Spain is bringing back the mask regime across the country due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and flu. The new measures came into effect last Wednesday, despite massive local protests in some regions. This was reported by the Spanish mass media.
It was clarified that so far the obligation to wear masks applies only to hospitals and medical centers, but the area of coverage may expand. Currently, masks will also be needed in tourist areas – Valencia and the Canary Islands.
According to the monitoring of the epidemiological situation in the country, the number of patients with respiratory diseases is growing rapidly, and at the same time, hospitals are rapidly filling up. It is noteworthy that this is not the first time that Spain has returned to the mask regime. Last year, the authorities announced an end to the health crisis, but due to the circumstances, they introduced emergency measures. Health Minister Monica Garcia then emphasized that this was a “basic measure of the first order.”
Let’s list what rules are currently in force in the country in connection with the changes:
- Wearing medical masks or respirators is mandatory in hospitals and medical centers.
- Not needed outside the specified places.
- People with signs of an infectious disease must wear a mask in public places.
However, the impact of these measures on tourists is not yet clear. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of countries, including our country, has not yet updated recommendations for visits to Spain. Existing guidelines call for all safety measures to be followed and sanitary instructions to be followed.