The Minister of Health, Mónica García, has announced plans to implement a system for the self-justification of three-day sick leave for cases of mild illnesses such as flu, covid, and colds. This measure aims to reduce bureaucracy in Primary Care and prevent further strain on healthcare resources.
In an interview with Onda Cero before the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System, Garcia stated that a responsible statement from the individual would be enough to justify their sick leave, a practice already in place in other European countries and utilized in Spain during the pandemic.
The recent surge in flu and covid infections after the holiday season has led to overwhelmed hospitals, prompting the minister to call for the return to mandatory mask-wearing in health and social health facilities. While some communities have already reinstated the measure, others have shown reluctance, opting for vaccination and other preventive measures.
The decision to mandate mask usage is being evaluated by various autonomous communities, with some waiting for expert recommendations before implementing the measure. Despite concerns about healthcare system strain, some regions like Madrid have ruled out mandatory mask usage, while others have only recommended it for those with respiratory symptoms.
The situation remains fluid as various autonomous communities navigate the resurgence of flu and covid infections and determine the most appropriate measures to implement.