Mark Nayler

Spain’s bizarre mask policies

A Spanish Civil Protection member poses with a face mask (photo:g

Spain has a reputation for having some of the strictest policies on masks in Europe, with the public even encouraged to wear face-coverings outside. Yet today, Spain’s Health Ministry announced that the number of coronavirus cases has continued to rise, with 9,848 cases counted over the past two days – prompting those who live in Spain to question, yet again, the efficacy of mask-wearing regulations.

These uncomfortable, claustrophobic pieces of cloth are often described as being compulsory in public in Spain, which perhaps implies that they have to be worn from the moment you leave your house to the moment you return, whatever the purpose of your excursion. But due to the glaring inconsistencies of the Socialist government’s preventative measures, this is far from the case.

You can sit on Spain’s glorious beaches without having to wear a mask, as social distancing is supposedly in place – although understandably it’s harder to observe, and therefore frequently flouted, in the sea.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in