Masks off

MASK rules are now closer to pre-pandemic times than at any moment since COVID-19 first broke out in Gibraltar, health authorities have said.

Healthcare professionals, staff, patients and visitors are no longer required to wear masks in all areas of St Bernard’s Hospital. Masks are only required in ‘specific situations’ like when caring for patients with breathing problems.

Chiefs

The change came after health chiefs consulted UK experts and found there was very little risk to patients at this point.

“Patients may also request that staff wear a mask and the GHA view is that the choice of the individual should be respected in this regard,” the GHA added. Despite the further relaxing of mask rules, the GHA encouraged the community ‘to practice good respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette’ even if people are vaccinated.