Catalonia has seen a sharp spike in flu cases. Regional authorities have decided to tighten health measures: masks are now mandatory for all visitors and staff at medical facilities, as well as in nursing homes. This decision comes as the virus spread has reached its highest levels in recent years.
Regional Health Department head Olga Pané has strongly advised residents to wear masks on public transport as well. She noted that while vaccination protects against severe illness, masks help reduce the risk of infection, especially for the most vulnerable groups.
Statistics and Trends
According to SIVIC epidemiological surveillance data, almost 25,000 new flu cases were recorded in Catalonia during the first week of December alone. That’s more than double the previous week’s numbers. There are 418 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, indicating an extremely high epidemic intensity.
Authorities say the rapid growth is due to specific features of the current virus strain. This season, the flu has mutated in seven different ways, which has made immunity built up in recent years less effective.
Restrictions and Recommendations
Although regional authorities cannot impose mandatory measures across all areas of life, they do have the power to regulate health and safety rules in medical and social care institutions. This is why masks have become mandatory in hospitals and nursing homes. On public transport, mask-wearing remains a recommendation for now, but officials do not rule out introducing stricter measures if the situation worsens.
Pané also reminded the public to follow standard preventive measures: ventilate rooms frequently, avoid crowds, and stay home at the first sign of symptoms. She emphasized that these simple steps help protect not only yourself but those around you as well.
Vaccination and risk groups
This season, the vaccination rate among elderly residents of Catalonia exceeds 60%. More than half of those over 60 are vaccinated, and among children the figure is around 40%. Despite these numbers, intensive care units continue to receive patients with chronic conditions who experience serious complications from the flu.
Medical professionals note that vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against severe outcomes of the flu. However, due to the high variability of the virus, even those who are vaccinated may still get sick, though they tend to experience much milder symptoms.
Outlook and measures
Authorities in Catalonia are closely monitoring the epidemiological situation. If infection rates continue to rise, additional restrictions may be introduced. For now, the main focus is on informing the public and encouraging voluntary compliance with preventive measures.
Residents are advised not to ignore the recommendations of experts, especially if elderly people or those with chronic illnesses are in the household. Doctors remind everyone that timely vaccination and wearing masks are key tools in the fight against seasonal viruses.
