Compulsory mask-wearing in Spain largely ends

After almost two years, compulsory mask-wearing to contain the Coronavirus pandemic is a thing of the past in Spain.

Starting Wednesday, the rule would only be in force in public transport, as well as in old people’s homes and health care facilities.

However, experts called on the population to continue to be cautious and to voluntarily cover their mouths and noses in poorly ventilated indoor areas and in crowded pedestrian zones.

The Cabinet decided to abolish the mask rule on Tuesday.

The danger posed by the Coronavirus has “clearly decreased,” Health Minister Carolina Darias stressed after the meeting.

It was not least thanks to the high vaccination rate in the country, which was hit particularly hard by the pandemic in spring 2020.

The seven-day incidence rate in Spain on Tuesday was just under 257 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants.

However, all positive tests and Coronavirus infections no longer had to be reported.

About 85 per cent of the population had been vaccinated.