Wednesday, January 10, 2024 – The Spanish government has reintroduced face masks in hospitals and healthcare centres from today after a surge in COVID-19 and flu cases in the country, the Health Ministry said.
The new leftist minority coalition government is imposing
the measure despite opposition from most of Spain's 17 autonomous regions.
'We are talking about putting on a mask when you enter a
health centre and taking it off when you leave,' Health Minister Monica Garcia
told Cadena Ser radio.
'I don't think it is any drama. It is a basic and simple
measure of the first order,' she added.
Spain's hospitals have come under immense pressure in recent
weeks following a spike in cases of flu, Covid-19, and other respiratory
illnesses.
Ms Garcia's ministry decided to impose the measure after
failing to reach an agreement with regional health authorities, many of whom
argued that mask use should be recommended but not obligatory.
Regional governments are in charge of healthcare although
the central government can intervene if it deems it necessary.
Six regions have already introduced the measure and masks
have been commonly used on streets and public transport and in health
centres in recent months.
Among them is the Canary Islands, which sees hundreds of
thousands of British holidaymakers visit every year.
On Tuesday it became obligatory to use masks in health
centres, chemists and hospitals throughout the Canaries which include Tenerife,
Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.
The Canary government says the rule will remain in force
while the epidemic peak lasts.
Valencia's health department also implemented the mandatory
use of masks in health centres on Friday.
The preventive measure was considered necessary due to the
high incidence rate of 1,501 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
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