Health minister warns of flu epidemic as cases 'rising significantly'

Catalonia is in the midst of a flu epidemic as cases are "rising significantly," health minister Josep Maria Argimon warned on Thursday morning.

This, he noted, is the first time in two years that the flu has spread to this extent – a phenomenon that can be attributed to social distancing and other Covid health and safety measures, most of which were eased at the end of the Omicron wave.

Despite this marked increase in flu cases and the ensuing pressure they have on the public health system due to the virus' effects on the most vulnerable, Argimon is still in favor of removing masks in the classroom. Masks must be worn in indoor spaces open to the public, such as public transport, stores, or schools, all across Spain.

"If you were to ask me if masks help prevent the flu, my answer would be yes," he said. "But masks are now also a symbol of Covid and I am one of those who believes we should start normalizing Covid."

  

Argimon explained that he would once again bring up his request to lift the indoor mask mandate in schools at next week's meeting with Spanish and regional health authorities, where the measure must be decided on.

"If things don't work out we can take a step back, it's ok," he said. "We'll just explain why we have to."

Covid in Catalonia

As of March 16, 2022, official figures, released daily on this website, state there have been 2,471,828 confirmed Covid-19 cases (PCR tests and others including antibody tests) and 26,781 people have died. 

6,488,380 residents have been given the first dose of the vaccine, 81.6% of the total population. Out of those, 5,860,539 have also had a second dose administered (73.8% of the total population). 6,334,360 residents are considered to be fully immunized (79.2%).

Catalonia has administered 3,276,000 third doses (41.5%). Official data show that 46.5% of residents have received a booster shot (which includes those who had a third jab plus people who only got one jab in the initial vaccination series and then received a booster, their second shot).