PEOPLE will be expected to continue to follow covid-19 restrictions at clinics, wards, hospitals and GP Practices in Worcestershire after Monday.

Covid-19 measures will remain in place at healthcare settings across Herefordshire and Worcestershire after so called "Freedom Day"

Visitors and patients attending appointments will be asked to continue to wear face masks to protect other patients and visitors.

Despite changes to national guidance from Monday, the rules for NHS premises will remain in place.

This means visitors and patients attending appointments continuing to wear an approved face mask which are provided on entrance, maintaining social distancing where possible, as well as handwashing and the use of hand gel.

Visiting restrictions also remain in place at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital, the Alexandra Hospital, Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre, Hereford County Hospital and Bromyard, Leominster and Ross-on-Wye community hospitals and Worcestershire’s

Community Hospitals in Wyre Forest, Worcester, Tenbury, Evesham, Malvern, Bromsgrove (the Princess of Wales) and Pershore.

A joint statement was issued on behalf of Paula Gardner, chief nursing officer, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Lucy Flanagan, director of nursing at Wye Valley NHS Trust, Michelle Greatorex, director of nursing and quality at Herefordshire and

Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust and Lisa Levy, chief nursing officer and director of quality at NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG.

It said: “As the country approaches the final easing of Covid-19 restrictions, we must continue to stay vigilant as Covid-19 remains very much with us in our community and care settings.

"Healthcare settings house the most vulnerable, and those most likely to become seriously ill if they contract Covid-19.

"To protect our staff, who have worked so tirelessly during the pandemic, and our vulnerable patients, rules and guidance we currently have in place in health care settings will remain unchanged.

"This means, when entering a healthcare setting you must wear a mask unless exempt, adhere to social distancing where possible and regularly wash and sanitise your hands. Visiting restrictions will remain in place in our hospitals.

"We thank you for continuing to support and protect your NHS.”