The mandatory use of a mask on public transport in Spain ends this Wednesday

The Council of Ministers of SPAIN has approved the end of the mandatory use of masks on public transport, which is expected to be lifted on Wednesday.

Spain was one of the few European countries that maintained the rule despite the Covid-19 cases and the lowest hospital occupancy figures since the beginning of the pandemic.

Until last Friday, 2,056 people were hospitalized with the coronavirus, of which 150 were in Intensive Care Units.

With few restrictions, infections have not picked up since the last wave ended in July, and despite fears of a rebound over the winter.

Once the modification of the Royal Decree is published in the Official State Gazette -probably tomorrow- the use of masks on public transport will no longer be necessary.

Another change is that masks will not be required in hearing centers, opticians and orthopedic clinics, that is, in health centers that do not dispense medicines.

The Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, said: “It is one more step in the response that we have been giving at all times according to each epidemiological situation guided by experts.”

“The end of the use of masks on public transport is part of a phased roadmap to return to normality,” he added.

Masks remain mandatory in hospitals, health centers and clinics of all kinds.

The rule for visits to pharmacies and for workers deployed in nursing homes is also maintained.

Health authorities and experts continue to recommend the voluntary use of masks when in contact with vulnerable people in high-risk situations.