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Masks made mandatory in Murcia hospitals and health centres
Flu cases have shot up by 110% in the last week in the Region of Murcia
Earlier this week, the Spanish government came up with a three-level plan to deal with the skyrocketing flu infections around the country. Since we're still in level 1, masks are recommended but not mandatory. The Region of Murcia is taking no chances though and has mandated facemasks in hospitals and health centres from Tuesday December 9.
On the cusp of the December bank holiday weekend and with a 4-day doctors' strike looming, the regional health ministry called an urgent meeting on Friday December 5 to discuss the mounting hospital pressure caused by a huge upsurge in flu cases.
A decision was made to make mask-wearing mandatory from next Tuesday in all hospitals, public and private, and health centres across the Region of Murcia. In theory, the measure will remain in place until the end of the year, although it will be reviewed every two weeks.
According to the authorities, the restriction has been introduced in an attempt to reduce the risk of contagion and protect patients and health professionals.
The latest available data points to a 110% increase in flu infections in the Region of Murcia over the last week alone, with cases of other respiratory illnesses are also climbing.
As a result, all hospitals have activated contingency plans to ensure the busiest and most critical areas are adequately staffed, such as A&E and Internal Medicine.
Image: Archive
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