Spain's COVID restrictions are about to change. The Spanish Government is set to put an end to the compulsory use of face masks on public transport, with a vote to take place on 7th February 2023 in the Council of Ministers. Following approval, the measure would be effective the following day, i.e. masks will no longer be compulsory on public transport in Spain from 8th February 2023. So, what are the face mask rules in Spain now? This means that in Spain, masks will only continue to be mandatory in health centres, hospitals and pharmacies. This has been confirmed by Spain's Health Minister, Carolina Darias.
Spain mask rules: public transport
Spain was one of the few European countries, along with Germany and Greece, that kept face masks on buses, trains, subways and planes. Its elimination had been considered on previous occasions, but the health ministry on several occasions declared that it was an imprudent decision: "We are now in a period of a significant increase in syncytial virus and influenza and bronchiolitis. In any case, we are going to continue to take care of ourselves and we are going to continue to work close to the experts", declared MP Carolina Darias on 9th December 2022.
Nevertheless, given that the COVID-19 incidence rate in Spain remains stable and did not increase excessively during Christmas celebrations and after the opening of the borders with China, Spain is on track to put the measure in place. Note that Spain's mask rules apply to the whole territory, including the Balearic and Canary Islands.
Fernando Simón, Director of the Coordination Centre for Health Alerts and Emergencies of the Ministry of Health in Spain, reiterated that "the message is not that masks are going to be withdrawn, but that now the population has to be much more responsible". "When we have symptoms, we should use them responsibly and, if we are at risk or with vulnerable groups, we should also use masks responsibly. We have to understand that our health affects the health of others in some way, especially when there is an infectious disease involved," he stressed.
Spain mask rules: flights
Do you have to wear a mask on a plane? The removal of face mask rules on public transport also applies to flights arriving in and departing from Spain. Until now, airlines had to enforce the compulsory use of face masks when flying to and from Spain, but this will no longer be the case from 8th February 2023.
Where do you have to wear a face mask in Spain?
So, do I still need to wear a mask in Spain? The answer is yes if you visit any of the following places: health centres, hospitals and pharmacies.
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