Spain abolishes the obligation to wear masks on the streets

Wearing face masks (gags) on the street became optional in Spain, starting today, Saturday, after the country's authorities canceled this measure, which had been in force for a year, due to the improvement in the epidemiological situation.

Since last July, Spaniards have not been able to leave their homes without wearing face masks. Failure to comply with this rule faces a fine of up to 100 euros. And it was necessary to wear masks always and in all public places, with exceptions for people who have any medical contraindications, and children under the age of six, as well as when exercising.

These severe measures did not save Spain from being exposed to 3 waves of the pandemic. The epidemiological situation in the country did not improve until most of the issues related to the mass vaccination campaign were resolved.

And only after that the government agreed to ease restrictions imposed on the population, and it allowed not to wear masks in the streets, but on the condition that a physical distance of 1.5 meters is observed between individuals, otherwise masks must be worn even on the street and in any other crowded places.

Face masks are still required in all enclosed spaces and on transportation. The wearing of masks will not be mandatory for passengers on ships, at concerts and other outdoor events, which allow to maintain physical distance.

"The masks will give way to smiles again. Our smiles will return to the streets," said Spanish Health Minister Carolina Darias.

The results of a new poll conducted by the online newspaper "Publico" with the participation of more than 4,000 people indicate that 38% of the respondents support the government's decision not to make masks mandatory in the streets, while 40% believe that it is necessary to wait for most of the country's population to be vaccinated. As for 22% of the respondents in the survey, they support the government's decision, but at the same time believe that the decision about mandatory or not mandatory wearing of masks in the streets should be taken depending on the epidemiological situation in specific concrete areas.

23.7 million Spaniards have received at least one dose of the Corona vaccine so far, while 15.1 million people have received two doses of the vaccine.