Spanish holiday regions reintroduce Covid-mask rules after seeing surge in cases

Sunday, January 7, 2024 – Holiday regions in Spain have started reintroducing the obligatory mask-wearing rule after seeing a surge in cases.

Health authorities across the country are reporting saturated hospitals and health centres, with patients once again lying in corridors or waiting hours for treatment.

Family doctors are also calling for the mandatory use of masks in health centres and hospitals across the whole of Spain, saying the winter surge of Covid and flu is getting out of control.

The Spanish government hasn't made any announcement about the return of obligatory mask wearing but regions such as Valencia - where tourist hotspots Benidorm and Alicante are located - are already imposing their own rules again, according to Mail Online.

Valencia's health department has today implemented the mandatory use of masks in health centres due to the rise in respiratory infections.

This preventive measure is considered relevant given the incidence in the Valencian community, with a rate of 1,501 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

The department is also relaying the message that health centres will vaccinate against flu and covid-19 starting next Monday without the need for an appointment

From today, it will be mandatory to wear a mask when entering health centres and hospitals throughout the Valencian community.

The Ministry of Health established the mask protocol due to the spike in flu cases and respiratory infections in recent weeks.