DORSET County Hospital is once again imposing mandatory mask rules on visitors, patients and staff amid a rising number of Covid-19 cases.

There has been a steep rise in the number of Covid cases both locally and across the UK in recent weeks, as a result of new sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5. This has also led to an increase in the number of hospital admissions, as well as a steady rise in the number of healthcare staff testing positive, adding additional strain on resources.

The hospital in Dorchester has said that anyone not wearing a face covering in the required areas of the hospital will not be allowed to enter that ward or department.

A spokesman for DCH said it currently has 51 inpatients who are currently positive with Covid-19 and said that staff sicknesses have continued to be an issue due to the rising number of cases.

The spokesman added: "The hospital continues to operate under pressure so as usual we appeal to people to only come to the Emergency Department for serious or life-threatening conditions.

"We would continue to ask people to take sensible precautions when out in the community."

A statement issued by DCH on the new face mask guidance said: "Due to rising numbers of Covid cases in the local community, we have reintroduced the mandatory wearing of face coverings for all visitors to Dorset County Hospital in all areas, both clinical and non-clinical, including outpatient areas.

"Please enter the hospital buildings wearing a face covering, or take a surgical mask from the dispensers at main entrances.

"We will keep you updated and let you know when it is safe to reduce infection control precautions again.

"Thank you for your help in keeping our patients safe.

"If you are not able to tolerate wearing a face covering or surgical mask, you will be required to wear a visor that we provide, unless you can demonstrate you are exempt. A visor provides some degree of reduction of spray when you talk and is a recognised alternative for those rare occasions where someone cannot tolerate a mask.

"If you do not wear a face covering in the required areas and decline a visor, and you are not exempt, you will not be allowed to enter that ward or department.

"Please help us keep the hospital Covid safe for all patients, staff and visitors, and be respectful to our staff if they ask you to comply with this hospital policy. Verbal or physical aggressive behaviour towards our staff will not be tolerated."