Face masks in public made obligatory
Bar clients have to wear a mask ‘when they are not consuming’
COUNCILLOR for health Ana Barceló announced on Saturday that face masks have to be worn at all times in public in the Valencia region (provinces of Alicante, Valencia and Castellón) – with some exceptions.
She explained that the covering is necessary ‘at all times in the street’ and in public areas.
However, it is not needed on beaches, public swimming pools as well as ‘countryside areas outside of town centres’ when a distance of 1.5 metres can be maintained from other people – or during physical exercise and ‘any other activity which is not compatible with its use’.
The face mask has to be used correctly, covering the nose and mouth ‘and including the chin’.
As part of the new measures outlined in a 19page document in the regional government’s official bulletin (DOGV), bars will be able to use their outside tables at 100% occupancy, with 1.5 metres between tables.
However, people will have to wear a face mask ‘when they are not consuming’, noted Sra Barceló.
The DOGV states that ‘preferably hygiene or surgical masks’ (‘higiénicas’ and ‘quirúrgicas’) should be used. Masks with exhalation valves are not permitted ‘except for professionals when this type of mask is recommended’.
Children under the age of six will not be required to wear a mask – nor people who have an illness which could be aggravated by its use. Other points included in the DOGV are that people preparing food to be served to customers have to wear masks.
In a change to the current law, fines for noncompliance can hit ‘people, businesses and associations’.
The sanctioning procedure – and the amounts levied on law breakers – is due to be approved in the regional parliament today (Friday).
The additional measures have been brought in because cases of coronavirus are on the increase.
Sra Barceló noted that private parties and ‘not taking the proper precautions’ in some bars and leisure areas is leading to flare-ups in different parts of the region.
Local police forces have already been levying fines under the legislation brought in by the national government at the end of June.
In Alicante city officers handed out 120 tickets at the weekend.
The force in Dénia has dished out 101 fines in the last month.
However, they insist that they are aiming to educate first and fine later.
A British couple in Dénia said they are now nervous about leaving home after finding their local supermarket packed full of customers, close together, practically nobody wearing masks, and people ignoring the hand-sanitiser dispenser at the door.
“After all our hard work and sacrifice, a few thoughtless people are going to undo everything,” they noted.