The Spanish Society of Epidemiology has encouraged this Tuesday Do not rule out the use of masks in certain circumstances And has said that it should be seen as a public health tool beyond COVID-19, even though the government has approved that it is no longer mandatory in transport.
In a note, the medical society is positioning itself on the day the government ends the obligation to wear masks on public transport and in health establishments such as opticians and orthopaedists, although It will continue to be used in health and social health centres, pharmacies and first aid kits.
The Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, has raised at the meeting of the Council of Ministers this Tuesday the reform of the royal decree regulating the use of masks, approved in April 2022, with Spain will be the last country—after Germany—which did so last week—to eliminate mandatory use of In trains, buses, subways, planes and other transportation.
Experts assure that masks are especially recommended for attendees respiratory symptoms consistent with covid-19, flu, cold and other respiratory infections.
“This practice, common in other countries, begs a question personal responsibility and respect for the health of othersBecause it reduces the risk of a sick person infecting those around him,” the epidemiologist explains.
recommended for weak people
Also recommended for masks susceptible peopleThose with a higher risk of developing serious diseases, such as the elderly, pregnant women and people who have heart disease, cancer or immunosuppression, among others.
The Spanish Society of Epidemiology highlights the importance of recommended groups keep getting vaccinated Noting that vaccinated people are at a lower risk of becoming infected and presenting severe symptoms if they are exposed to COVID-19.
Finally, the scientific community recalls that measures such as maintaining ventilation of enclosed spaces and hand washing These are effective in protecting against Kovid-19 or other viruses.
Along the same lines, the Forum of Patient Organizations asks this Tuesday that “vulnerable people are not forgotten” and makes a appeal to conscience “The time of year in which we find ourselves is very conducive to an increase in respiratory infections.”
He also called for caution from the College of Nursing after learning about the measure, which advises continuing to use masks in cases that have any symptoms of a respiratory infection, be it Covid, flu or other conditions.
Who has ruled in favor of the measure without any additions, but also the Transport Employers and the Passenger Transport Federation.
“It’s a rule that the region has been asking the administration to eliminate for months, and it was punishing the activity of passenger transport“, says the Confederation of Passenger Transport by Bus in a press release, which is confident that this measure will contribute to the promotion of bus transport.
