Spain to levy fines on violators of face mask rules

SPAIN People who do not wear a face mask in closed public areas will face fines of up to 100 euros (USD 113), according to the Spanish government’s draft plans appearing in several Spanish newspapers on Saturday. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed that his cabinet would approve the measures to be put into effect in Spain when the State of Alarm and the special lockdown measures it contains expires on June 21.

Among the ‘new normality’ measures are fines for those who don’t wear face masks in closed public areas and outdoors where it is impossible to maintain a safe distance of two meters.

In workplaces, employers will be obliged to provide adequate hygiene and cleanliness and ensure that workers are able to maintain social distancing and have access to soap, water, and hand gels. Employers will be required to take measures to avoid overcrowding.

Similar measures are to be put into place for schools and educational centers. Commercial centers will have to pay ‘special attention’ to food markets and common areas, and limit the number of people allowed into a center at any one time. (Xinhua)