MADRID – Face masks can be mandatory in hospitals and healthcare facilities in Spain beginning Wednesday because of a surge in respiratory illnesses, the Health Ministry mentioned.
The new leftist minority coalition executive is enforcing the measure in spite of opposition from maximum of Spain’s 17 independent areas.
“We are talking about putting on a mask when you enter a health center and taking it off when you leave,” Health Minister Mónica García advised Cadena Ser radio past due Monday.
“I don’t suppose it’s any drama. It is a elementary and easy measure of the primary order,” she added.
Spain’s hospitals have come under immense pressure in recent weeks following a spike in cases of flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
García’s ministry decided to impose the measure after failing to reach an agreement with regional health authorities, many of whom argued that mask use should be recommended but not obligatory.
Regional governments are in charge of healthcare although the central government can intervene if it deems it necessary.
Six regions have already introduced the measure and masks have been commonly used on streets and public transport and in health centers in recent months.
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 centers and pharmacies. Over the previous two years, Spain had gradually ended mandatory mask wearing, first in public and then on public transport.
The nation registered greater than 14 million circumstances and some 120,000 deaths from the coronavirus.
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