Masks to become mandatory in health centers, hospitals and care homes amid flu surge

Catalonia has announced the mandatory use of masks in health centers, hospitals and care homes amid a surge in flu cases. The measure will come into effect on Wednesday.

The flu incidence rate has increased by 2.5 in one week, according to data reported by the department on Tuesday. The number of cases has surpassed the peaks seen in the last three years.

Wearing a mask will be mandatory when entering or working in health centers, hospitals, care homes for the elderly, and facilities for vulnerable groups.

The decision was announced by government spokesperson Sílvia Paneque at a press conference following Tuesday's cabinet meeting.

The resolution was signed on Tuesday afternoon and will come into force on Wednesday.

Paneque emphasized the role of masks as an effective tool – alongside vaccination – in preventing and limiting the spread of the flu. She urged citizens to "follow the guidelines" and comply with the mandatory mask requirement.

Very high transmission level 

The estimated incidence of flu in Catalonia has increased by 2.5 in one week, from December 1 to 7, reaching a very high level of transmission, according to health authorities. The increase began six weeks ago, earlier and more sharply than usual.

Currently, the incidence rate stands at 418 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, up from 168 the previous week.

Influenza is the predominant virus, with 308 positive cases per 100,000 inhabitants, more than double the 138 cases recorded the previous week.

These figures surpass the peaks seen in the last three flu seasons.

Hospital admissions

Hospital admissions for flu continue to rise, while admissions for other viruses remain stable. This week, all Covid-19 admissions (four) and 73% of flu admissions were among people over 60 years old.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), which can cause bronchiolitis in young children, accounted for 67% of admissions in children under four.

Vaccination coverage

Vaccination coverage against flu stands at 66% for people over 80 and 52% for those aged 70 to 79. For Covid-19, coverage is 54% among those over 80 and 38% for people aged 70 to 79.

Among children aged 6 months to 5 years, flu vaccination coverage is 38%. Regarding RSV, cumulative coverage is 93.8% for children born between April and September and 70% for those born between October and May, resulting in an overall coverage of 89%.