Patients and visitors will be asked to wear face coverings at all times from next week. 

From the start of next week, June 15, those attending St Georges and Queen Mary's will be asked to follow the new rules to help prevent Covid-19. 

Patients and visitors may also wear a face mask if they choose, however, the hospital say that a face mask is enough. 

For safety reasons, the following groups do not need to wear a face-covering when visiting St George's: 

  • Young children under the age of 2
  • Anyone with breathing or developmental difficulties 
  • Anyone who experiences genuine discomfort or distress while wearing a face mask
  • Anyone unable to remove their mask without assistance. 

Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Infection, Prevention and Control, at St George’s, Robert Bleasdale, said: 

“We would like to thank patients and visitors in advance for wearing a face covering or mask when using our services.

"This is an additional measure we are putting in place from 15 June to help everyone stay safe. 

"The most important thing people can do is to observe social distancing, and wash their hands regularly – however, the wearing of a face covering or mask will reduce the risk of infection even further. 

"All of our staff will be wearing face masks from 15 June, but this won’t make any difference to the care you receive when using our services.

"We are still here for you 24/7, 365 days a year.”

For information on how to wear and create your own face covering, visit at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering