Canary Islands could bring back 'compulsory' face masks for UK tourists

UK tourists heading to the Canary Islands have been issued an urgent warning over "outbreaks". British holidaymakers heading to the European Union have been warned over holidays in the Canary Islands, amid health and safety fears.

Cases of flu, Covid and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have increased fivefold since August. The Canary Islands Association of Primary Care Physicians has warned new, strict measures might be required to limit the spread.

The number of instances of the three illnesses has risen to a staggering combined total of 794 per 100,000 people. Ana Joyanes, president of the Canary Islands Association of Primary Care Physicians warned: "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.

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"Anyone with respiratory symptoms should wear a mask to prevent transmission. Both flu and Covid can be deadly. If we are protected, we will fare better against the viruses." The Canary Islands includes Lanzarote, Tenerife and more.

The Ministry of Health is set to meet later this month to decide if the wearing of face masks will become compulsory. Back in January, Spain moved to reintroduce the mandatory wearing of face masks in hospitals after a spike in flu and COVID cases.

The nationwide mandate by Spain's entral government came into force on 10 January - despite opposition from some regional health authorities. Spain's minister of health, Monica Garcia, said the move was necessary to protect healthcare professionals.

"We are talking about putting on a mask when you enter a health centre and taking it off when you leave," Ms Garcia told Spain's Cadena Ser radio. "I don't think it is any drama. It is a basic and simple measure of the first order," she also went on and added.