caring for patients who have a confirmed or suspected infectious respiratory illnesses and when caring for immunosuppressed patients.
Patients and carers are not required to wear a face mask unless they have suspected or confirmed Covid-19 or another respiratory infection.
Masks will still be available at the hospital for anyone who would like to wear one.
Visitors should not come to the hospital if they have Covid-19 or other respiratory infection symptoms and should not visit if they have Norovirus symptoms.
Prof Nancy Fontaine, NNUH Chief Nurse and Director of Infection Prevention and Control, said: “Following an assessment of Covid infection rates and feedback from patients and staff, we have taken the decision to relax face mask guidance following local risk assessments and agreement with our NHS Norfolk and Waveney partners.”
“We understand that after three years of mask wearing there will be some anxiety and we want to reassure staff, patients, carers and visitors that masks will still be available at our hospitals for those who wish to wear one.”