Local hospitals, including West Mid, Teddington Memorial and Kingston, all require visitors to wear masks amid rising flu cases and Covid-19.

West Mid has taken to social media to remind patients and visitors of the need for masks in both clinical and non-clinical areas, despite the fact government advice is confusing on the issue and there are questions over their effectiveness.

It said: "Due to rising numbers of COVID-19, flu and other respiratory illness, we have reinstated mask-wearing in all areas.

"We ask that all staff, patients and visitors wear face masks in all areas—clinical and non-clinical."

The official policy states: "In light of significant rising numbers of COVID-19, flu and other respiratory illness, we have taken the difficult decision today to reinstate mask-wearing in all areas.

"We ask that all staff, patients and visitors wear face masks in all areas—clinical and non-clinical—throughout our hospitals and clinics.

"Unless you are medically exempt, please wear a face mask at all times, and maintain social distancing and good hand hygiene. This will help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other winter viruses, protecting our patients and staff."

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Similar policies apply at both Teddington Memorial and Kingston Hospital.