Hospitals across South Wales have introduced mandatory mask-wearing for patients and visitors to curb the spread of infections amid a rise in flu cases.

Cardiff and Vale, Hywel Dda, Aneurin Bevan, and Cwm Taf Morgannwg health boards announced the new rules on Friday, as influenza cases surge while respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) appears to have peaked.

Public Health Wales data, released on Christmas Eve, revealed that the GP consultation rate for influenza increased to 33.1 per 100,000 people in week 51 of 2024, compared to 21.4 per 100,000 in the previous week.

Cardiff and Vale health board has mandated mask usage in emergency, assessment, and waiting areas, as well as by staff in clinical settings. It urged individuals with respiratory symptoms to avoid visiting hospitals and noted that flu cases are expected to peak by the end of the week.

Hywel Dda health board issued a similar request, restricting visits to the acute medical assessment unit at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli. Visits can now only be arranged through the ward sister. Meinir Williams, deputy head of nursing at the hospital, encouraged residents to receive their annual flu vaccinations to help mitigate the spread.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board emphasized that wearing masks is vital to prevent the spread of flu within hospitals, safeguarding patients and reducing staff illness. "We're seeing an increase in flu cases in our hospitals and wearing a mask is an effective way to prevent yourself from catching or spreading the virus.

"If someone brings flu into a hospital, it can pose a real risk to the health of patients and cause sickness among our staff, so we need to do everything we can to keep the virus at bay."

Aneurin Bevan health board, which covers counties in the Gwent area, also introduced a mask-wearing requirement "effective immediately", to "protect vulnerable patients and reduce transmission risks".