Date Published: 09/04/2021
ARCHIVED - Spain modifies new facemask rules to allow exceptions at beaches and swimming pools
ARCHIVED ARTICLE
Masks must be worn to walk along the beach but can be removed for swimming and sunbathing
When the Spanish government presented its new law regarding anti-pandemic measures to become statutory throughout the country a good deal of criticism was attracted by the establishment of compulsory mask-wearing in all public places, and during the fine weather over Easter many of the complaints highlighted the generalized unwillingness to accept the measure at places such as beaches.
It seemed that insufficient thought had been given to the wording of the proposals and that not enough exceptions had been specified, making it an offence to remove a facemask when sunbathing or even bathing in the sea, and this was tacitly accepted as a valid criticism on Wednesday when the Ministry of Health and the regional health authorities agreed to modify the new rules.
As a result, the Interterritorial Health Committee has ratified the proposal to make masks obligatory when people are walking, and in situations where social distancing is inapplicable, but has established exceptions for those bathing or resting (or sunbathing) in or alongside the sea, swimming pools, and other areas of water.
In other words, masks may be removed to sunbathe (as long as 1.5-metre social distancing is maintained) but must be put on again to walk along the beach.
At the same time, people are exempted from wearing a mask when indulging in individual sporting activities, among which bathing and sunbathing are included although they do not necessarily involve great physical effort.
The modified regulations also establish that while masks may be removed at bars and restaurants when customers are eating or drinking, they must be worn while moving around the establishment – for example, to go to the toilets.
With regard to rules at the beaches, the full list of exceptions to mask-wearing is as follows:
- While bathing in the sea, lakes, reservoirs, rivers and other natural bodies of water, or in indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
- While indulging in water sports.
- While resting before or after bathing or taking part in water sports. At beaches and in similar environments masks may be removed only while remaining in one place and respecting social distancing of at least 1.5 metres from people belonging to different households, while at swimming pools, the exception is valid only between periods of physical exercise.
- Lifesaving and rescue staff when required to enter the water.
- For eating and drinking in locations where this is permitted.
However, masks must be worn in the following situations:
- While walking along the shore of bodies of water.
- While walking on accesses to beaches and bodies of water.
- Inside the changing rooms of public and communal swimming pools (except while in the shower)
- Both inside and outside bars and restaurants except while eating or drinking.