The upcoming guidelines will make wearing masks mandatory for patients, visitors and staff in hospitals, primary health centers and residential care facilities in high-risk areas. reports the Daily Star.
Facilities treating immunocompromised patients and nursing homes will be given priority due to the increased risk of severe complications. While masks are still strongly recommended for those with symptoms, older adults and people with chronic conditions outside of health care settings, they will not be mandatory unless local authorities raise the alert level.
For expats living in Spain, the resumption of mandatory mask wearing in healthcare settings means they will need to have face masks on hand when visiting hospitals, clinics or care homes. Given that regional authorities may enforce rules differently, expats are advised to stay informed by checking both national and regional health services for updates.
Spain is also ramping up its flu vaccination campaign. Senior citizens, health care workers, and people with chronic health problems are strongly encouraged to get a flu shot as soon as possible.
Public health officials say a combination of vaccination, mask wearing, hand hygiene and proper ventilation is the most effective strategy for curbing transmission, hospitalization and severe cases. They emphasize that self-isolation during illness remains extremely important.
The Department of Health hopes early intervention will prevent hospitals from reaching full capacity as flu cases rise. The national protocol is designed to be adaptable, allowing authorities to tighten or loosen restrictions depending on the changing situation.
While reinstating mandatory mask wearing in health care settings may seem like a setback, health officials say the measures are temporary and targeted.
They emphasize that daily life outside high-risk environments can proceed as normal.
