Aragon will gradually remove the obligation to use masks in health centers according to the incidence of disease

The Ministry of Health plans to start phasing out the mandatory use of masks in health and social hygiene centers, depending on the incidence of influenza.This will be “Phaseded” divestment The program will be launched when cases decrease for two consecutive weeks.

Data updated on Monday showed rates fell compared with the internal week, Cases per 100,000 inhabitants increased from 334.7 to 231.5. The incidence of acute respiratory infections also declined (from 1,368.3 to 1,071.9). This is the first decline in the community since the epidemic threshold (69.8 cases) was exceeded in the week of December 18 to 24, 2023. The threshold is at 59.6.

Health Minister José Luis Bancalero noted on Tuesday that the obligation to wear masks for health center users and patients will be lifted once Aragon shows a two-week decline, but that professionals, also from social care center). Although not in the waiting room. This way, 1. Measures implemented by the Ministry of Health will be repealed On January 10, under the leadership of Mónica García, the spread of the infection was stopped during a pandemic, when primary and specialized care was strained.

However, the directive passed by the district administration on January 5 requiring professionals providing services in health centres, social health centers and specialized social service centers to wear masks during any activity involving direct concern for citizens remains in force. In light of influenza epidemics and other respiratory infections, such as COVID-19 or respiratory syncytial virus, take steps to protect yourself and avoid contagion. The measure was taken based on the epidemiological bulletin for the week of December 25-31, which showed that the community had 167.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. “We will proceed in stages, this is what we propose in Aragon: Take steps step by step

Uninstallation is also done based on occurrence. ”

When the incidence in Aragon reaches 150 cases per 100,000 inhabitants

– The value estimated by technical staff of the Ministry of Health and the General Directorate of Public Health – “the obligatory character of masks will be completely eliminated throughout the territory of Aragon, both for professionals and citizens”, regardless of whether it continues to exceed the prescribed epidemic thresholds.