Spain Expected To Abolish The Mandatory Wearing Of Masks
Spain News
Published: 17 June 2021 13:50 CET
The current ‘wearing face masks out in public’ rule may soon be a thing of the past in public places, according to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
On Wednesday, June 16, the Prime Minister, who was at the opening of the Spain-Korea Business Forum in Madrid, said “Soon we will abandon the masks in the streets.”
Mr Sanchez, who was accompanied by Korean President Moon Jae-in (pictured), stated that “In a few days we will reach the milestone of more than 15 million Spaniards immunised in what is the largest vaccination campaign in our history.”
Referring to the target of 70% of Spaniards being vaccinated by the end of the summer he added, “In a few weeks, 50% of the population will have had at least one dose and the road map is clear and is being fulfilled.”
A record 3.5 million vaccinations were administered in Spain last week.
The relaxation of the ‘wearing face masks in public’ rule is supported by recent data on the progress of the country’s vaccination campaign, which has reached “cruising speed.”
Recognising the “serious blow” that the pandemic has had on the Spanish, Korean and global economies, Sánchez said, “total vaccination of the population is the bridge toward total recovery.”
Spain’s Public Health Commission, which brings together the Central Health Ministry and the regional healthcare chiefs, didn’t however debate the possibility of relinquishing the mandatory use of face masks, at its meeting on Tuesday.
According to sources from the Health Ministry, who spoke to the Europa Press news agency, “there is no date” for the coronavirus measure to be lifted.
Currently, Spain has very strict mask rules in place, including the requirement for anyone over the age of six to wear a mask outdoors, even when social distancing can be observed.
However, for some time now, many health experts have been crying out for an end to wearing masks outdoors. This is based on there being no evidence that says their use, when there are no crowds around, is effective.
In May, the Spanish Health Ministry drew up a road map for dropping Covid restrictions, before the summer tourist season began. This is vital for the Spanish economy with the tourism sector accounting for around 12 per cent of the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
A law was passed by parliament that makes wearing masks in public compulsory for as long as the Covid pandemic lasts.
However, in order to have this mandatory mask-wearing rule abolished, the Spanish government will have to approve a Royal Decree in the Congress of Deputies.
Source
https://english.elpais.com/spain/2021-06-16/spanish-pm-announces-that-face-masks-will-soon-not-be-mandatory-outdoors.html
https://www.euractiv.com/section/coronavirus/news/spain-expected-to-abolish-mandatory-outdoor-mask-wearing/
Image Credit: Pool Moncloa/Fernando Calvo
