In response to a surge in respiratory illnesses such as the flu and COVID-19, Spain has reinstated mandatory mask-wearing in healthcare facilities including hospitals and pharmacies.
According to foreign media outlets like The Guardian and The Times on the 9th (local time), the Spanish government announced that it will reimpose the obligation to wear masks in healthcare facilities starting from the 10th.
Over the past two years, Spain has gradually abolished the mandatory wearing of masks in public places and public transportation. In July last year, it officially declared the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and lifted the obligation to wear masks in healthcare facilities.
However, as the number of respiratory patients has significantly increased recently, causing concern in the medical community, the issue has been brought back up after six months.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control warned last month that “Various viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens are expected to continue spreading for several months,” and recommended staying at home when sick and wearing masks in healthcare facilities.
According to the WHO, as of the end of last year, Spain had recorded 14 million cases of COVID-19. The death toll from COVID-19 stands at approximately 122,000.
Monica Garcia, Spain’s Minister of Health, emphasized that wearing masks is an “effective, sensible, and evidence-based method,” and that “the public also welcomes it.”
However, there are voices opposing the government’s measures, arguing that mask-wearing should only be a recommendation.
While some autonomous communities have already announced mask-wearing in healthcare facilities, The Guardian reported that there are places strongly opposing it.
In Spain, local governments are responsible for healthcare matters, and the central government can intervene if necessary.
By. WikiTree
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