Facemasks no longer mandatory in Catalan health centers from Wednesday

Pressure in hospitals has improved after a spike in flu cases 

A man wearing a facemask in a Barcelona hospital
A man wearing a facemask in a Barcelona hospital / Maria Aladern
Catalan News

Catalan News | @catalannews | Barcelona

January 30, 2024 04:35 PM

January 30, 2024 08:57 PM

As of midnight on Tuesday, facemasks will no longer be mandatory in Catalan health centers. 

The Catalan Department of Health has decided to lift the mandatory use due to the overall improvement in the epidemiological situation. 

However, its use will still be recommended in some cases, such as for people with symptoms compatible with respiratory diseases when they are in poorly ventilated spaces or in contact with vulnerable people.  

The measure was implemented on January 9 after a spike in respiratory infections and was extended for two weeks to allow the situation to improve.