Face masks compulsory on Spain’s public transport
SPAIN will make the wearing of masks obligatory on public transport from tomorrow to help prevent a new wave of coronavirus infections as it begins lifting its strict lockdown measures.
The Madrid government, which had until now “highly recommended” the use of masks, will distribute six million across the country and supply another seven million to local authorities. Announcing the measure, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: “The virus is still with us. We need to respect the rules as well as the guidelines for hygiene and social distancing.”
It came as thousands of Spaniards flocked into streets, parks and squares to exercise for the first time in seven weeks after the government ended a prohibition on outdoor activity.
People ran, walked or rode bicycles and in Barcelona many flocked to the maritime promenade for a glimpse of the still-closed beach. Others simply delighted in jogging around parks and neighbourhoods across the nation.
“Some people think it may be too early, as I do, but it is also important to exercise for health reasons,” says 36-year-old Cristina Palomeque.
The government has established time slots for each age group to take part in activities to prevent crowds from forming and exposing the elderly and most at-risk.
Spain recorded another 276 deaths from Covid-19 on Saturday, taking the total to 25,100, a steep fall from the daily death tolls of over 900 a month ago. Another 1,147 cases of infection were reported over the previous 24 hours, taking the total number to 216,582.