Starting Wednesday, it will be required to wear face masks in hospitals and healthcare facilities in Spain due to a rise in respiratory illnesses, according to the Health Ministry.

Despite facing opposition from the majority of Spain’s 17 autonomous regions, the new leftist minority coalition government is implementing the measure.

According to Health Minister Mónica García, it is important to wear a mask when entering a health center and remove it upon leaving. This statement was made during an interview on Cadena Ser radio on Monday evening.

She stated that she doesn’t see it as a big deal. It’s just a simple and fundamental step.

In recent weeks, Spanish hospitals have faced significant strain due to a surge in cases of the flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses.

The decision to implement the measure was made by García’s ministry after they were unable to come to a compromise with local health authorities. Some of the authorities believed that wearing masks should be suggested rather than required.

The responsibility for healthcare falls on regional governments, but the central government can step in if deemed necessary.

The measure has been implemented in six regions and masks have become a common sight on streets, public transport, and health centers in recent months.

In July, Spain officially announced the end of the health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This meant that people were no longer required to wear masks in healthcare facilities and pharmacies. Spain had been gradually lifting the mandate on mask wearing for the past two years, starting with public spaces and then extending to public transportation.

More than 14 million cases of the coronavirus have been reported in the country, resulting in approximately 120,000 deaths.