Early flu surge triggers mask rules and renewed vaccination push.
Photo Credit: CDC / Unsplash
ALONG with the excitement of the holiday season, the anticipation for themed events, and the cooler temperatures settling over Almeria, comes the arrival of a much less anticipated annual affair: flu season. In Almeria, the flu cases have continued to rise, prompting health officials in the region to warn residents and signal ways to protect themselves amid bustling crowds and plummeting temperatures.
The Regional Health Authority of Andalucia, along with its head, Antonio Sanz, has required masks to be worn inside certain facilities, including the High-Resolution Hospital in El Toyo. The requirement is coming into effect in areas of Almeria where the incidence rate has risen considerably in recent days and weeks.
Almeria experiences higher-than-normal seasonal spike in flu cases
Across the province, the incidence of flu cases per 100,000 inhabitants stands at 355.7, higher than the Andalucian average and even at levels similar to those seen during Christmas of 2014, a bad year for the flu season in the province. In addition, the flu season in Almeria has begun weeks earlier than normal, due to a new strain.
Health officials emphasise importance of vaccination against the flu
Because of this, the Regional Delegate for Health and Consumer Affairs of the Andalucian Government in Almeria, Juan de la Cruz Belmonte, has stressed the importance of vaccination for the population, although in certain areas of the province, many people – approximately 130,000 Almeria residents – have already gotten their flu shots.
The vaccination rollout has reached approximately 53,000 citizens in the Almeria City area, the metropolitan area, Nacimiento, and Filabres-Alhamilla; approximately 27,000 in the Northern Health Agency; and approximately 48,000 in the Western Health Agency. The Regional Ministry of Health, Presidency, and Emergencies is maintaining its walk-in vaccination programme on Wednesdays.
In the province of Almeria, there are more than 50 vaccination centres, as can be seen on the official Regional Ministry’s website. These are located in the following municipalities:
- Vera,
- Tijola
- Seron
- Pulpi
- Olula del Rio
- Huercal-Overa
- Garrucha
- Cuevas del Almanzora
- Albox
- Tabernas
- Sorbas
- Nijar
- Nacimiento
- Huercal de Almeria
- Gergal
- Fiñana
- Carboneras
- Benahadux
- Almeria City
- Alhama de Almeria
- Abrucena
- Abla
- Vicar
- Roquetas de Mar
- La Mojonera
- Laujar de Andarax
- El Ejido
- Berja
- Adra
Usage of face masks also required in health centres, nursing homes
Health officials have also recommended the usage of face masks in healthcare centres, including clinics and hospitals, as well as public and private nursing homes in Andalucia. This implementation will remain in effect until January 8, unless there is a spike in flu cases or incidences of COVID-19. However, sources from the Andalucia Regional Government clarify that “the plan is to extend the deadline, always taking into account the evolution of the flu season.”
Almeria citizens: Keep safe to protect against the flu this year
Until then, the best thing Almeria citizens can do is take steps to protect themselves from the flu and other illnesses that tend to spike around the holidays. Health officials recommend that individuals get vaccinated, wash their hands frequently, wear masks to avoid catching and spreading illnesses, and quarantine if necessary.
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