Britons heading to the Canary Islands for a spot of winter sun might be forced to wear a mask and have protective vaccinations before traveling following a surge in viral infections.
Cases of flu, covid and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have increased fivefold since August, leading to a warning by Canary Islands Association of Primary Care Physicians that extraordinary measures might be required to limit the spread.
According to figures released by the Spanish authorities, the number of instances of the three illnesses has risen to a staggering combined total of 794 per 100,000 people.
Last December at its peak, the authorities were registering 1,296 cases per 100,000 people.
To put that in context, there are just over 60 cases per 100,000 people in the UK, according to recent government data.
Ana Joyanes, president of the Canary Islands Association of Primary Care Physicians warned: “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.
“Anyone with respiratory symptoms should wear a mask to prevent transmission.
“Both flu and Covid can be deadly. If we are protected, we will fare better against the viruses.”
The Ministry of Health is set to meet later this month to decide if the wearing of face masks will become compulsory.
Popular holiday destinations such as Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura and La Palma are affected by the alert.
Their warm autumn and winter temperatures make it an attractive option as temperatures fall across the UK.
Last year, the region experienced its warmest winter for over 100 years with an average temperature of 25.1 degrees.
