Brits heading to Canary Islands for winter sun sent new health warning

Brits flying out to the Canary Islands over the coming weeks for some winter sun have been sent a new health update from the popular holiday spot. It comes amid a surge in winter viruses including Covid on the islands, which include Tenerife and Lanzarote.

Tourists are being asked to wear masks in public areas if they have symptoms and ensure their vaccinations are up to date. Covid, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have being surging since August, sparking alerts by the Canary Islands Association of Primary Care Physicians.

Large numbers of Brits head out to the Canaries over the winter months for some much-needed winter sun but holidaymakers are being urged to be cautious. The three viruses which have combined are now hitting 794 people per 100,000. This figure in England is 60 per 100,000 according to Government data, showing how the Canaries are worse affected.

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The warning is particularly urgent for older people as well as families with young children, reports the Mirror. Ana Joyanes, president of the Canary Islands Association of Primary Care Physicians (AMAPCAN), expects cases to rise further over the winter months. Ms Joyanes told GB News: "Vaccination is essential to make the impact of these infections milder or avoid them altogether, especially if you are over 60 years of age or classed as vulnerable. Anyone with respiratory symptoms should wear a mask to prevent transmission."

She added: "Both flu and Covid can be deadly. If we are protected, we will fare better against the viruses." The area's Ministry of Health will meet this month to decide whether mandatory mask-wearing is necessary to help control the spread.

The Canary Islands are a popular destination around this time of year, thanks to the year-round warm temperatures, sunny weather, and short flight time from the UK. Ms Joyanes predicts the surge in cases will worsen over the winter months, and has urged Brits to make sure they're up to date with all of their vaccines before flying out.

The expert also recommended any travellers with 'respiratory symptoms' should wear a face mask to prevent transmission, so holidaymakers have been told it might be worth packing one just in case.