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Phased changes to mask wearing in Hywel Dda hospitals and healthcare settings

27 January 2026

Following a review of current infection levels, Hywel Dda University Health Board is making a phased change to mask wearing requirements across its hospitals and healthcare services.

Universal mask wearing was introduced in December as part of winter resilience measures to reduce the spread of respiratory infections, including flu and COVID-19.

While infection levels across health board sites are currently low and stable, respiratory viruses are still circulating in our communities. With ongoing pressures on services, this will mean that mask-wearing will remain in place in higher risk areas.

Mask wearing will continue in designated front door areas and where patients are more vulnerable to infection:

  • Emergency departments
  • Minor Injury Units (MIU) / Same Day Urgent Care (SDUC)
  • Acute Medical Assessment Units (AMAU)
  • Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC)
  • GP out of hours and urgent primary care access points

Masks will also remain in place in clinical environments caring for more vulnerable patients, such as oncology and haematology units, renal and dialysis units, critical care, neonatal and maternity inpatient areas, and any ward or department managing an outbreak.

Patients, service users and visitors will continue to be offered masks when attending these settings.

Outside these areas, mask wearing will become optional for staff, patients and visitors and based on individual choice, personal risk assessment and clinical judgement where needed.

Sharon Daniel, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “We know how important it is for our patients, staff and communities to feel safe when using our services. While infection levels are currently low, we are taking a cautious and balanced approach by keeping targeted mask wearing in place where risk of exposure is higher.

“Thank you to our staff for your continued professionalism and commitment to protecting those we care for and to patients and visitors for doing their part to reduce the spread of infections.”

Preventing flu-related hospitalisations is a vital step in keeping our services running smoothly this winter. Getting vaccinated is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones. To find out if you are eligible for a flu vaccine and how to access yours, please visit our seasonal flu vaccinations webpage (opens in a new tab) or contact the health board on 0300 303 8322 (option1) or email ask.hdd@wales.nhs.uk  

The health board will continue to monitor infection rates and service pressures closely and review its approach if the situation changes.