2024-01-11 03:49:25
Updated Thursday, January 11, 2024 – 02:49
Mandatory in outpatient clinics and hospitals, recommended in pharmacies and residences. These are the Health instructions for the use of this device and the implementation of other measures
A woman leaves a health center in Valladolid, where you can read different signs about the use of the mask.NACHO GALLEGOEFESalud Masks will be mandatory in health centers from today Health The lessons that past epidemics teach us
From the Health communication to the communities, a new use of masks comes into force through a declaration of coordinated actions that contains the following guidelines:
When and where is the mask mandatory?
The document explains that the The universal use of masks will be mandatory in health care centers (hospitals and primary care).. Likewise, it is justified in it that “it is intended to reduce the transmission of these viruses and protect people at risk of complications associated with infection who attend these centers or are hospitalized, in addition to protecting the health of health workers.”
This universal use may be excused in those areas where there is verbal and/or gestural interaction that is important in the approach or treatment with the patient.
Until when is the mask imposition in force?
There is no quantitative threshold, unlike the ‘traffic light’ that was implemented during the pandemic. Communities with data decrease in the cumulative incidence of acute respiratory infections over two weeks consecutive, according to the data reported to Ministry of Health through the Surveillance Network (Sivira)“they may waive, if they consider it appropriate according to their epidemiological situation, the obligation to use masks in health centers.”
Those who, despite meeting this criterion, “want to maintain the obligation, according to the analysis of their data, may do so during the validity of the Declaration of Coordinated Actions,” the document adds.
Where is it just a recommendation?
In residential centers for vulnerable people and pharmacies. Residential centers for the elderly and people with disabilities are the environments where the most vulnerable people live.
The document explains that, although the universal use of masks is not recommended to care for the well-being of the elderly, both physical and emotional, “it is considered necessary to take additional precautions to protect residents and avoid outbreaks, especially in situations of “high circulation of respiratory viruses like the one we are experiencing now.”
With this argument and with the premises contained in the guide with specific recommendations in this area, approved by the Public Health Commission in July 2023“the provision and use of masks must be ensured for staff who care for people with symptoms compatible with acute respiratory infection and for people who present symptoms. Also, this level of recommendation will be extended to pharmacies.”
On what other occasions is use recommended in the general population?
The document points to the use of the mask in the presence of symptoms of respiratory infection. “Citizens have a fundamental role in reducing the transmission of respiratory infections. It is important to maintain the culture of responsibility acquired in recent years, and continue encouraging the population to use masks and reduce the number of social interactions in the presence of symptoms compatible with acute respiratory infection”.
What other measures against respiratory infections should be carried out?
It should be noted that in addition to the barrier that the mask represents in reducing infections, other implementations in the pandemic are recalled and that they must be ‘rescued’ for being common sense and having demonstrated usefulness.
Promote and ensure adequate ventilation of indoor spaces, a measure that has proven highly effective in reducing the risk of transmission of respiratory infections. Remember correct actions, called “respiratory etiquette” (when coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow, use disposable tissues, and throw them away after use, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth) or wash your hands. hands.
For all this, the CCAA and the Ministry of Health will remember the ventilation recommendations for work and educational environments, as well as ventilation protocols for public centers, with the aim of guaranteeing the correct ventilation of closed spaces.
Vaccination, should the population continue to be immunized even if we are in the midst of a flu wave?
The document insists that we must “increase flu and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination rates in the population with vaccination indication.” Vaccination against flu and COVID-19 “is a fundamental measure to reduce the complications and severity of these infections, which is why its administration is recommended in all risk groups for which it is recommended, especially in a season of high incidence.” like the one we are experiencing.”
At present, flu and COVID-19 vaccination continues to be recommended for the population most likely to have severe illness after infection with flu viruses and SARS-CoV-2 (especially people aged 60 and over). years of age, those who reside in institutions, pregnant women and those with risk conditions and their cohabitants), as well as people who, due to their employment status, are considered important to reduce the impact and maintenance of critical and essential services to the community. .
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