Several holiday resorts in Spain have to reintroduce mandatory rules on wearing face masks in hospitals due to the Covid and flu outbreak in the country.
Health administrations across the country report that hospitals and gyms are saturated, with patients lying in the hallways or waiting hours to be treated. The Spanish Society of Family Doctors calls for the mandatory use of masks in these places, stating that The winter wave of Covid and flu is getting out of control.
Although the Spanish government has yet to announce the return of mask rules, some regions such as Valencia, where Benidorm is located, have reintroduced 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.
The department also conveys the message that fitness centers will vaccinate against the flu and covid-19 starting next Monday by appointment.
The use of masks will be mandatory under the following conditions in Valencia:
The Ministry of Health has established the protocol to be followed in relation to the use of masks in the face of the accumulation of cases of flu and respiratory infections in recent weeks. Valencia says his fitness is on the verge of collapse due to the emergence of Covid and flu cases after Christmas and he has to send patients to hospitals to deal with the situation. The wave is expected to peak in the third week of January.
Currently, the UK Foreign Office has not updated its advice for Spain in relation to Covid and flu. Existing guidance says: “Rapid lateral flow tests (‘antigen tests’) are widely available from Spanish pharmacies for a fee.
“If you have symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19 you can stay in Spain, you are not obliged to isolate yourself.
“Hotels and other hotels may have their own COVID-19 protocols. Follow all safety measures set up through your provider. Your host will possibly have a list of personal doctors you can call to assess your symptoms and take a COVID test. -19 test.
“Follow the recommendation of the 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.
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