Face Masks in ASC settings

Dear colleague,

Recommendation for face mask-wearing in response to rising respiratory infections 

We are writing to share an important update to infection prevention measures across our health and care system. Due to the increasing number of flu and other respiratory infection cases in the community, the BNSSG Infection Prevention and Control response group met this week and have made a recommendation that now strongly encourages the wearing of face masks when staff or visitors are in contact with symptomatic service users within adult social care settings. 

We strongly recommend: 

• Staff and visitors wear a face mask when they or any resident or client in the setting is  displaying symptoms of a respiratory infection (e.g. coughing, sneezing, fever, sore  throat). 

Please note that this recommendation does not require residents and clients to wear a face mask, but this can be encouraged if they are symptomatic and willing to do so. 

These precautions apply across all settings, including adult social care delivered in the  community, and align with measures already being implemented in acute and primary care  locations, including GPs and hospitals. 

This recommendation should sit alongside existing standard infection prevention and control  measures, which remain essential: 

• Ensure good ventilation in indoor spaces. 

• Maintain frequent and thorough hand hygiene. 

• Continue enhanced cleaning regimes, especially high-touch surfaces. • Promptly isolate or separate symptomatic individuals where appropriate. 

• Promote seasonal vaccinations to staff and residents who have not had the recommended vaccines this season.

These actions are necessary to protect those at greatest risk of severe illness and to help  maintain the resilience of our health and care system throughout the winter. 

We appreciate your ongoing commitment to protect the health of residents, staff, and visitors. If  you have any questions or require additional support in implementing these measures, please  contact your usual Infection Prevention and Control team lead. 

Thank you for your continued support. 

Best wishes, 

Matt Lenny

Director of Public Health Director of Adult Social Care