Return of Masks? Ministry of Health to propose mandatory use in all healthcare facilities


  • 05-01-2024
  • National
  • Canarian Weekly
  • Photo Credit: Stock image
Return of Masks? Ministry of Health to propose mandatory use in all healthcare facilities

The resurgence of flu and COVID-19 cases in the Canary Islands and across Spain raises the possibility of mandatory mask usage in hospitals, healthcare centres, and socio-health facilities in all of the Spanish territory, which includes the Canarian archipelago.

This was announced today (Friday) by the Minister of Health, Mónica García, on the program "Al Rojo Vivo" on La Sexta, stating that she will propose the reintroduction of this measure temporarily in all regions of Spain in response to the country's epidemic of respiratory infections, which are mainly COVID-19 and Influenza A.

She said she will present this proposal on Monday at the meeting of the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System with the aim of gaining approval through consensus from all regions.

Three regions of Spain, Catalonia, Valencia, and Murcia, have already implemented the measure, and will enforce mandatory mask-wearing from tomorrow (Saturday) due to the rising number of respiratory virus cases.

It is more than likely that this measure will be implemented as it is supported by the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (SemFYC) who want more protective measures in healthcare centres, including mandatory mask use, the distribution of hydroalcoholic gels, the establishment of separation spaces, or specific ventilation measures for waiting rooms. Additionally, they urge individuals to "only" visit these centres when medical attention is necessary.

The worst is yet to come in the Canary Islands

The incidence of flu in the Canary Islands remains high, but according to experts, the worst is "yet to come." A further collapse in Primary Care is expected, with current records of almost 1,300 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in mild acute respiratory infection (ARI) compared to the national figure of 908.6.

This surge is attributed to family and social gatherings during the Christmas holidays, coupled with the onset of cold weather.

It is notable that in the paediatric age group of 0 to 5 years old, there are almost 4,800 cases, and 1,900 cases in the age group from 5 to 14 years old. These two groups are major sources of transmission within families, particularly affecting the elderly, where the group over 79 years increased from 1,092 to 1,355 cases in Primary Care consultations and hospital emergencies last week.

Antonio Sierra, Professor of Microbiology and Preventive Medicine at the University of La Laguna, revealed in an interview with Cope Canarias that a "tough January" awaits us. He emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, "If you ask me, I would get vaccinated because by doing so we can prevent serious symptoms even if hospitalization is not required."

Sierra acknowledged a significant number of cases don’t require hospitalisation, but stressed that this does not preclude the occurrence of severe symptoms, including "high fevers", particularly to the vulnerable segment of the population.

trending