The use of face masks will no longer be compulsory from Thursday, 29 January, in hospitals and primary care facilities across the Region of Murcia. The measure applies to public and private hospitals, GP surgeries, mental health centres, local clinics and primary care emergency services.

The regional government says the decision has been taken after a sustained drop in acute respiratory infections. According to the latest epidemiological report, overall infections fell by 7.6 per cent in the last reporting week. Flu cases dropped by 40.9 per cent, Covid by 16.7 per cent, and bronchitis and bronchiolitis by 7.9 per cent.

The regional health minister, Juan José Pedreño, said all decisions on mask requirements have been based on technical advice to protect the population, especially vulnerable groups. He stressed that while masks are no longer mandatory, their use is still recommended for people with respiratory symptoms or when spending time with elderly people, children or immunocompromised patients.

Health officials have also reminded the public that infections are mainly spread through close contact or contaminated surfaces, and have highlighted the continued importance of regular hand washing. Mandatory mask use was first introduced on 9 December and remained in force until 28 January.