From teleworking to exceptional measures if the flu epidemic is very high

A standard procedure for dealing with influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses has been agreed upon, describing four risk scenarios ranging from mask use in healthcare facilities to the recommendation of teleworking and special actions in the event of a particularly high-level outbreak. This was approved yesterday, Wednesday, December 3rd, by the Ministry of Health and the regional governments, convening in the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System.

The agreement establishes four risk scenarios based on discovered transmissibility levels, together with an evaluation of other indicators and an estimate of the impact on healthcare resources and the sensitive population. According to ministerial sources, this classification enables for tailoring measures to the shifting epidemiological situation in each region, boosting the healthcare and community response capabilities.

Scenarios

The application of the proposed measures must be done in a phased and incremental manner, ensuring that in each scenario the recommendations of the agreed levels are also implemented: the first scenario is of an inter-epidemic or baseline situation, the second is of a low or medium level, the third is of a high-level epidemic and the fourth is of a very high level.

The language indicates that the scope of applicability is set by the autonomous community, which will estimate the risk scenarios based on the epidemiological situation.

“We approved a Common Protocol with all the autonomous communities to combat the flu, COVID-19 , and other respiratory infections. Working from home and wearing masks in healthcare facilities save lives. We said it was both necessary and possible,” stated Health Minister Mónica García in a tweet.

Vulnerable

In the inter-epidemic or baseline scenario, general preventive measures remain in place, such as boosting immunisation , epidemiological surveillance, and staff training. The use of surgical masks is recommended for people with respiratory symptoms, especially if they will be in touch with vulnerable individuals, as well as their continuing use by symptomatic personnel in social and healthcare facilities.

In low- or medium-level epidemic scenarios, inter-institutional collaboration and active communication with the public are strengthened. The suggestion for the use of surgical masks by patients with symptoms and in susceptible settings is increased. In hospitals, its use is encouraged in sensitive areas (such as cancer or transplant units ) for both personnel and patients and their companions. In residential care institutions, personnel with symptoms must continue to wear masks, and if transmission is found, more steps may be taken.

If there is a serious outbreak, plans for continuing care will be changed to make sure that people can respond. In places like waiting rooms and emergency departments that are common in healthcare facilities, it is suggested that everyone wear masks. Policies for visitors at residential care facilities are being looked at again. People who are at risk are told to wear masks in small places that don’t have enough ventilation.

Coordination between areas

At the highest level, plenary meetings of the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System set off amazing coordination across territories. Health authorities may implement extraordinary measures to regulate transmission in particular situations or among very susceptible populations.

The text stresses how important it is for regional public health agencies and the Ministry of Health to work together. It also says that the epidemiological situation should be checked on a regular basis so that responses can be changed. Nursing homes and specialised hospital units are examples of vulnerable settings that need special attention since early detection and quick response are so important.

The Ministry of Health said in a statement, “These recommendations are a key tool for anticipating and mitigating the impact of seasonal epidemics, improving the preparedness of the health system and protecting the health of the population.”