What consideration has the Government given to reintroducing masks in health and social care settings, as recommended by the World Health Organisation on 20 December 2023 following the spread of a new subvariant of Omicron labelled JN.1?
In response to the emergence of JN.1, officials worked closely with Public Health Wales to assess whether any additional contingency measures should be implemented over and above our existing guidance.
Based on the available evidence, the additional global public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low. In addition, the autumn/winter vaccination campaign has been well-timed to protect more vulnerable groups. The World Health Organization states that current vaccines continue to protect against severe disease from JN.1 and other circulating variants.
Our published guidance for health and social care staff is in line with the advice issued by the WHO in relation to JN.1. Public Health Wales’s Infection Prevention and Control Measures for Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) including COVID-19 for Health and Care Settings - WALES provides detailed advice on the appropriate use of face masks in clinical settings.