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In Spain, here in Vigo, in the northwest of the country, the mask requirement was reintroduced.
Melissa MüllerNews Editor
Although Corona doesn't make many headlines these days, the virus continues to spread. In addition, there are numerous other respiratory diseases that burden the healthcare system in many countries.
“Even though Covid-19 is no longer a health emergency, the virus continues to circulate, mutate and kill,” warned the health director of the World Health Organization, Tedros Ghebreyesus. In December last year, the number of Covid-related intensive care patients increased by 62% compared to November. The data comes from 50 countries, mainly from Europe and America.
Spain introduces mask requirement
Spain has already drawn its first conclusions. Since Wednesday, the mask requirement has been in force again in all health units. State TV broadcaster RTVE reported this on Monday night, citing the Ministry of Health.
Previously, the Minister of Health, Mónica García, was unable to convince all regions of the need to introduce the mask requirement on her own initiative. The minister justified the temporary measure with the protection of vulnerable sectors of the population, such as young children and the elderly, as well as healthcare professionals. In some parts of the country, hospital emergency rooms are under severe pressure due to the high volume of patients.
Italy records record numbers
At the end of 2023, the incidence of respiratory diseases in Italy was around 17.5 per 1,000 inhabitants. According to the Italian Institute of Health, the number includes corona and influenza infections. This is a new record level and surpasses the corresponding periods of the pandemic. Italian health experts explain the increase with a low vaccination rate and the fact that masks are almost no longer used.
However, Italy is not considering a mask requirement, as national media reports. However, some healthcare facilities have introduced the obligation on their own initiative.
Portugal is following developments “very closely”
The healthcare system in Portugal is also under pressure. The Ministry of Health stated that in the last week of 2023, about 17 percent of patients in intensive care were related to flu infections. Manuel Pizarro Castro, Minister of Health of Portugal, said that “the evolution of this seasonal flu will be monitored very closely”.
Recommendations for the use of a face mask were also made. “These are for people who, when they are sick, have to follow something that I hope we have all learned from the pandemic. But sometimes I see that some people have already forgotten.” He also said that patients have an “obligation” to wear a mask, wash their hands and keep their distance.
Greece recommends face masks
Greece also recommends the use of a mask. The Ministry of Health held a special meeting with scientists who fear a further increase in corona and flu cases.
In this sense, a mask recommendation was decided for public life and especially for the health system. However, this recommendation is not enough for the medical association. He criticized the fact that the use of face masks in healthcare facilities is “perforce” necessary.
High infection rates in Switzerland
Infection rates are also high in this country. The Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) explains to Blick: “The flu wave remained stable during the holidays, but overall it is still increasing. Currently, influenza viruses circulate most frequently, followed by Sars-CoV-2 and RSV. The Covid-19 wave is stagnant at a high level.”
There is currently no Switzerland-wide recommendation or order to wear a mask. As the BAG explains, individual hospitals, such as the University Hospital Basel, have already independently introduced the mask requirement.
According to BAG, it still makes sense for certain people to wear masks. In particular, valveless FFP masks may be useful “due to their greater filtering effect when used correctly to protect particularly vulnerable people or yourself in areas with increased risk.”
The BAG also recommends that people “particularly at risk” be vaccinated during cold seasons. This could protect against a “possibly serious course”.