VISITORS AND OUTPATIENTS at Southampton Hospitals will need to wear face coverings under new Government rules.

And, all hospital staff will be required to wear surgical masks in England from June 15.

It comes following an announcement from Health Secretary Matt Hancock this afternoon.

He told the daily Downing Street press conference: “As the NHS reopens right across the country, it’s critically important to stop the spread amongst staff, patients and visitors too.

“So today we’re setting out that all hospital visitors and outpatients will need to wear face coverings.

“One of the things that we’ve learnt is that those in hospital, those who are working in hospital, are more likely to catch coronavirus whether they work in a clinical setting or not."

Meanwhile, face coverings will be mandatory on public transport in England later this month.

Bus, coach, train, tram, ferry and aircraft passengers must wear a mask on their journeys, from June 15 to help reduce the risk spread of coronavirus.

In line with the latest government advice, Red Funnel is asking its passengers to wear masks on its services, with immediate effect.

Passengers travelling through Southampton airport will be asked to bring their own face masks as key routes are relaunched this month.

Staff at the three terminals have been provided with personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks.

Wightlink has confirmed that it will also be asking all customers to wear face coverings when travelling.