Since 26 June 2021 it is no longer compulsory to wear a face mask outdoors in Spain if a distance of 1.5 metres can be kept. Indoors and on public transport, the requirement continues.
On 24 June 2021 the Council of Ministers approved Royal Decree-Law 13/2021, published in the BOE on Friday 25 June and in force from Saturday 26 June. It amends article 6 of Law 2/2021 of 29 March on urgent measures for the prevention, containment and coordination of the response to the Covid-19 health crisis: from that date it is no longer compulsory to wear a mask in the street or in other outdoor spaces when a distance of at least 1.5 metres can be kept. The requirement remains outdoors if that distance cannot be kept, except for groups living together.
What stays the same
The requirement applies to people aged six and over and remains in four situations: in any enclosed space for public use or open to the public; outdoors when, because of crowding, 1.5 metres cannot be kept, except for groups living together; on air, sea, bus and rail transport, including platforms and stations, on cable cars and in vehicles of up to nine seats when the occupants do not live together; and at outdoor mass events, if those attending are standing or seated without 1.5 metres between them, except for groups living together.
The text provides for exceptions: people with breathing difficulties or another condition that a mask could worsen, or who cannot remove it themselves; activities incompatible with wearing one, as indicated by the health authorities; and, in care homes for older people, people with disabilities or essential workers, enclosed spaces for public use when more than 80% of residents and staff are fully vaccinated, an exception that does not extend to visitors or outside staff.
Why now
The preamble relies on the progress of vaccination and on lower transmission outdoors. According to government figures as of 23 June, 100% of those over 80 and 96.4% of those over 70 were fully vaccinated; more than 15 million people, over 32% of the population, were fully vaccinated, and around half the population had received at least one dose. The text speaks of easing non-pharmaceutical measures gradually.
The measure also repeals paragraph 2 of article 15 of Law 2/2021, which gave the Higher Sports Council powers over capacity and prevention in professional football and basketball competitions, and allows the Council of Ministers to change, by agreement, the restrictions on access to airport terminals of general interest, a measure that its preamble links to the recovery of tourism.
What to bear in mind
The requirement depends on distance, not on the type of place: places where distance cannot be kept, such as a queue or a busy market, and events with a standing crowd remain covered. Anyone organising an outdoor event, such as a family celebration or a company event, needs to consider how attendees will be placed. In addition, the autonomous communities retain health powers and may keep their own measures on capacity, opening hours or activities, so it is worth checking the rules in force in each territory.
The mask comes off in the street when there is room, but stays on indoors and on transport.
This article is general information. It is not legal, tax or investment advice, and it does not take anyone’s particular circumstances into account.
