Spain hits back: Masks are mandatory again (Euro Weekly News)

[ahimsa]

Spain hits back: Masks are mandatory again

Spain’s Ministry of Health has issued a warning over rising flu cases as winter approaches, preparing to require masks in hospitals, health centres, and elderly-care facilities, particularly in high-risk areas. The move comes amid an early and intense influenza season, which experts say could put additional pressure on hospitals already managing COVID-19 cases and other respiratory infections. Health authorities stress that the measure is preventative and aims to protect the most vulnerable, including the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
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Where Masks Will Be Required
From hospitals to nursing homes: scope of the mandate

Under the proposed rules, mask-wearing would be compulsory for patients, visitors, and staff in hospitals, primary-care centres, and long-term care facilities in high-risk areas. Nursing homes and units serving immunocompromised patients are prioritised, given the higher potential for severe complications.

Outside healthcare centres, masks will remain strongly recommended, particularly for symptomatic individuals, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions, but not mandatory unless local risk levels increase. Authorities emphasise that early adoption and compliance help protect staff and reduce the risk of transmission in critical healthcare settings.

 

[Yann04]

This should be the norm whether or not we are in an outbreak IMO.

 

[ahimsa]

This should be the norm whether or not we are in an outbreak IMO.

I agree!

 

[shak8]

Stock (?) photo shows people in surgical masks. Don't know its effectiveness against influenza.

It's N95 time.

 

[BrightCandle]

Stock (?) photo shows people in surgical masks. Don't know its effectiveness against influenza.

It's N95 time.

The article doesn't give any details beyond masks either which suggests to me this is surgical masks again. All doing this repeatedly each year does is expose the horrendous ignorance and lack of science following in the healthcare system that is still refusing to accept airborne spread.

 

[boolybooly]

We need better masks, something like a super-lightweight version of the 3M full face filter mask, which provides eye protection as well as a proper seal around the nose and mouth connecting to a single microparticle filter.

It also needs to fit properly, meaning some flexibility, breathable fabrics to prevent sweating but also a range of sizes and shapes.

Looking to the future facial image based face contour profiling which allows accurate best fit estimates might reduce the need for iterative testing for best fit and maybe even permit bespoke 3D printed elements for precise fitting.

These bits of paper fluttering in front of people's noses are better than nothing but are very inefficient especially for medical professionals.

That is to say nothing about the need for constant epidemiological monitoring of all viruses at all times and appropriate behaviours to prevent unecessary spread of virus at all times. The human race needs to wake up to the fact it is swimming in an ocean of viruses and this naive bumbling and blundering approach is just not responsible. That goes double for zoonotic transmission risks.