- Masks will be compulsory in hospitals and medical centers across Spain from Wednesday following a spike in respiratory illnesses.
- The new left-wing minority coalition government is implementing the measure despite opposition from the majority of Spain's 17 autonomous regions.
- Spanish hospitals have faced increasing pressure in recent weeks due to a rise in cases of influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
The Ministry of Health has announced that masks will be compulsory in Spain's hospitals and medical centers from Wednesday due to a spike in respiratory illnesses.
The new left-wing minority coalition government is imposing the measures despite opposition from most of Spain's 17 autonomous regions.
“We are talking about wearing a mask when you enter a health center and taking it off when you leave,” Health Minister Monica García told Cadena Ser Radio late Monday.
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“I don't think this is a drama. This is a basic and simple first measure,” she added.
People wait to see a doctor while wearing masks as a precaution inside a hospital in Barcelona, Spain, on January 8, 2024. The Spanish government announced that masks will be compulsory in hospitals and medical centers from Wednesday after a spike in respiratory illnesses. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Hospitals in Spain have been under enormous pressure in recent weeks following a surge in cases of influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
Prime Minister García's health ministry decided to introduce the measure after failing to reach agreement with local health authorities, who said the use of masks should be encouraged but not mandatory.
Local governments are in charge of medical care, but the central government can intervene if it deems it necessary.
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Six regions have already introduced the measure, and masks have been commonly used on the streets, on public transport and in health centers in recent months.
Last July, Spain officially declared an end to the health crisis caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, stating that people no longer need to wear masks in health and care centers and pharmacies. Ta. Over the past two years, Spain has gradually phased out the requirement to wear masks, first in public places and then on public transport.
More than 14 million people have been infected with the coronavirus in the country, with about 120,000 deaths.
