Face masks are back for 2024, as Spain has once again decided to make masks mandatory in hospitals and health centres. Beginning on Wednesday 10th January, face masks became compulsory in hospitals and health centres across Spain, responding to a rise in cases of flu, COVID, and other respiratory illnesses. The use of masks is also recommended masks in private clinics, pharmacies and other medical facilities such as dental clinics.
The Spanish government's decision to reintroduce face masks in 2024 comes just 6 months after masks ceased to be obligatory in health facilities and pharmacies, sparking opposition from certain regional administrations. Despite objections, Spain's new health minister, Mónica García, has overridden the opposition, framing the decision as a "commonsense measure. and one that will "protect patients and professionals".
Spain was one of the last European countries to eliminate face mask mandates post the COVID pandemic. The directive persisted for public transport until February 2023 and in health centres and pharmacies until July of the same year. Within the current rules, if infections decrease for two consecutive weeks, Spanish regional governments will have the option to remove the requirement.