Masks compulsory in enclosed spaces as well as on public transport

 

SPAIN'S government has amended its rules on wearing masks in public – initially only mandatory on public transport or in private cars when travelling with persons not from the same household – and has now announced they will be required anywhere that physical distancing cannot be guaranteed.

From tomorrow (Wednesday), surgical or hygiene masks – the latter being of a lower protection level and of the type typically used by people with a cold when around babies or the elderly – must be worn inside buildings open to the public and also on the street, except where it is easy to maintain a distance of at least two metres (6'6”) between oneself and others.

Health minister Salvador Illa points out: “There's a big difference between going for a walk in the countryside, and going for a walk in a crowded city.”

In the former, a person is unlikely to run into others and, if they do, should have no problems in avoiding getting close to them, but in a busy supermarket, for example, or whilst walking along a city-centre pavement, social distancing may not always be easy.

Head of Spain's Health Emergencies and Alerts Coordination Centre, Fernando Simón, has urged the public to be 'responsible' since 'it is not always easy to ascertain the distance' between oneself and the next person.

“In the event of any uncertainty, the logical thing to do is to put your mask on,” Simón stresses.

“The main thing to take into account is that it's crucial to use these when there's a risk of exposing yourself or others to possible infection.”

Illa's department has been criticised for making masks compulsory two months after the State of Alarm was announced and at a time when most of Spain is now in 'Phase 1' of recovery – with small shops open subject to limited numbers, and pavement cafés operating at 50% - but he stresses that doing so now is as a 'precaution', since before, with everyone required to stay at home except for essential errands, there was less likelihood of coming into contact with others.

The aim of the exercise is to prevent new incidences of Covid-19 now that Spain is starting to open up again.

Also, Spain has taken its lead from fellow EU member States, which have also, in the last few days, started to make masks compulsory outside the home in certain situations.

“All decisions and procedures concerning the pandemic are subject to permanent review,” says Illa.

“At this point in the 'unlocking', we considered it pertinent to take this step.

“We have discussed it and reached a consensus with the regional governments, and have listened to experts, and we consider it a measure of caution and safety.”

National health authorities will not give out masks free of charge, but has left it up to regional governments to decide whether they wish to do so.

Some health authorities have been giving them out free to pensioners and those with pre-existing medical conditions, and some town councils have been doing so – in a few cases, to every single resident, often thanks to the support of local businesses which have manufactured them for the purpose.

This is another crucial reason for residents to ensure they are registered on the padrón, or municipal census: If they do not appear on the roll, they will not get their free masks delivered if their local council plans to do so.

Prices, however, have been capped at 96 cents each, and most pharmacies now have them in stock, as do some supermarkets, including Mercadona.

One of the main reasons masks were not compulsory earlier on was their lack of availability – pharmacies had sold out nationwide, and speculation among online sellers meant even disposable ones were retailing at over €40 each.

Due to the shortage, Spain followed the World Health Organisation's recommendations that only those in direct contact with Covid-19 patients or in the high-risk bracket need wear them, believing it better, in the event of difficulties in obtaining masks, to leave those few available to the people who most needed them.