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These are sold in packs of 10 units 

Image: The new normal? Member of the Military Emergencies Unit showing the correct way to don protective gloves and masks.

On Monday we move into phase one of de-escalation and after eight weeks of lockdown will be able to enjoy much greater freedom, and even a cooling beer in a beachside bar following a coastal walk.

Although the government is not insisting that we wear masks out in the street, it is “advisable” according to the Ministry of Health, particularly if there is a situation in which we may have “contact” with other people, so although it’s not necessary to don a mask for an enjoyable coastal amble, it is advisable to put one on if stopping off to shop or have a coffee afterwards.

 

It certainly appears that wearing facemasks will become part of the "new normal", certainly for the next few months.

 

Up until now masks have only been available from registered pharmacies (apart from the occasional independent supermarket), and let’s be honest, it’s a bit of a pain having to find an open pharmacist, park and wait in a queue, particularly when somebody at the front of it appears to be collecting prescriptions for half of the street and the sales assistant is apparently interested in hearing detailed descriptions of the ailments of each one before serving anyone else!

 

There are also still problems with overcharging; last week the Ed. was charged 5.70€ for a single mask in the Puerto de Mazarrón. When protesting vociferously and questioning where the 96 cent masks promised by the government had gone to, the sales assistant made it quite clear that these were “out of stock” and there was no other alternative; pay a rip-off price or shop without one!

 

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel as supermarkets are now starting to sell packs of masks at more realistic prices.

 

Carrefour has started by selling masks at its establishments in Madrid; Lidl has begun in Barcelona and Mercadona will be selling its own packs of masks from 14th May onwards.

 

Each of the chains say that they will be gradually rolling out the product in stores throughout the country.

 

Prices oscillate between 60 cents and 89 cents, with masks sold in packs of 10 to 50 units, making them cheaper than the 96 cents maximum price established by the government (when these are actually available!).

 

DIA has also added a box of 50 masks (30 euros including Vat) to its products list which are available to collect from 500 stores nationwide, although must be pre-ordered by internet in advance.

 

From Monday more than one person will be permitted to travel in a private vehicle, so for many couples, shopping together will once again be permittable.

 

However, the supermarkets are currently sticking to their recommendations that only one person enter their stores at a time in order to maintain social distancing and safe shopping for all, so be aware that partners may not be allowed to shop together in some stores until the state of emergency has concluded.

 

Some are also resuming their original shopping hours from Monday onwards.