The ruling will remain in effect until at least January 8, while health sources report hospital admissions in the capital for acute respiratory infections.
Flu and other acute respiratory infections, such as bronchiolitis, COVID-19, and common colds, have risen dramatically in recent days. The increase has been so intense that face masks are now compulsory for patients, visitors, and healthcare professionals in most public health centres and hospitals across Malaga province.
The regional Ministry of Health, Presidency, and Emergencies confirmed on Monday, December 15, that masks are fully required in all facilities under the Malaga-Guadalhorce Health District. This includes the Regional University Hospital of Malaga (which manages the Civil Hospital and Maternal-Child Hospital, as well as the José Estrada High-Resolution Speciality Centre, or CARE); the Virgen de la Victoria University Clinical Hospital (which oversees the Torremolinos Maritime Hospital, the Valle del Guadalhorce Hospital in Cártama, the Benalmadena High-Resolution Hospital, and the San José Obrero speciality centre in Barbarela); plus 33 health centres and 19 clinics covering Malaga capital, Rincón de la Victoria, the Guadalhorce Valley, and Almogia.
The order also applies to the Costa del Sol Hospital, the Axarquia Hospital, and health centres in Antequera. Ministry sources said that the situation will evolve based on ongoing epidemiological data.
For the Malaga-Guadalhorce District, a citizen-directed note stated: "Due to the early start of the flu season and the sharp rise in acute respiratory infections in the province, the district management has made masks mandatory in all healthcare facilities." Compliance is required for healthcare and non-healthcare staff, patients, and companions in clinical areas and common spaces, such as waiting rooms and elevators. Sales of masks have been frantic, with many shops and pharmacies reportedly selling out fast.
The Hospital Clinico has confirmed that hospital admissions linked to respiratory viruses, including flu, COVID-19, and common colds, have spiked as a result of the early flu season, with many patients suffering acute breathing difficulties.
Health Councillor Antonio Sanz emphasised on Friday the importance of flu and COVID-19 vaccination, citing rising respiratory illness rates. Andalusia has already reached the epidemic threshold for flu syndrome at 33.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (above the 20-case baseline). Flu cases tripled in just seven days region-wide. In Malaga, rates jumped 154 per cent from 10.4 to 26.4 cases per 100,000 in one week, provoking the mandatory masks in the affected centres. Authorities warn this could change rapidly with new data.
Exceeding the epidemic threshold indicates cases are higher than expected for this time of year, with generalised virus spread and sustained flu activity - not just a temporary spike.
Failure to wear an approved face mark or wearing one incorrectly in a health centre in Malaga or Costa del Sol (not covering the mouth and nose adequately) could result in being forcibly removed by security or police.