The Ministry of Health recommends the mask throughout the respiratory virus season, i.e. influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Covid. Depending on severity levels, aim to collect it in busy spaces, such as supermarkets, theaters, cinemas or public transport. And he proposes to tighten its use according to four risk scenarios, in which it will move from recommending people with symptoms to evaluating their OBLIGATORY in waiting and emergency rooms of hospitals and health centers in general.
This is a question which has already been put forward during the meeting of the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (SNS) and which will be addressed this Thursday during the meeting of the Public Health Commission. To this end, the Ministry of Health has sent a draft to the autonomous communities with its proposal.
The project of measures for the prevention and control of respiratory diseases, to which EL ESPAÑOL-Invertia has had access, aims to “guarantee coordination between territories“This fall and winter where the circulation of covid-19, influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) overlaps.
The text suggests that each region “can implement as many additional measures as you deem appropriate” depending on their situation, which is grouped into four risk scenarios: 0, 1, 2 and 3 or “very high” or even “pandemic” risk. In this, “the adoption of” complementary and exceptional measures which will be implemented in accordance with specific regulations.
Already in scenario 2, the Ministry of Health proposes to resume the ““mask obligatory in general” in health centers. Its use is also recommended in supermarkets, public transport and enclosed spaces such as cinemas, theaters, concert halls, gymnasiums and dance halls. Also during large outdoor events.
If scenario 3 is reached, Health proposes to adopt “additional and exceptional measures”.
The four scenarios will be classified according to a series of indicators (such as incidence rate, hospitalizations, bed occupancy or intensive care admissions, among others) which will be revised every week.
Sources
These indicators will be extracted mainly from the Acute Respiratory Infection Surveillance System in Spain (Sivira), but also from the register of temporary disability processes (TI); the wastewater control tool; the daily mortality monitoring system (MoMo); Information on vaccination (Sivamin) and information on the healthcare capacity and hospital occupancy of the communities.
Each scenario involves a battery of actions, but Health considers that some should be common to all, including, recommend surgical mask and self-isolation as soon as symptoms appear. Which will of course involve the application of teleworking.
EE
Madrid
Of course: the mask is reserved for those over 6 years old, except for those who have “a certain type of illness or difficulty breathing“which may be aggravated by the mask or that, due to their disability or dependence, they do not have the autonomy to remove it. It will also not be recommended when “this is incompatible with the nature of the activities exercised”.
Throughout the season they must rule other prevention recommendations like vaccination; hygiene, “particularly” of the hands; prioritize outdoor spaces; avoid crowds and ventilate spaces properly.
Likewise, he recommends examine and disseminate the contingency plans of health and socio-sanitary centers deal with an increase in cases that “guarantee continuity of care”.
