Mandatory masks, can you be fined for not wearing one on the street?

Congress of Deputies approves a motion to eliminate masks indoors

Congress of Deputies approves a motion to eliminate masks indoors.

Mandatory masks, can you be fined for not wearing one on the street?

Mandatory masks have once again been enforced throughout Spain since last Friday, December 24. Regardless of the physical safety distance, and with the exception of various situations, you are obliged to wear one.

After the extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting was held, the new Royal Decree-Law was approved. As a result, urgent measures for the prevention and containment of the current coronavirus health crisis have been adopted.

Just a few months after its use had been eliminated, we find ourselves in the middle of another explosion of daily infections, thanks to the latest Omicron strain.

“It is a temporary measure, which will be in force for the essential time until the current epidemiological situation improves”, they said from La Moncloa, in Madrid. A whole narrative surrounds the use of facemasks, and the controversy about whether they are effective or not.

It will be mandatory to wear a mask on the street at all times, except in the following cases: as long as the safety distance of 1.5 metres is maintained; when practicing individual sports; in natural spaces, and during activities of a non-sporting nature.

Masks will continue to be mandatory, “in closed spaces for public use; in closed spaces open to the public; in public transportation of any kind, as well as a complimentary private one with up to 9 seats, if the occupants do not coexist in the same address”.

In the case of non-compliance with these regulations, the competent authorities may issue a fine of up to €100, as it is considered a light sanction within the General Public Health Law, as reported by 20minutos.es.

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Written by

Chris King

Originally from Wales, Chris spent years on the Costa del Sol before moving to the Algarve where he is a web reporter for The Euro Weekly News covering international and Spanish national news. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com

Comments


    • Anne Sewell

      29 December 2021 • 08:32

      The first paragraph is misleading – it says we have to wear them regardless of social distance. Meanwhile, the actual rule as you quote it reads “except in the following cases: as long as the safety distance of 1.5 metres is maintained; when practicing individual sports; in natural spaces, and during activities of a non-sporting nature.”

      • Philip

        29 December 2021 • 12:27

        This is all part of the loose translation/interpretation between Spanish and English which is so often open to confusion. All European governments are guilty of confusing the population by what appears to be muddled thinking. It is easier for them if everyone stays locked up and seldom ventures out but continue to pay their taxes.

    • Naimah Yianni

      29 December 2021 • 13:36

      Masks dont stop transmission and can cause a multitude of medical problems including lack of oxygen, increase in CO2 in the lungs and lung infections. It is my understanding that anyone can refuse to wear one on medical grounds without having to provide any documentation

    • M

      29 December 2021 • 16:28

      Masks are their to mitigate any fluids coughed up which could be a problem in closed spaces. That said Masks are their to show people follow the rules only. True virulant viruses would spread through the population without exception, they cannot be contained by Government guidlines and exceptions for others. I would advice the use of Natural cotton masks which are breathable and have been used for decades, If you require a true mask to stop any virus try the Military virus masks. Remember Covid has a 99.8% recovery rate for your information.

    Comments are closed.