Spain Eased Its Indoor Face Mask Ban

For the first time in nearly two years, Spain has eased its indoor face mask ban.

For the first time since May 2020, people no longer need to wear face masks in the majority of indoor public facilities in the country, such as pubs, restaurants, stores, and theatres.

Masks will still be required to be worn on public transportation, as well as at hospitals, medical centers, nursing homes, and care homes, however patients will not be required to do so.

Carolina Darias, the Minister of Health, announced on Tuesday: “The mask without doubt has been one of the most identifiable measures over the past two years and it will no longer be obligatory.

“They will continue to be with us as an element of protection, particularly for the most vulnerable.”

Masks are still recommended in confined public settings, at major events, and around patients who are clinically susceptible, even though they are no longer required.

According to the UK Foreign Office website: “The Spanish government recommends you use [masks] in the following circumstances: enclosed public spaces such as shops, cinemas, bars and restaurants, at large events (e.g. concerts, sporting events), when in the company of people considered clinically vulnerable or high-risk and social distancing of 1.5m cannot be observed, at family gatherings, in any other enclosed communal spaces open to the public.”