ANYONE in Bradford district and Craven attending a GP appointment is now being asked to wear a face covering.

Health chiefs say the move will protect the individual, other patients in the waiting area and staff.

But coverings should not be used by children under three or those who may find it difficult to manage them correctly – such as primary-age children unassisted – or people with respiratory conditions.

Most appointments are currently taking place over the phone or via video, but some patients are still being seen face-to-face in urgent situations or for routine screenings.

People are asked to call ahead and not go to their GP practice unless advised.

Dr James Thomas, a GP and clinical chairman of NHS Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Face coverings can help stop the spread of coronavirus by preventing you from inadvertently passing on the disease to others if you have it but are not showing symptoms. By wearing a face covering, you’ll be helping us to make sure our GP practices remain safe places for people to receive care.

“It’s important to remember that, even if you do wear a face covering, it’s still so important to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds on a regular basis – especially if you have returned home from a public place.

“If you do have coronavirus symptoms – such as a high temperature or continuous cough – you should stay indoors and isolate at home, do not come into a GP practice.

"Where people are unable to provide their own face coverings, due to special circumstances, your GP practice will provide you with a face mask. However, I would urge you to use your own wherever possible, to save masks for staff who need them.”

Information about wearing face coverings and how to make your own is available at gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering.