Spain Reinstates Nationwide Hospital Mask Mandate Amid Surge in Respiratory Illnesses

Despite Opposition, Health Minister Monica Garcia Defends the Move as a 'Common Sense Measure'

Spain's government has proposed a nationwide mandate for people to wear masks in hospitals and health clinics, due to a surge in respiratory illnesses including flu and COVID-19.
The decision, which is due to come into force on January 10, 2024, has been met with opposition from some regional health authorities.
Health Minister Monica Garcia has defended the move as a 'common sense measure' that is scientifically supported and widely accepted by the public.
Spain was among the last European countries to drop requirements to wear face masks following the COVID-19 pandemic, with people told to wear them in health centres and pharmacies until July 2023.
The country has registered more than 14 million cases and some 120,000 deaths from the coronavirus.