'Our Covid numbers remain stable- help keep it that way'- Bassetlaw Hospital urges visitors to keep wearing face masks

While people might have greater reason than ever to be optimistic about the pandemic thanks to the successful vaccine campaign, hospital bosses say it is still of the ‘utmost importance’ visitors still take precautions.

Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals has repeated the request that visitors wear a face covering when on site in a bid to keep infections down.

David Purdue, director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals at the Trust, said: "’By wearing a face mask, you not only help to protect yourself, but also those around you.

"Right now, our COVID numbers at DBTH remain stable and you can help us to keep it that way by following this simple rule.

"There is finally light at the end of the tunnel, so please stay positive and bear with us a little bit longer.’’

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Face coverings can be either cloth or homemade and could even be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head. Face coverings worn as part of religious beliefs or cultural practice are also fine, providing that they cover the mouth and nose.

Hospital staff are asking that visitors plan in advance and bring a face covering with you whenever possible, but if you do not have one available, a member of staff on arrival will provide you with one.

According to the latest figures, the infection rate in Bassetlaw is currently above the national average at 117 cases per 100,000 people- the ‘average area’ has around 55.

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