Canary Islands winter sun travel alert as UK tourists warned 'wear a facemask'

Holidaymakers heading to the Canary Islands for a winter sun trip have been issued a health warning. Cases of the flu, Coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have increased fivefold since August.

Warnings have since been issued by the Canary Islands Association of Primary Care Physicians that measures might be brought in to limit the spread. According to figures released by the Spanish authorities, cases of the three illnesses have risen to a combined total of 794 per 100,000 people.

Last December at its peak, there were 1,296 cases per 100,000 people. In comparison, there are just over 60 cases per 100,000 people in the UK, according to recent government data.

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The surge in cases means that measures such as facemasks and vaccinations before traveling could be implemented permanently, Express reports. For now, people with symptoms are urged to wear a face mask.

This is to prevent the spread of the viruses. Ana Joyanes, president of the Canary Islands Association of Primary Care Physicians said: "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. Both flu and Covid can be deadly. If we are protected, we will fare better against the viruses."

The Ministry of Health is set to meet later this month to decide if wearing face masks will become compulsory. Popular holiday destinations such as Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura and La Palma are affected by the alert.

Their warm autumn and winter temperatures make them a popular holiday destination as temperatures fall across the UK. Last year, the region experienced its warmest winter for over 100 years with an average temperature of 25.1 degrees.