Mouth mask mandatory again in various Antwerp hospitals

The FPS Public Health recommends staying at home if you are ill, but also afterwards – as long as there are mild symptoms and at least five days after the onset of those symptoms – to wear a face mask in busy places, if you absolutely have to come into contact with vulnerable people, and during all contacts with healthcare staff. That is why several hospitals are reintroducing the face mask requirement.

“We are reintroducing the face mask to protect the most vulnerable patients,” explain doctors Katrien Bervoets and Kristiaan Deckers, chief doctors in the ZAS. “Even when you visit a patient in the hospital, it is the rule that you wear a mouth mask. This is the well-known surgical mask, so not an FFP2 mask.” ​

In this phase, it is also recommended for everyone over 18 years of age to wear a face mask and keep their distance on public transport, during international trips and at indoor events. You also do this in hospitals as a visitor and when in contact with patients. For children up to 18 years old, only the basic recommendations apply (washing hands with soap and water, coughing or sneezing into disposable tissues or elbow…), i.e. not wearing face masks.