05 January 2024 , 10:35
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A number of holiday hotspots in Spain have started to re-introduce obligatory mask-wearing rules in hospitals due to the country's Covid and flu epidemic.
The country's health authorities are reporting that hospitals and health centres are becoming saturated, with patients left lying in corridors or waiting hours for treatment. The Spanish Society for Family Doctors are calling for mandatory mask use in these locations, saying the winter surge of Covid and flu is getting out of control.
Although the Spanish government hasn't yet made any announcement about a return of mask-wearing rules, some regions such as Valencia - home to Benidorm - have re-introduced masks in certain circumstances.
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.
Spain had strict face mask rules in 2020 when the Covid pandemic first hit (AFP via Getty Images)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.
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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.
Currently, the UK's Foreign Office has not updated its travel advice for Spain regarding Covid and flu. Existing advice reads: "Rapid lateral flow tests (‘pruebas de antígenos’) are widely available in pharmacies in Spain for a fee.
"If you have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 during your stay in Spain, you are not required to self-isolate.
"Hotels and other accommodation providers may have their own COVID-19 protocols in place. Follow any safety measures put in place by your accommodation provider. Your accommodation provider may have a list of private doctors that they can call to assess your symptoms and conduct a COVID-19 test.
"Follow the advice of the local authorities."
If you're due to travel to Spain in the coming weeks, make sure to check the latest Foreign Office travel advice for any updates before you head to the airport.
Spain removed nearly all of its Covid restrictions back in 2022, although for a few months after still required people to wear a mask on public transport and in health centres including pharmacies. Early in 2023 authorities did hint that they could look to bring back some form of restrictions when a new variant emerged at the time, although ultimately these were not put into place.