Andalucia’s Health Minister Predicts End of Pandemic
Andalucia’s Minister of Health and Families, Jesus Aguirre, has expressed optimism about the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. He believes that the virus will soon be akin to a common cold and that the Omicron variant could signal the beginning of the end of the global health crisis. Aguirre made these remarks on Thursday, February 10, expressing confidence that normalcy will soon return.
Optimism Over Sixth Wave of Virus
Aguirre, speaking at the Virgen del Rocio University Hospital in Sevilla, expressed hope that the sixth wave of the virus will be the last major one that Andalucia will experience. He noted that the virus was already disappearing and that the slowing case numbers were a source of hope.
Flatlining Cases and Hospital Admissions in Andalucia
The Health Minister pointed to the stabilizing case numbers and hospital admissions in Andalucia as a positive sign of progress. He expressed hope that this would be the last major wave in Andalucia, although he acknowledged the possibility of occasional peaks or the virus becoming seasonal.
Highly Immunised Population and Possible New Variants
Aguirre highlighted the high level of immunisation in the population, with most people either vaccinated or having already contracted the virus. However, he cautioned that progress was dependent on the emergence of possible new variants.
Return to Normalcy and High Immunity
Aguirre sought to reassure the people of Spain, expressing confidence in a return to normalcy after two challenging years of pandemic fatigue. He noted that a large majority of cases in the recent wave were asymptomatic or mild, and that Andalucians have a high level of immunity, which should protect against possible new variants.
End of Mandatory Outdoor Mask Wearing in Spain
In related news, face masks will no longer be compulsory outdoors in Spain from today. The royal decree ending the general obligation to wear a face mask in outdoor spaces was published on Wednesday in Spain’s Official State Gazette (BOE). However, masks will still be mandatory in certain situations, such as enclosed public spaces like concerts, demonstrations, and sporting events.
Changes in Mask Wearing Rules for Children and COVID-19 Passports
Children will no longer have to wear a face mask in the school playground from Thursday. However, some areas of Spain still require the use of COVID-19 passports, and individuals will need to show them in certain situations.
