A SPIKE in COVID-19 cases means patients coming into Ealing Hospital must now wear masks in clinical areas and waiting rooms.

Ealing has reported an increase in admissions of people with the virus but says the majority of people continue to show relatively mild symptoms.

Helen Hardy, Deputy Head Nurse for London North West University Healthcare Trust, said: “We are adopting a more cautious approach, but there will be no changes to our current visiting policy.

“It’s about protecting our most vulnerable patients and staff.”