Spain has moved to reinstate mask mandates in hospitals and other healthcare facilities following a sharp rise in flu cases ahead of winter. The Ministry of Health has issued a nationwide alert and is working with regional governments on a unified response, calling the measure a preventive step to ease pressure on hospitals already managing COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Several regions such as Aragón and Andalucía have already begun enforcing mask use in medical settings.
Under the incoming national protocol, masks will be compulsory for patients, visitors, and staff in hospitals, primary care centers, and residential facilities in high-risk areas, according to the Daily Star. Regions will be allowed to adjust rules based on local infection levels. Officials emphasize that the requirement is temporary, noting that “everyday life outside high-risk environments can largely proceed as normal,” while vaccination, hygiene, and proper ventilation remain key to reducing transmission.