A HOSPITAL dealing with rising coronavirus admissions has put staff on its doors to make sure the public wear masks.

The “Welcome Team” was installed after some people refused to wear them at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Staff are handing out hand sanitiser, disposable face masks and advice.

It has seen admissions from those suffering with confirmed Covid infections rise to 63 and an outbreak control team is stationed at the hospital.

More than 400 people have been tested at two Wrexham testing sites in Caia Park and Hightown since the community infections started hitting the hospital.

Health chiefs believe the majority of infections are being brought in from the community rather than being hospital acquired, so have decided to enforce the wearing of masks in public areas of the site.

An outbreak centred around Rowan foods in the town affected 300 staff and their family members.

Hospital managing director Gareth Robinson said: “We continue to ask for the public’s help in managing the spread of Covid-19 in our communities and ask patients, the public and staff to wear face coverings in public areas of our hospitals.

“We want to limit the number of visitors to our hospital sites and as hospital visiting is still suspended, we are asking that you only have someone accompany you if necessary.

“If you are unable to attend an appointment please notify us as soon as possible.

“We have recently introduced a welcome team at the entrances to Wrexham Maelor Hospital between the hours of  8am and 6pm.

“Our welcome team are able to provide hand sanitiser, disposable face masks and advice on infection prevention.

“This team is currently made up of hospital staff, but we are currently exploring the possibility of this work being undertaken by volunteers.”

Patients found to have contracted the coronavirus strain are being moved to Covid wards at the hospital and more have been found as testing increased.

Those who remain negative are still being tested every five days according the Public Health Wales guidelines.