Patients in Leeds must wear face coverings when accessing health services

Anyone accessing health services in Leeds will be expected to wear a face covering as part of the city’s effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The NHS issued advice in line with the Government's announcement on June 5 telling people they must wear face coverings in hospital.

This means people in Leeds should wear a face covering when visiting GP practices, community health centres and hospitals in the city.

For some people, wearing a face covering may be difficult due to physical or mental health conditions.

In these instances, other measures will be considered on a case by case basis, for example timed appointments and being seen immediately on arrival, NHS Leeds said.

The following groups do not need to wear a face covering:

Young children under the age of three

Anyone with anatomical difficulties that would make wearing a face covering impossible or painful e.g. facial injuries

People with breathing difficulties

Anyone who experiences severe discomfort or distress while wearing a face covering such as those with severe claustrophobia

As part of measures to make sure staff and patients remain safe and protected from the spread of COVID-19, people will be asked to self-isolate for 14 days before any planned surgery.

Everyone admitted for a planned operation will be tested to ensure they do not have COVID-19.

The NHS in Leeds is asking all patients to:

- Wear a face covering.

- When attending appointments patients should wear a face mask or covering such as a homemade mask or scarf. All staff will also be wearing masks.