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Face masks required in Western Isles hospitals over rising flu cases

News imageGetty Images A woman wearing a face mask sits talking to a male medic also wearing a face mask. They are both sat in a hospital room with a computer screen and a skeleton visible in the background.Getty Images
Hospital visitors in the Western Isles have been asked to wear face masks

Visitors to Western Isles hospitals have been asked to wear masks because of rising flu cases.

The islands' health board said the precautionary measure had been introduced to reduce the risk of infection, and to protect patients and visitors.

Masks are being worn by staff on all wards and patients in the waiting area of emergency departments have also been asked to wear the protection.

Last week, Health Secretary Neil Gray said flu cases in Scotland were expected to "spike" in the coming weeks.

Gray urged those eligible for a vaccine to take up the offer and encouraged anyone who can afford a private vaccine to do so.

NHS Western Isles said masks would be made available in hospitals.

A spokesperson said: "Every year in Scotland, thousands of people are hospitalised with flu.

"Cases of flu in the Western Isles are now increasing at pace, reflecting the national picture."

They added: "Flu can be serious and life threatening and getting vaccinated is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself."

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