Mandatory masks are back in Catalonia’s health and care centres for a 15-day period starting this Wednesday.

The Generalitat of Catalonia has published a resolution in its Official Gazette (DOGC) making face coverings compulsory in all healthcare facilities and residential care homes.

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This decisive action aims to combat what authorities describe as the worst flu epidemic the region has seen in 15 years.

The new rule applies to everyone aged six and over within these settings. Consequently, workers, patients, and visitors must comply. The regulation covers all healthcare centres, including mental health facilities, as well as homes for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Mandatory Masks Rule Includes Key Exemptions

However, the resolution outlines several important exceptions. People who are admitted as inpatients will not need to wear a mask while they remain in their own room. Furthermore, exemptions apply to individuals with respiratory conditions that could worsen from mask use.

Additionally, the rule does not apply to those who, due to a disability or dependency, lack the autonomy to remove the mask themselves. It also exempts people whose behavioural issues make wearing a mask unfeasible. The authorities stress that masks must fit properly, covering from the nose to the chin.

The government took the decision on Tuesday in response to an unprecedented surge in flu cases. According to the latest update from the Catalan Infection Surveillance Information System (SIVIC), the incidence rate has multiplied by 2.5 in the last week alone. Transmission levels are now classified as very high.

Government spokesperson Sílvia Paneque defended the move, stating that using masks in these critical environments helps save lives. The measure is a direct response to the rapid spread of the illness across the country. Therefore, all affected centres must enforce the rule for the specified fortnight.

This public health intervention highlights the ongoing challenges in managing seasonal viruses. The situation in care homes is particularly sensitive, as explored in our coverage of broader social issues like rising vulnerability in Barcelona. Meanwhile, the pressure on the rental market continues, with a significant number of contracts set to expire, adding to the complex landscape residents face.

The 15-day mandate for mandatory masks is a targeted, temporary measure. Officials hope it will curb transmission in the most vulnerable settings during this peak period.

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