People attending Walsall Manor Hospital and its community sites will still be asked to wear face coverings, continue to socially distance and ensure good hand hygiene despite the Government’s relaxation of COVID-19 Plan B restrictions from tomorrow (Thursday 27 January 2022).

These measures are important to help minimise the risk of infection and keep healthcare staff, patients and Walsall’s wider communities as safe as possible while cases remain high in the borough.

Those with respiratory symptoms will also need to inform reception staff immediately upon arrival at hospital and the advice to stay away if displaying any COVID-19 symptoms of a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to sense of smell or taste remains in place.

Lisa Carroll, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust Director of Nursing, said: “While the Plan B restrictions that were introduced last December are being removed nationally we still need to work together locally to help drive down the number of Walsall cases and keep each other safe and well.

“We still have patients who are critically ill and dying after contracting the virus and many others whose lives have changed dramatically even after surviving COVID-19. The virus remains a very real concern and one that we need to continue to take seriously.

“When people come into the hospital for appointments we ask that they still wear a face covering – unless medically exempt – continue to socially distance and practice good hand hygiene. Additionally, we ask for anyone with respiratory symptoms to alert reception staff immediately.

“Whilst the community rates of COVID-19 remain high, as part of our measures to keep patients safe visiting restrictions remain in place at Walsall Manor Hospital at this time.

We thank the public for their ongoing help and understanding.”