A Chaotic World

The final wave of the Great Flu in the United States began in the winter of 1919. Compared with the second wave that had broken out in August 1918, the third wave was not nearly as severe, and its mortality rate was relatively lower.

In the more developed European nations, nearly all countries had achieved the isolation of infected individuals, limiting the spread of the flu to the greatest extent possible.

Masks and alcohol disinfectants, proven effective by Spain, were also being manufactured and purchased in large quantities by European nations to disinfect places that might pose infection risks.

In Europe today, masks had become an indispensable part of people's daily travel and lives. Whether in Spain or other European nations, the public was already strictly required to wear masks in public places.

All forms of public transportation, including trams, subways, and trains, also refused entry to anyone not wearing a mask.

Although mandatory mask-wearing did indeed cause dissatisfaction among some people, the majority remained quite rational.

After all, the flu had already killed at least several million people in Europe. So long as one was not a fool, one should understand that wearing masks was for the good of everyone.

Among all European nations, the Spaniards had accepted masks the fastest and had basically achieved universal mask-wearing whenever they went out.

On one hand, this was because the Spaniards held great trust in the royal family and government. On the other, the royal family had funded and donated vast quantities of medical supplies, including masks that were highly effective at preventing the flu.

Spanish people could receive free masks at regular intervals. Although the quantity was not large, there were no restrictions whatsoever, and all citizens could collect them at local clinics, Government Buildings, and other designated public places.