Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether (a) face masks and (b) social distancing will still be required in hospitals and social care settings after 19 July 2021.

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guidelines will continue to apply across all health and care settings after 19 July in order to ensure vulnerable patients are protected. This includes the continued use of personal protective equipment, face masks in enclosed or crowded areas and maintaining safe distance. The IPC guidelines state that patients and visitors in all care areas must be encouraged and supported to wear a face mask or face covering, providing it is not detrimental to their medical or care needs.

Guidance in National Health Service settings, including hospitals and primary or community care settings, is undergoing further review.