The Government of the Generalitat de Catalunya has agreed not to extend the mandatory use of masks in health centers and services, as well as in homes for the elderly and centers for people with disabilities. This measure will come into force this Wednesday, January 7, due to the improvement of epidemiological indicators in the region.
According to data from the last epidemiological week, between December 29 and January 4, the incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) stands at 634 affected per 100,000 inhabitants. This figure represents a total of 52,428 cases per week and places transmission at the baseline threshold.
In the specific case of influenza, the incidence continues its downward trend for the third consecutive week. Currently, the rate is estimated at 248 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, which represents a moderate level of transmission.
Hospital admissions for these pathologies also reflect a decrease in the same period.
Recommended in case of symptoms
Despite the end of the compulsory use of surgical masks, Public Health recommends the use of surgical masks for people with symptoms when they are in healthcare or social-healthcare settings. The administrative protocol urges to maintain preventive hygiene measures, especially in contact with vulnerable people.
The current regulations allow healthcare centers to establish the obligatory use of surgical masks in their services independently if they consider it necessary after evaluating their own epidemiological situation.
This power is included in the “Framework Document for the Control of Acute Respiratory Infections” approved in December 2025 by the Public Health Commission and in the specific protocols of the Generalitat de Catalunya.