Murcia has brought back mandatory face masks in the face of mounting pressure on health services due to the ‘concerning’ winter flu outbreak.
The southern region, which borders Andalucia, will reinstate obligatory face coverings in medical settings from Tuesday, December 9.
The regional Ministry of Health confirmed that an official order will be published in the coming days, making mask use compulsory in hospitals, health centres, clinics and Primary Care emergency services across both public and private facilities.
Health chief Juan Jose Pedreño said the decision follows the advice of epidemiology experts after a sharp uptick in respiratory illness.
According to the latest report, overall infections have risen 19% in a week, with flu cases soaring 110%, Covid-19 up 29%, and bronchitis increasing by nearly 7%.
The measure will remain in force until the end of the year, although the situation will be reviewed in two weeks.
Authorities are also strongly recommending mask use in residential care homes for the elderly, centres for people with disabilities, private medical consultations and pharmacies.
The move makes Murcia the first region to reintroduce mandatory masking this winter amid a nationwide surge in respiratory viruses.
