Britons travelling to Spain will have to comply with the new mask regulations currently in place across the country.
Masks will be mandatory in hospitals and fitness centres in Spain from Wednesday following the rise in respiratory illnesses, in addition to coronavirus and flu, the Health Ministry has announced. The new coalition government is implementing this measure despite opposition from as many as 17 autonomous communities in Spain. Regions.
This comes just days after the Canary Islands imposed measures in the face of the increase in Covid and flu cases.
“We’re talking about putting on a mask when you enter a fitness center and taking it off when you leave,” Health Minister Mónica García told Cadena Ser radio. “I don’t think it’s a drama. It is a basic and undeniable measure of the first order. “
Spanish hospitals have faced immense pressure in recent weeks following a surge in cases of flu, Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
Garcia’s ministry imposed the measure after failing to reach an agreement with regional health authorities, many of whom argued that wearing a mask deserves to be advised but is not mandatory.
The autonomous communities are guilty of fitness care, the central government can intervene if it deems it necessary. Six regions have already adopted this measure and the mask has been commonly used on the streets, on public transport and in fitness centres in recent months. Catalonia, the Valencian Community, Murcia, Aragon, Asturias and the Canary Islands have contributed theirs.
Spain declared a formal end to the health crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic last July, saying people no longer needed to wear masks in health and care centres and pharmacies.
Over the previous two years, Spain had gradually ended mandatory mask wearing, first in public and then on public transport. The country registered more than 14 million cases and some 120,000 deaths from the coronavirus.
This winter, Spain has seen a significant surge in respiratory illnesses, including the flu and Covid. The combination of seasonal factors and relaxation in preventive measures this year is thought to be behind the surge.
Healthcare systems are under pressure due to the huge number of patients with severe symptoms, according to Merca.
“This scenario highlights the importance of maintaining vigilance, following public health recommendations, such as vaccination and the use of masks, and promoting social distancing. Prevention remains the key to mitigating the spread of these diseases and easing the burden on medical services,” the publication writes.
Some communities, such as Madrid, have expressed their opposition to the mandatory use of masks in gyms. They argued that such decisions are made through regional self-governments, as is often the case.
Before the state mandate, Valencia, home to Benidorm, had implemented its own mask requirements. The region reported a figure of 1,501 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
The use of masks will be mandatory under the following conditions in Valencia:
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