England’s Chief Nurse has today reminded the public that everyone accessing or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering and follow social distancing rules.

Covid restrictions will end in many settings in England from Monday.

However, Public Health England’s infection prevention control guidelines and hospital visiting guidance are set to remain in place for all staff and visitors.

That means NHS visitor guidance will stay in place across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dental practices, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.

Staff, patients and visitors will also be expected to continue to follow social distancing rules when visiting any care setting as well as using face coverings, mask and other personal protection equipment.

BMA press release:  Monday 12th July 2021 Thousands of doctors in the UK say they want to see face coverings remain mandatory, with 90% of those taking part in a survey telling the BMA that masks should continue to be worn on public transport.  The results of the Association’s latest Viewpoint survey come ahead of the Government’s scheduled announcement this evening, where the Prime Minister is expected to confirm that all Covid-19 restrictions will be lifted on July 19, including the compulsory wearing of face coverings. 

 Responding to today’s NHS Appointments in General Practice data1, which shows that practices in England delivered 4.8 million more appointments in March than they did in February, BMA GP committee chair Dr Richard Vautrey, said: 

NHSE/I has published a letter setting out the next steps and key priorities for vaccine deployment plans for weeks beginning 8 and 15 March. These include actions for immediate review, such as ensuring maximum penetration and uptake within the JCVI cohorts, second dose planning and delivery and preparations for vaccination in line with increased supply. All future second dose deliveries will be made 11 weeks after the corresponding first dose, and so providers should now start to book second dose appointments when making first dose bookings. 

The letter confirms that from 11 March, vaccine supply will increase substantially and be sustained at a higher level for several weeks. Therefore, from the week of 15 March vaccination sites are being asked to deliver around twice the level of the limited vaccine supply available this week and next.