Date Published: 18/07/2020
ARCHIVED - Region of Valencia makes use of a mask in public mandatory
ARCHIVED ARTICLE Every Region of Spain except the Canary Islands and Madrid now enforces the use of masks in public
The Region of Valencia has finally succumbed and joined the list of regions enforcing the mandatory use of masks in public spaces.
Please note; if you are driving to Alicante airport to pick up a family member the use of a mask in enclosed spaces, such as the airport is obligatory, It is also obligatory to wear a mask in a car if those travelling in the vehicle are not from the same domestic address, as you're effectively sharing an enclosed space with someone from outside of your household, so be aware of that when travelling in areas where there is a possibility of a police check.
Minister of Health, Ana Barceló confirmed on Saturday that the use of a mask will be compulsory throughout all three provinces of the region (Alicante, Valencia, Castellón) in open spaces, in public areas both indoors and outdoors, the only exceptions being beaches, swimming pools and natural spaces.
The minister explained that there are currently 20 active coronavirus outbreaks in the Valencian Community, particularly focused around the younger population who are spreading the virus amongst their own families and friends via parties, botellon sessions, private gatherings with friends and nightlife venues, a situation that has forced the government to take "forceful measures".
Although cases in younger people are generally mild or even asymptomatic (ie not showing symptoms), young people are then transmitting the virus to their own families and amongst work colleagues, thus creating many new outbreaks across Spain.
The total number of outbreaks in Spain on Thursday had risen to 224 and the average age of patients had fallen from 62 years at the peak of the pandemic to 46 in men and 50 in women due to the large number of cases amongst the younger population.
The Minister stressed that the use of masks "is also recommended" in private spaces, open or closed, "when there is a confluence with non-cohabitants or interpersonal distance cannot be guaranteed."
People with illnesses or respiratory problems that may be aggravated by the use of masks, as well as in other cases of dependency or disability are not required to wear masks.
The obligation to use masks, the Minister stresses, "refers to hygienic and surgical masks" and affects their "proper use, from the nasal septum to the chin."
She also insisted that the mandatory use of masks is extended to include terraces of bars and restaurants at times when the client is not physically engaged in the act of sipping a drink or eating; "the fact that a client is sitting at a table on a terrace does not mean that we should not protect ourselves," she stressed.
This latter point has caused a great deal of comment on social media this week, particularly amongst holidaymakers who have been reluctant to understand that the wearing of masks in bars is for their own protection and that of staff working in the establishment in an environment in which a lot of potential contacts are possible and that removing a mask to sip a drink is a small inconvenience when compared to being put on a hospital ventilator.
The fine for not complying with mask regulations in Spain is an on the spot 100 euros fine.
Click for full information about the wearing of masks in Spain and other helpful advice for visiting holidaymakers.
-->