SPAIN is set to scrap more Covid restrictions in the next few weeks, in what will be seen as a boost for holidaymakers planning on heading there this summer.
From next month one of the country‘s last remaining restrictions will likely be scrapped, according to local health officials.
GettyThe rules for masks in Spain look set to change from February 7[/caption]
Spain is one of the last countries in Europe to still require people to wear masks on public transport, but health minister Carolina Darias said on Thursday that would likely removed on February 7.
She said the situation in the country was stable and health emergency services had proposed lifting the restriction.
Masks will remain mandatory in health facilities.
Ms Darias told reporters: “I’ll bring the proposal to scrap the obligation to wear masks in public transportation to the cabinet meeting to be held on February 7.”
Three years after the first cases of COVID-19 were detected in Europe, masks are only still needed on all, or some types of public transport, in Spain, Germany, Austria and Greece.
Mask wearing on public transport became obligatory in May 2020.
Germany is also due to lift the rule, which applies to long-distance trains and buses, on February 2.
The obligation in Greece is set to expire even sooner, on January 30.
While masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport, holiday hotspots could bring Covid restrictions back after a rise in cases in the country.
Andalusia, a popular region with British holidaymakers, has become the first major location in Spain to hint about the return of regulations.
President of the regional government, Juanna Morenno, has asked for “maximum precautions” and wouldn’t rule out the “adoption of preventative measures.”
He said: “Prevention is better than cure and it is better to be two little steps in front rather than two little steps behind.
“I prefer to err on the side of foresight and that we go ahead with decisions in case we had some sort of incident that we hope and trust won’t occur.”
There are other Covid measures still in place in Spain for certain travellers too.
Those arriving at Spanish airports from China are now being screened for Covid.
All arrivals will also need to have a negative Covid test or proof of vaccination.
The measure will remain in place until at least February 15, Spain’s health ministry said in a statement, with travellers arriving from China required to undergo a temperature check and a Covid-19 test.
“A major concern lies in the possibility of new variants appearing in China that have not been controlled,” Ms Darias said at the time.
“Given the health situation in that country, we know the importance of acting with coordination, but also the importance of acting quickly.”
Passengers arriving in the UK from China must also have a negative Covid test before travelling from tomorrow.
The Government said that airlines will be required to check that passengers from China have a negative test before departure and travellers must show their proof.
Meanwhile, tourists who smoke on any of Barcelona’s 10 beaches face £25 fines after a ban on lighting up on the sand.
Here are some other Spanish laws you could be breaking without realising.
GettyMasks are currently still mandatory on public transport in Spain[/caption] Read More