The move came as Italy said respiratory illness infection rates had hit a record there.
In the UK, the Department of Health has so far not announced any proposals.
But Covid infections have also risen sharply here since November, with an average of 3,631 patients hospitalised with the virus the week of Christmas, a 57% increase in a month.
Noroviruses were up 61% compared to the same period last year and severe cases of flu skyrocketed.
In the week leading up to Dec. 24, there were an average of 942 flu patients hospitalized per day, totaling 48 in intensive care.
The record for Covid cases in the UK was set in April 2022, when 7. 6% of the population contracted the virus, the Office for National Statistics said.
While the most recent rate remains around 5% (around one in 20), the UK Health Security Agency has asked all other people eligible to get vaccinated against Covid to do so, with infections expected to peak in the remaining winter months. : “Cases are expected to rise in the coming weeks following the buildup of travel and social interactions that occurred during the holiday season.
“Those at greater risk of serious illness from flu and Covid-19 should get vaccinated to reduce their chances of needing medical care or hospitalisation.”
But as infections spread across the continent, only Spain has proposed requiring masks in hospitals and clinics. Last night, a UK government source said: “There are no plans to impose a universal mask mandate in all healthcare settings. “
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