British tourists must still wear masks on public transport in Spain

Posted on : 12/10/2022
British tourists must still wear masks on public transport in Spain
Travel 

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Tourists are still required to wear masks on public transport in Spain as well as on Spanish airlines. The rules also apply in the Canary Islands.

Carolina Darias, Minister of Health for Spain, said: “We have always made decisions hand in hand with experts and advisors and we are going to continue to do so, therefore, we are going to wait until they make a contrary statement.”

Darias also said that during winter with the drop in temperature, it’s important for people to keep taking care of themselves.

Regional ministries of Health, including on the Canary Islands, have said they want the use of masks to be dropped on public transport.

Spain’s Association of Airlines (ALA) has said the mask rule is “incomprehensible” and “real nonsense”.

The president of the ALA, Javier Gandara, said: “In Spain, experts are referred to maintain this obligation, but in the rest of the countries of the world there are also experts who care about the safety of their citizens, and that they have already determined that the use of masks is no longer needed on planes.”

He said that the mask rule for Spanish airspace was “ridiculous” saying: “In a 12 hour flight, passengers don’t need one for 11 hours but must wear one for the last hour, and it is hoped that this will reduce the possibility of contagion, it seems a real nonsense to us.”

The ALA president added that the obligation to wear masks should be removed on planes and left to passenger choice.

Spain’s face mask rules (GOV.UK FCO advice)

The use of face coverings is mandatory for anyone over the age of six years if you are in the following situations:

  • On any form of public transport in Spain
  • Visiting a hospital or medical centre (including other healthcare settings such as dentists, opticians, pharmacies etc.)
  • Visiting a care or nursing home
  • Face masks must cover the nose and mouth.

In addition to the mandatory use of face masks in the above situations, the Spanish government recommends you use them responsibly in the following circumstances:

  • Enclosed public spaces such as shops, cinemas, bars and restaurants
  • At large events (e.g. concerts, sporting events)
  • When in the company of people considered clinically vulnerable or high-risk and social distancing of 1.5m cannot be observed
  • At family gatherings
  • In any other enclosed communal spaces open to the public.

People with respiratory problems or those unable to wear a mask due to other health conditions are exempt.

Spain’s public space rules (GOV.UK FCO advice)

  • Obligatory use of face masks on public transport, in pharmacies, medical centres and care homes
  • Abide by any safety measures put in place by establishments such as hotels, bars, shops and restaurants to reduce the risk of COVID such as social distancing and other public safety precautions
  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly and use hand sanitizer gel where soap and water is not available.

If tourists test positive for Covid in Spain, they are not required to self-isolate but should inform direct contacts.

They should also follow precautionary measures for 10 days by wearing a mask and reducing social interactions.

Those testing positive are also advised to avoid crowded space and large events and stay away from people at high risk.

Older people, people with health conditions and pregnant women are considered to be high risk from Covid.

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