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No plans to scrap compulsory masks in indoor areas, confirms health minister
08/10/2021
SPAIN'S government says it does not intend to relax rules on wearing masks inside buildings 'just yet', recalling that these will also protect the population from typical autumn and winter infections such as influenza and the common cold.
Even though the country is now in the 'low-risk' category for Covid-19 infection, and hardly any restrictions are in place nationwide – except, in many cases, on numbers inside shops, and in a small handful of contagion hotspots – health minister Carolina Darías says it is still too soon to allow the public to ditch the masks.
Since the summer, nobody is now required to wear a mask outside, unless they are unable to maintain at least a two-metre distance from the next person, meaning they are still compulsory in crowded streets.
The majority of markets, concerts, fairs and other outdoor events still require the public to wear masks to enter the area.
Also, hospitals across the country continue to ban visits, and outpatients attending consultations are still only permitted one companion if they are disabled, elderly or under 18.
“We need to take it slowly, step by step,” says Sra Darías.
“In indoor areas, we're going to continue with masks. Autumn is here, and we don't know how respiratory viral infections will come around this time.”
The mask-wearing law will not be amended again until 'the whole country is on risk level 1', the minister stressed.
This is defined as fewer than 25 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, or below 0.025% of the population – just under half of the current rate.
Until then, not wearing a mask in an indoor public area such as shops, trains, buses, and in restaurants unless actually eating or drinking, continues to carry a fine of up to €100.
Even once they eventually cease to be mandatory by law indoors, it is still advisable to wear masks in autumn and winter to protect oneself and others from colds and 'flu.
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SPAIN'S government says it does not intend to relax rules on wearing masks inside buildings 'just yet', recalling that these will also protect the population from typical autumn and winter infections such as influenza and the common cold.
Even though the country is now in the 'low-risk' category for Covid-19 infection, and hardly any restrictions are in place nationwide – except, in many cases, on numbers inside shops, and in a small handful of contagion hotspots – health minister Carolina Darías says it is still too soon to allow the public to ditch the masks.
Since the summer, nobody is now required to wear a mask outside, unless they are unable to maintain at least a two-metre distance from the next person, meaning they are still compulsory in crowded streets.
The majority of markets, concerts, fairs and other outdoor events still require the public to wear masks to enter the area.
Also, hospitals across the country continue to ban visits, and outpatients attending consultations are still only permitted one companion if they are disabled, elderly or under 18.
“We need to take it slowly, step by step,” says Sra Darías.
“In indoor areas, we're going to continue with masks. Autumn is here, and we don't know how respiratory viral infections will come around this time.”
The mask-wearing law will not be amended again until 'the whole country is on risk level 1', the minister stressed.
This is defined as fewer than 25 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, or below 0.025% of the population – just under half of the current rate.
Until then, not wearing a mask in an indoor public area such as shops, trains, buses, and in restaurants unless actually eating or drinking, continues to carry a fine of up to €100.
Even once they eventually cease to be mandatory by law indoors, it is still advisable to wear masks in autumn and winter to protect oneself and others from colds and 'flu.
Related Topics
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