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Spain’s Ministry of Health has adopted new rules on mask-wearing following a surge in Covid and flu cases. From Wednesday, January 10, masks will be mandatory in all hospitals and fitness centers.
The new measures are imposed despite opposition from as many as 17 autonomous communities in Spain. The country had already officially declared the end of the fitness crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in July last year, ending the mandatory wearing of masks in fitness and care centers. and pharmacies.
Today, Spanish hospitals are under increased pressure following the increase in cases of flu, Covid-19 and other respiratory diseases. Defending the new rules, Health Minister Mónica García told Cadena Ser radio: “We are talking about wearing a mask when entering a fitness sock and taking it off when leaving. I don’t think it’s a drama. It is a basic and undeniable measure of the first order. “
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Regional governments are to blame for Spain’s fitnesscare, but the central government can interfere if it deems it necessary. Garcia’s ministry made the decision to impose the measure after failing to reach an agreement with regional fitness authorities, many of whom argued that wearing a mask deserves to be advised but not mandatory.
Six regions have already adopted this measure and in recent months masks have been used on the streets, on public transport and in fitness centres.
In England, the most recent NHS figures show that the number of flu patients has risen by more than a third through Christmas, with more than 1,000 people hospitalised with the virus at the end of last year. The number of Covid-19 patients also continues to rise. elevate.