UK tourists heading to Canary Islands for winter sun sent urgent health alert

It's cold, wet and miserable here in the UK and thoughts might naturally turn to getting away for some winter sun for those who can afford it. And one of the most popular spots for a winter getaway are the Canary Islands.

For those planning to head to Tenerife, Lanzarote, Grand Canaria, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Gomera, or La Palma they should be aware of a new health alert. Flu and Covid infections have been on the rise in the Canaries, making it important holidaymakers take extra care.

Recent data from the Carlos III Health Institute reveals an incidence rate of 794 cases per 100,000 residents for Covid, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in mid-October. This is double that of two months before in mid-August.

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Health expert Ana Joyanes - the president of the Canary Islands Association of Primary Care Physicians (AMAPCAN) - has warned that they are expecting this trend to continue to increase over the winter months, and have urged any vulnerable travellers to ensure that they are up to date on their vaccinations and to take extra care when out and about and in crowds, GB News reports.

Ms Joyanes 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." The report added that the Ministry of Health will meet in November to decide if mandatory mask-wearing needs to come into hospitals, and the four risk levels dependent on infection numbers. "Anyone with respiratory symptoms should wear a mask to prevent transmission," Joyanes warned.

Each year millions of Brits head to the Canary Islands, with UK tourists making up one of the key markets for the region. With weather averaging around 21C in the winter, it's a popular hotspot for winter breaks, as well as the more extreme heat of the summer.