Patients at Oxford University Hospitals will no longer be required to wear face masks.

Oxford University Hospitals has issued new guidance which means patients will not need to wear face masks in clinical areas in their hospitals.

The latest guidance states face masks will not be required unless they have symptoms of a respiratory illness, have symptoms of Covid-19 or have tested positive for Covid-19.

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Masks will also still be necessary for attending outpatient departments at the Church Hospital including Haematology, Oncology, Transplant, Chemotherapy and Renal.

Dr Anny Sykes, Interim Chief Medical Officer at Oxford University Hospitals, said: "Following a change in national testing guidance, we took the opportunity to review our COVID-19 safety measures, including mask wearing, in careful discussion with our Infection Prevention and Control colleagues.

"We will continue to support our staff, patients, and visitors to wear face masks in all areas of our hospitals if that is their preference, and mask dispensers will remain in place in the various entrances to our hospitals.

"We will continue to keep this updated guidance under review."

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If patients are advised to wear a mask by Infection Prevention and Control this will also be an exception.

Patients who would feel more comfortable wearing a mask can also choose to do.

However, visitors who are coming into contact with immunocompromised patients will still be required to wear a mask.

Staff at the hospital will also no longer be required to wear a mask unless they are caring for patients with Covid-19 or patients with symptoms of a respiratory infection.

It will also be necessary for staff to continue wearing masks when caring for patients in Haematology, Oncology, Transplant, Chemotherapy and Renal.