Spain — A surge in Covid and flu instances has prompted Spanish well being authorities to contemplate reintroducing necessary face masks in hospitals, well being centres, and different crowded indoor areas. Health chiefs are anticipated to decide on December 3 amid fears that this season’s flu epidemic, pushed by the H3N2 virus, has arrived 4 to seven weeks sooner than ordinary.
Spain’s Minister of Health, Mónica García, confused the significance of the brand new measures, urging native communities to prioritize public well being over politics. “Anyone with chilly signs ought to responsibly put on a masks,” she mentioned, including that masks might be necessary in high-risk situations, similar to hospitals, nursing properties, and healthcare amenities.
Andalusia issued a brand new order on Monday recommending masks for workers and customers in private and non-private well being and social care centres whereas within the Valencian group the Ministry of Health has beneficial the usage of face masks in hospitals and clinics as a precaution regardless of the area at present being at a low epidemic stage (787.8 instances per 100,000 inhabitants final week).
The Valencian steering advises surgical masks for Symptomatic people in shared public or healthcare areas, Healthcare professionals treating symptomatic sufferers, everybody in high-risk areas, similar to chemotherapy items, transplant wards, ICUs, and emergency departments.
Asturias, Castilla y León, the Valencian Community, and Galicia have additionally introduced up to date masks pointers. In normal, the principles advise healthcare employees involved with susceptible residents, and anybody displaying flu signs, to put on masks in well being and social care settings.
Minister García highlighted the simplicity of the measure: “You arrive at a well being centre, put in your masks, depart the centre, take it off. You shield sufferers, professionals, and your self.”
The early arrival of this season’s flu epidemic has raised issues about hospital capability, as authorities work to guard each employees and sufferers whereas controlling the unfold of respiratory sicknesses.
