In response to a surge in flu and COVID-19 cases during the festive season, Spain is poised to reintroduce mandatory face mask usage in hospitals. Health facilities in five Spanish regions have already announced the reinstatement of this rule. However, the central government’s nationwide mandate, slated to commence on January 10, faces opposition from regional health authorities.
Flu & COVID Statistics for Spain
- The Carlos III Health Institute reports a 75% increase in flu cases in Spain during the last week of 2023.
- The flu cases have reached 4,383 per 100,000 people.
- COVID-19 cases have stabilized, but the virus has resulted in a notable increase in hospital admissions, especially among older individuals.
Despite pushback, Spain’s Minister of Health, Monica Garcia, underscores the necessity of this move to safeguard healthcare professionals. The decision follows unsuccessful negotiations with regional health authorities, prompting the ministry to enforce the measure. Notably, while regional governments oversee healthcare in Spain, the central government can intervene as needed.
Although Spain officially declared an end to the COVID-19 health crisis in July, abolishing mask requirements in health and care centers and pharmacies—an exceptional decision in Europe—a “tridemic” has emerged during the Christmas and New Year period, marked by surges in COVID, flu, and other respiratory illnesses.
The Carlos III Health Institute reports a 75% increase in flu cases in Spain during the final week of 2023, reaching 4,383 cases per 100,000 people. While COVID-19 cases have stabilized, the virus has led to a surge in hospital admissions, particularly among older individuals.
Holiday regions in Spain are responding to the escalating COVID and flu situation by introducing masks as a mandatory requirement again. Hospitals and health centers nationwide report overwhelming conditions, prompting family doctors to advocate for mandatory masks in healthcare settings across the country.
In response to the recent surge in flu cases and respiratory infections, the Ministry of Health has implemented the mask protocol. The recent weekly report of 2023 highlights a rise in acute respiratory infections, prompting the General Directorate of Public Health to enforce the mandatory use of masks in health and social health centers as a precautionary measure.
Facing a surge in COVID and flu cases after the Christmas period, Valencia acknowledges that its health services are teetering on the edge of collapse. Hospitals in the province are currently functioning at over 95% occupancy, and family doctors find themselves overwhelmed by off-schedule patients, mainly attributed to influenza A. The culmination of this situation is anticipated to occur in the third week of January.
