Six months after removing it, the Spaniards will have to put the mask back on outside

Spain, one of the world vaccination champions, recorded a new record of Covid-19 contamination on Wednesday, with 60,041 cases recorded in 24 hours. “Wearing a mask is once again compulsory outside”, announced the Spanish government as the Prime Minister urgently brought together the presidents of the autonomous regions to decide on new measures. The decree is expected to be adopted on Thursday, making the measure effective at the time of traditional Christmas gatherings.

“The mask has shown in recent months to be an effective tool in prevention”. This is how Pedro Sanchez defended this very rare measure in the world, most countries having lifted this obligation to wear the mask outdoors, when a safe distance can be respected – and the Spaniards themselves withdrew it in June. The Prime Minister detailed some exceptions to the rule, such as practicing sports, or being alone in a natural space such as in the mountains or at the beach (or accompanied only by members of his household).

The government had to decide on this measure urgently, under pressure from regions demanding a reaction to the growing epidemic, whose incidence rate quadrupled in less than three weeks. Wearing a mask is in fact one of the only measures that the executive power can take directly, while public health is the responsibility of regional authorities – and they are very divided on the restrictions to be adopted. Thus, the province of Madrid still refuses the introduction of a health pass for public places, which has already been used in other regions.

This “sixth wave” in Spain has not yet generated hospital tension, with only 15% of intensive care departments occupied by patients with Covid. The country has, however, already paid a heavy price for the pandemic, with nearly 90,000 deaths. Spain is also one of the best vaccinated countries in the world, with nearly 90% of those over 12 having received their two doses.