Spain Mandates Face Masks in Hospitals Amid Surge in Flu and Covid Cases

Despite some regional pushback, the country has reinstated mandatory mask-wearing in hospitals and clinics from Wednesday due to a spike in respiratory illnesses.

This directive comes after a six-month period where mask-wearing was not compulsory in such settings. Spain's Health Minister Mónica García insists this step is logical and science-supported.

Despite regional autonomy over healthcare, García emphasizes the importance of masks to protect both patients and medical staff. She highlighted extensive discussions and evidence backing this decision after meeting with regional health officials.

Some regional governments had already enforced mask mandates, while others like Madrid's Isabel Díaz Ayuso criticize the centralized imposition, advocating for proactive health strategies instead.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control advises continued vigilance due to expected co-circulation of various respiratory pathogens, suggesting mask use in medical settings.

By the end of 2023, Spain reported close to 14 million COVID-19 cases and nearly 122,000 related deaths, according to the World Health Organization.