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Masks are back: Spain considers Covid restrictions indoors
Spain proposes evaluating the health risks caused by coronavirus and other respiratory illnesses on a weekly basis
Spain’s Ministry of Health has developed a multi-pronged system for containing the spread of respiratory virus infections this winter in an effort to prevent the pressure Covid and flu put on hospitals and health centres last year.
If it’s approved on Thursday October 17, then Spain will reintroduce the traffic light system used during the pandemic, which includes mandatory masks in hospitals, supermarkets and on public transport.
In addition to the usual respiratory illnesses that plague the country this time of year, the health authorities are also keeping a close eye on a new Covid variant, a strain of Omicron known as XEC. First detected as recently as June 2024 in Germany, the variant has now reached dozens of countries including the UK, Ireland, France, Spain and the US, and experts are concerned that it could become the dominant coronavirus strain here in the coming months.
What is the traffic light system?
Each region of Spain will be evaluated on a weekly basis, taking into account factors like the incidence and hospitalisation rate, the risk of transmission, ICU admissions and deaths. Depending on the severity of the problem, control measures will be tightened based on four risk levels:
- Scenario 0: An "inter-epidemic or basal" situation, where transmissibility indicators are medium or low.
- Scenario 1: A "low or moderate" level, where measures such as wearing masks and social distancing are recommended.
- Scenario 2: A "high level," where additional measures such as restricting gatherings and closing non-essential businesses may be implemented.
- Scenario 3: A "very high" or "pandemic" level, where coordination between autonomous communities is strengthened, and exceptional measures may be considered.
Sick leave and teleworking
In scenario 1, the Ministry of Health recommends that people with symptoms or those infected with flu or Covid minimise their social interactions and wear a surgical mask for at least five days, especially if they are going to be in contact with vulnerable people. It also advises that they work remotely, if their job allows it, and, if not, that they avoid direct contact with vulnerable people in the workplace.
For infected employees who work in centres with vulnerable populations, such as nursing homes, the Government suggests temporarily relocating them to an area where they are not directly in contact with patients and, if this is not possible, giving them sick leave during the first five days after the onset of symptoms and wearing a mask upon returning.
In hospitals and health centres, the use of a mask will be recommended for all people in the most vulnerable areas, such as chemotherapy wards or transplant units.
Masks in supermarkets and cinemas
The requirements for facemasks will also depend on the risk level of each community:
- Scenario 0: the risk is low, so the only measures recommended are general hygiene e.g. frequent hand washing.
- Scenario 1: The risk is moderate, and masks are recommended in vulnerable areas within healthcare facilities. If people have symptoms, they should minimise their contact with others and follow hygiene practices for at least five days after the onset of symptoms.
- Scenario 2: The risk is high. Masks must be worn by all patients and their companions in areas such as waiting rooms and emergency rooms. In addition, masks must be used in nursing homes, shops, supermarkets, public transport, theatres, cinemas, concert halls, dance halls, gyms, or mass outdoor activities.
- Scenario 3: The risk is very high or there is a possibility of a pandemic. The measures to be taken are additional, and could include the extraordinary convening of the Interterritorial Council to strengthen coordination throughout the country. In this case, the ministry could take exceptional measures.
Image: Archive
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