Influenza and Covid-19 sweep across Europe.

With Covid-19 cases surging in several European countries, the Spanish government is requiring people to wear masks again to address the situation.

The European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people stay home if they have flu or Covid-19 symptoms, and adhere to national vaccination guidelines for vulnerable groups.

The agency is also considering reinstating regulations requiring the wearing of face masks in crowded places or healthcare facilities. In this region, seasonal influenza spreads as usual, but has become particularly severe in some countries. The number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations has also increased rapidly.

In Spain, several hospitals last week required patients, visitors, and healthcare workers to wear masks. On January 9, the central government proposed extending this requirement nationwide. However, regional leaders responsible for health policy rejected the proposal, with a final decision expected on January 11.

"We know that what will definitely limit the spread of the disease and protect vulnerable people is masks. It's a simple measure, widely supported by the public and scientifically accepted," said Health Minister Monica Garcia.

The government also proposed allowing workers to get tested and diagnosed at home in cases of mild symptoms, and to take three days off work without a doctor's authorization.

People wear face masks outside Trias i Pujol Hospital in Badalona, Spain, on January 8. Photo: Reuters — People wear face masks outside Trias i Pujol Hospital in Badalona, Spain, on January 8. Photo: *Reuters*

Spain was one of the last European countries to lift mask mandates after the Covid-19 pandemic. By the end of February 2023, people were allowed to remove their masks when using public transport.

In Italy, the number of people infected with influenza and Covid-19 reached record highs in the last two weeks of 2023. The infection rate was 17.5 cases per 1,000 people in week 52 and 17.7 cases per 1,000 people last week, according to data from the National Institute of Health (ISS).

ISS experts say the increase in infections may be due to most people no longer wearing masks, and too few people getting vaccinated this season. To date, the government has shown no signs of considering reinstating mask mandates.

Portuguese Health Minister Manuel Pizarro said there was currently no reason to issue a general recommendation on the use of face masks. However, he acknowledged the country was experiencing a flu epidemic, causing queue times at emergency rooms to increase to more than 10 hours per week. According to health authorities, flu rates in intensive care units reached a record 17% in the last week of 2023.

Thuc Linh (According to Reuters, China Daily )

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