The Spanish government proposed a nationwide mandate on Monday for mask-wearing in hospitals and health clinics in response to the escalating flu and COVID-19 cases across Europe. This move coincides with Italy reporting record-high infection rates for respiratory illnesses.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has urged people across the continent to stay home if unwell and to consider wearing masks in crowded places or healthcare settings. The flu is currently spreading at a higher rate than other common respiratory pathogens, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.
Several regions in Spain had already mandated masks in hospitals last week. The central government seeks to extend this requirement throughout the country, although regional health policymakers have yet to agree, with a decision expected by Wednesday.
Health Minister Monica Garcia emphasized the effectiveness of masks in limiting epidemics and protecting the vulnerable. Additionally, the government is considering allowing individuals with mild symptoms to take three days off work without a doctor’s note.
Spain, which was one of the last European countries to lift COVID-19 mask mandates, had required masks on public transport until February 2023 and in health centers and pharmacies until July.
In Italy, flu-like illnesses, encompassing both flu and COVID-19, hit a record high in the last two weeks of 2023, surpassing even the COVID epidemic. The National Health Institute (ISS) reported an incidence of 17.5 and 17.7 cases per thousand people in recent weeks. Experts attribute this rise to reduced mask usage and lower vaccination rates this season. The Italian government has not yet indicated plans to reintroduce mask mandates.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese Health Minister, Manuel Pizarro, acknowledged the ongoing flu epidemic but stated there’s no current need for a generalized mask recommendation. However, the flu has significantly increased waiting times in hospital emergency wards.
In intensive care units, flu cases constituted a record 17% in the last week of 2023, according to the health authority.
Globally, hospitals in at least four U.S. states have reinstated mask mandates due to rising cases of COVID, seasonal flu, and other respiratory illnesses.