Overview
- Leicester Royal Infirmary’s Emergency Department and Glenfield Hospital’s Clinical Decision Unit now require face coverings to protect vulnerable patients and staff.
- Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust reinstated masks on October 8 in specified units at Royal Shrewsbury and Princess Royal hospitals, with masks provided and exemptions handled by staff.
- Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in southeast Wales requires fluid‑repellent masks across hospital wards, A&E, minor injury units and other clinical settings.
- UKHSA surveillance shows rising positivity, cases and hospital admissions in late September, with NB.1.8.1 “Nimbus” and XFG “Stratus” dominant; reporting cites experts who say infections appear more transmissible rather than more severe.
- NHS England says mask policies are set by individual trusts, with some trusts stating they have no current plans to mandate masks, while national guidance advises symptomatic people to stay home if possible or wear well‑fitting face coverings when they go out.