Spain holiday boost as huge Covid rule dropped TODAY

SPAIN has dropped its rule requiring face masks indoors today, giving Brits a welcome holiday boost.

The Spanish government confirmed yesterday that the compulsory rule was to be dropped 700 days after it was brought in.

The original order was made on May 20, 2020, during the first state of alarm generated by the coronavirus pandemic. 

As of today, it is no longer necessary to wear face masks in covered spaces like shops, supermarkets, restaurants and bars, as well as gyms, theatres, cinemas or concerts,

It will still be needed on all public transport, on planes, in health services of all kinds, and pharmacies.

Minister of Health, Carolina Darias said the decision had been made possible because there was a "very high vaccination coverage" of 92 per cent in people over 12 years of age and a decrease in the severity of the disease.

The use of a mask goes from being an obligation to a personal option for each citizen, who will have to evaluate whether to wear it based on their level of vulnerability to the virus, the spaces they frequent and the precautions they wish to take.

The Ministry of Health says people must make "responsible use" of protection, with special emphasis on those most vulnerable to getting seriously ill from Covid - people over 60, pregnant women and immunosuppressed patients.

Health chiefs continue to recommend that people cover their mouths in small or poorly ventilated interiors where crowds occur, especially if they are going to spend a lot of time inside them.

Public transport could be the next to get rid of the mask, but there are experts who advocate keeping them forever in health centres, at least in winter.

Spain has joined the majority of EU countries, where the mask is no longer mandatory in most indoor spaces.

Italy and Portugal continue to require face masks in a number of indoor spaces.