A number of popular holiday resorts in Spain have brought back mask-wearing rules amid spikes in covid and flu cases.
Spanish authorities have said hospitals and health centres are becoming overwhelmed, with patients left lying in corridors or waiting hours for treatment. The Spanish Society for Family Doctors is calling for mandatory mask use in these, having said the winter surge of covid and flu is getting out of control.
While the nation's Government is yet to formally reintroduce mask rules, some regions such a Valencia, home to Benidorm, has brought back mask-wearing in certain circumstances, the Mirror reports.
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The region's health authorities have implemented the mandatory use of masks in health centres due to the rise in respiratory infections, in a bid to stop infections and protect vulnerable people. Currently, Valencia is reporting 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.
Masks must be worn in the following situations in Valencia:
- Symptomatic people when in shared spaces
- Professionals who care for symptomatic cases
- People who work in Intensive Care Units and Units with Vulnerable Patients
- In hospital or primary care emergencies
- In places where patients and families are concentrated (Primary Care waiting rooms, hospital consultations etc)
The Ministry of Health established the protocol to follow regarding the use of the mask due to the spike in flu cases and respiratory infections in recent weeks. Valencia says its health services are at the point of collapse due to the surge in Covid and flu cases after Christmas and is having to send patients to provide hospitals in order to cope. The wave is expected to peak in the third week of January.
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