Patients urged to wear face coverings at GP surgeries
All patients attending GP surgeries across Walsall are now being asked to wear face coverings.
It is now compulsory to wear face coverings on public transport and in hospitals in England.
And Walsall GP practices are following suit by urging patients to provide and wear their own face coverings in surgeries while continuing to follow hand washing and social distancing guidelines.
Exemptions apply to very young children, disabled patients and those with breathing difficulties, as per the Government guidelines.
Dr Anand Rischie Local GP and clinical chair at NHS Walsall Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We know it is possible to pass on coronavirus when you don’t have any symptoms.
"Face coverings help to protect those near you from the virus, as my mask protects you and yours protects me.
"Face coverings are not a substitute for hand washing or social distancing, but they are additional measure in the fight against coronavirus, to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
“We feel this step is necessary to protect our patients and ensure we have a clear and consistent approach across insert place.
"We encourage any patients with questions or concerns to get in touch with your local practice.”
