Spain makes change to Covid rules which will affect British holidaymakers

The Spanish government has ended one of its strictest Covid measures ahead of the summer holidays.

People in Spain, including tourists, will no longer be required to wear a face mask on public transport. Since May 4, 2020, anyone in the country had to wear a face covering on buses, taxis, trains, boats, and airplanes.

However, the latest change is not a complete lifting of face mask rules. People in the country will still be required to wear a face covering in other settings, especially where health is involved, such as in hospitals, pharmacies, and care homes.

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Spain's health minister, Carolina Darias, said: "Today, we’re taking an important step towards a much-desired normality as part of our shared road map on Covid-19."

The government attributed the easing of the new rules on Spain's high vaccination intake. An announcement from the official state bulletin said: "Vaccine cover in Spain is above 92% in the population aged over 12, while 94% of those aged over 60 have received a booster that improves that group’s protection when it comes to serious Covid and death.

"The efficacy of the vaccines – which are estimated to be 90% effective in preventing serious cases and deaths from Covid-19 – and the high rate of coverage achieved have led to an important change in Covid-19’s epidemiology in our country.”

In light of the new changes, the government's travel advice for holidaymakers going to Spain has also been updated. It highlights that face masks are mandatory for anyone over the age of six in the following settings:

• Visiting a hospital or medical centre (including other healthcare settings such as dentists, opticians, pharmacies etc.)
• Visiting a care or nursing home

However, if you have breathing problems or are unable to wear a face mask for any other health condition or disability, then you are exempt from the mandatory restrictions

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