Spain makes facemasks mandatory in hospitals as respiratory illnesses

Rules reintroduced as ‘commonsense measure’ despite opposition from some regional administrations

Face masks will be mandatory in hospitals and health centres in Spain from Wednesday as the country experiences a surge in cases of flu, Covid and other respiratory illnesses.

The government decision, which comes six months after the use of masks ceased to be obligatory in health facilities and pharmacies, has been met with opposition from some regional administrations.