COVID-19: Spain drops face mask mandate for people outdoors, but many stay covered up

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has reportedly allowed citizens to go maskless when outdoors with improved COVID-19 situation in country. Starting from Saturday (June 26), wearing masks outdoors is longer obligatory in Spain.  decision was taken after lesser cases were reported and a high vaccination pace was witnessed.

However, masks are still mandatory in all closed premises, including transport. In dition, people will eir have to wear a mask or maintain a social distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet). However, Spaniards are still t rey to get back to pre-COVID situation as many are finding it hard to shake off habit. People in Mrid are still being cautious and t rey to go maskless. For many, it is t just a matter of finding it hard to maintain proper social distance, reported Sputnik correspondent. 

Citizens have also criticized government for taking decision too soon. 

"I am t rey to take it off yet. I think that government has acted prematurely. re are still a lot of infections, people keep being hospitalized, dying," an elderly man told Sputnik, describing decision as a populist gesture by Sanchez government.

Spain returning to pre-COVID rms

Spain authorities have also anunced that it will allow fans into stiums from next season.  anuncement was me with decision of allowing people to stop wearing masks outdoors. Only a limited number of fans h been allowed into first-division soccer games in parts of country where pandemic was more under control. loss of ticket revenue has created a huge financial hurdle for many clubs, reported AP News. Over 23 million Spaniards have so far received at least one vaccine dose against COVID-19, while more than 15 million people underwent full vaccination. 

Maskless outdoor allowance in or countries

Switzerland authorities too have removed COVID-19 restriction of wearing masks outdoors and several people were seen in city of Zurich with bare faces while some were still maintaining habit. People in Geneva were also spotted sporting masks when outdoors. According to Sputnik correspondents, seniors are most likely to continue wearing ir masks.

(Inputs from ANI)