Spain considers the return of the face mask as flu cases surge

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face mask agreement

The Spanish Ministry of Health is preparing to introduce a range of measures to address the rising number of flu cases, which may include making masks mandatory in certain settings. The government is advising the public to use masks throughout the respiratory virus season.

However, due to the current spike in flu cases, officials are considering different risk scenarios for tightening mask usage. Potentially, these could lead to mandatory enforcement in hospital waiting rooms and emergency departments.

Four risk scenarios

A draft of the new measures, which the Ministry of Health will present to regional health authorities, outlines four levels of risk: 0, 1, 2, and 3, with level 3 representing a “very high” or even “pandemic” risk. These levels are based on several indicators such as infection rates, hospital admissions, bed occupancy, and ICU usage. These indicators will be reviewed weekly using data from multiple monitoring systems, including Spain’s Respiratory Infection Surveillance System (SiVIRA), wastewater control, and the daily mortality monitoring system (MoMo).

The draft proposes that regional governments can implement additional measures as needed based on their specific situation. This would allow for a flexible approach across Spain as flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses circulate this autumn and winter.

Face mask usage based on symptoms

Regardless of the risk scenario, one key recommendation is for people with respiratory symptoms to wear surgical masks and self-isolate. Masks are recommended for everyone aged six and over, though exceptions exist for those with certain respiratory conditions, disabilities, or when mask-wearing is incompatible with specific activities.

In addition to mask use, the Ministry advises other preventative measures such as vaccination, hand hygiene, avoiding crowded places, and ensuring good ventilation in enclosed spaces.

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Vulnerable areas

In the first scenario, where transmission is low to moderate, masks will be recommended for people with symptoms. Those showing signs of illness should minimise interactions and follow respiratory hygiene measures for five days after symptoms appear. Teleworking is advised if possible.

For residential care facilities, workers with symptoms should either avoid contact with vulnerable people or take sick leave for the first five days after symptoms develop. Masks will also be recommended in high-risk areas of healthcare settings, such as chemotherapy units and transplant wards, for both staff and visitors.

Waiting rooms and emergency departments

In the second scenario, where transmission levels are high, masks will be “indicated” for everyone in common areas of healthcare facilities, such as waiting rooms and emergency departments. Additional measures include enhancing ventilation and disinfection, and recommending masks for workers who have close face-to-face contact with the public, especially those interacting with symptomatic individuals.

Vulnerable individuals will also be actively encouraged to wear masks in public places such as shops, public transport, cinemas, theatres, and gyms. In care homes, mask-wearing will be recommended for staff at all times, and visits may be restricted if necessary.

Exceptional measures for high or pandemic risk

In the highest-risk scenario, when indicators show a “very high” or “pandemic” risk, further measures could be introduced, such as extraordinary coordination between regional health authorities. The Ministry may also consider implementing additional exceptional measures according to specific legislation.

Also read: Flu season set to be severe in Spain, experts warn

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