ARCHIVED - From Wednesday new stricter law governing facemasks in Spain comes into force
Masks must be worn on the beach and in the open air, regardless of the 1.5 metre social distancing rule
Whereas before, the official nationwide rules stated that masks had to be worn whenever it was not possible to stay at least 1.5 metres away from other citizens, it now makes them mandatory in all public places regardless of distance.
A new law that comes into effect in Spain on Wednesday (31 March) will be making face masks mandatory in all public places, whether or not social distancing can be maintained.
Published in the Official State Gazette on Tuesday, the law replaces a decree the government issued in June 2020 at the end of lockdown. At that time the rules stated that face coverings had to be used in public and outdoor spaces when it wasn’t possible to stay 1.5 metres away from others, though many regional authorities adapted them to make mask use in public compulsory at all times with some exceptions, such as on the beach.
Regional governments will not be able to make changes to the new nationwide law, meaning the rules will be the same all over the country. From now on, everybody in Spain over six years of age must wear a mask on public streets and in all indoor or outdoor spaces used by or open to the public, including beaches or local swimming pools.
There are exceptions for those exercising outdoors individually who can stay away from others, those with medical or breathing problems that could be worsened by mask use, and in cases of “force majeure”.
The law will remain in force until the end of the pandemic, and also regulates other matters brought to light by the pandemic in order to provide the authorities with guidelines in case of future pandemics.