A few days ago it was announced that after Easter the long-awaited day would come for some to say goodbye to the mandatory use of masks indoors. Today, Tuesday, April 19, 700 days after declaring it mandatory, the Council of Ministers has approved the Royal Decree by which, as of tomorrow, April 20, the use of masks will no longer be mandatory in general. The measure would enter into force after its publication tomorrow in the Official State Gazette (BOE).
As the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, explained at a press conference, the very high vaccination coverage against COVID-19 and the current epidemiological situation in our country have made it possible to relax the regulations in force to date on the use of masks; one of the most symbolic elements of the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic.
However, the use of masks will continue to be mandatory in certain contexts and their use is recommended in different situations or contexts, especially related to people and environments of special vulnerability. We clarify which ones.
Where it will still be mandatory to wear a mask
Thus, Darias has detailed, the mask will continue to be mandatory in these three situations:
-
Health centers, services and establishments, such as hospitals, health centers, transfusion centers or pharmacies, both for the people who work in them and for visitors. The exception is that it will not be mandatory for people who are admitted when they stay in their rooms.
- Likewise, the use of masks in social health centers, such as nursing homes, will continue to be mandatory, both for people who work in them and for visitors. It will not be mandatory for residents.
- The mandatory use of masks is also maintained in air, rail or cable transport and in buses, as well as in public passenger transport. It will not have to be used for passenger platforms and stations. It will also be mandatory in the case of the closed spaces of ships and boats in which it is not possible to maintain the distance of 1.5 meters, except in the cabins, when they are shared.
Where it will be advisable (but not mandatory) to wear a mask
As Darias explained, although the use of the mask will not be mandatory, responsible use is still recommended in large events and crowds, as well as in indoor spaces for the vulnerable population in general – people over 60 years of age, pregnant women or immunocompromised people. , among other groups–, and in family settings and private meetings or celebrations, depending on the vulnerability of the participants.
Should they continue to wear masks in schools?
In the same way, the mandatory use of masks in the school environment is abolished, and responsible use of them by teachers with a vulnerability factor is also recommended.
Is it mandatory to wear a mask at work?
Finally, in the work environment, in general, the use of masks will not be mandatory. However, the risk assessment of the job will be what will allow a decision to be made on the appropriate preventive measures to be implemented, including the possible use of masks.
.
