Impact of new COVID-19 wave will be “minimal” on Spain’s hospitals: expert

According to Bengoa, Spain is in a strong position due to its high (almost 80 percent) vaccination rate in the general population, the administering of a third (booster) vaccine dose to people aged 70 and over, and the maintenance of the “classic” public health restrictions, such as the mask mandate indoors and the health ‘bubbles’ in schools.

Cidon also recommended maintaining certain restrictions, such as face mask use and limiting capacity for the upcoming end-of-year events.

According to data published by the Spanish Ministry of Health on Monday, COVID-19 cases only occupy 1.77 percent of all hospital beds and 4.68 percent of beds in intensive care units in the country.

The ministry reported a slight increase in the 14-day incidence rate of coronavirus infections from 71.50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants on Friday to 82.02 cases on Monday.

A total of 9,798 new coronavirus infections and 43 deaths were registered during the 72-hour period between midday on Nov. 12 and 12 noon on Nov. 15.