Holidaymakers have been urged to get vaccinated
A hugely popular winter sun destination is grappling with a surge in flu and Covid cases. The Canary Islands have recently seen a surge in respiratory infections, apparently fuelled by the onset of the academic year. According to the Carlos III Health Institute, between October 14 and 20, there were 794 cases per 100,000 residents for Covid, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This figure has doubled since mid-August but has not yet hit crisis levels.
Last season saw infections peak in the Canary Islands during the week of December 18, with 1,296 cases per 100,000 residents. In light of this, medical professionals are urging those at risk to get vaccinated against both flu and Covid to avoid serious illness, hospitalisations, and undue pressure on emergency services, reports The Express.
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“Every day, we’re seeing cases of Covid and other respiratory illnesses,” said Ana Joyanes, president of the Canary Islands Association of Primary Care Physicians (AMAPCAN), while providing reassurance that the health system is coping. “This trend is expected, and we anticipate a further increase in the coming days and weeks,” she noted, pointing out the typical seasonal spike in such infections, with Covid’s patterns still proving to be unpredictable.
Dr Joyanes added: “Vaccination is essential to make the impact of these infections milder or avoid them altogether, especially if you are over 60 years of age or classed as vulnerable,” reports Canarian Weekly.
However, Dr Joyanes admitted that persuading patients to get the Covid vaccine is still difficult and highlights the risks, saying: “Both flu and Covid can be deadly. If we are protected, we will fare better against the viruses.”
In November, the Ministry of Health will meet with regional authorities to discuss possible mask mandates across four risk levels, which may see masks move from recommended to mandatory for people with symptoms when in waiting rooms and hospital emergency areas.
As flu and Covid cases rise, the public’s adherence to preventive measures could prove essential in managing infection rates as the season progresses, with anyone able to book a double jab at their local health centre or via the miCita Previa app, particularly recommended for anyone over 60, obese, diabetics or if you have a respiratory illness such as asthma.
Demonstrations, organised by up to 20 different groups under the slogan ‘Canary Islands have a limit’, hit the headlines over the summer. Anger is mounting against anti-tourism protesters in the Canary Islands, with critics warning their ongoing demonstrations risk “cutting off their nose to spite their face”.
The archipelago is a massively popular destination for British tourists, but in recent years, resentment against tourists has swelled. However, some business owners have begun organising counter-protests to highlight the importance of tourism to the local economy.
