Outdoor masks in Spain query

[poppym12]

I understand that it is now mandatory to wear a mask even when outdoors in Spain. However I've found some conflicting guidance about beaches/natural spaces.

Could anyone clarify if a mask has to be kept on even when settled on a beach and socially distanced or if it only has to be put back on when you get up and move around?

The law goes through today so it isn’t 100% yet but it seems beaches and fields etc should be okay to be unmasked.

As an aside, I don’t know anyone who is planning to comply, and I live in a Spanish city. People are furious and scientists are publicly criticizing the decision. #mascarillaenlacalleNO is the number on TT on Twitter and so many celebrities and journalists are tweeting that they won’t be doing it.

I was there last month (Canaries) and was surprised at the numbers of people wearing masks outside. I don't mind wearing one but I'd struggle with wearing one on the beach.

If you don't mind, could you update me later when it has been formally decided please?

Beaches should remain exempt (unless you’re moving around a busy promenade) and even last year, many people took them off when walking through the woods or local fields.

I’m in one of the biggest cities in Spain right now, and was doing some Christmas shopping in the city centre last night, around 80% of people were masked outside. On side, less concurred streets it was less, but people are already really careful here. Even in my family’s small town, people were masked outside earlier this week. The majority will comply.

That's what I noticed last month when I was there, quite a few people chose to wear masks outside even though it wasn't compulsory at the time.

Previously we had to wear masks when moving around the beach but could remove to sit or swim. Then it was changed in the lead up to summer that we could remove as long as well distanced, and 6 months ago changed again and masks outside were not needed unless you couldn't social distance.

They haven't really said this time, but I'd assume as everywhere else, masks at all times unless eating or drinking.

Even in forests etc you are still supposed to wear them. However, we always pull them down if we know there isn't anyone around when we are out walking in the mountains etc, Just pop them on when you get closer to people.

Lots more restrictions coming in as well, depending on the regions. Murcia are back to tables of 10 indoors and 12 outdoors, COVID passports inside as bars and restaurants only at 75 percentage capacity, and closing at 1am. Dance floors closed.

What a life hey!

Approved

Thank you Quentin. Glad I'll be able to remove my mask when flopped on the beach.

When are you hoping to travel? As you say beach I assume not in winter? Unless canaries? They’re saying it’s a temporary measure…. But then they said around a fortnight when they locked us and our children in flats for 6 weeks…

Due to travel on Tuesday (28th). Yes, it's the Canaries. No news from the tour operator so I don't think it's cancelled - yet. Obviously things can change in a few days with the Spanish government and the UK's so I suppose it's a case of wait and see.

That must've been awful for the children (and parents) not being able to go out at all. I really hope it never gets to that state again.

Yes just seen beach and countryside etc are exempt. Also if walking with family or friend as long as 1.5m distance can kept!

@mamatoTails

Yes just seen beach and countryside etc are exempt. Also if walking with family or friend as long as 1.5m distance can kept!

Yes I saw that… isn’t that what it already was? I have always understood it as masks in indoor places and outdoors where 1.5m cannot be maintained… so what’s the difference?

Can I jump in and ask about masks for children? We’re off to the canaries on Sunday and have a 6yo. In the U.K. ds has only worn a mask on a handful of occasions, and while he’s been fine with it I’m not sure how he’s going to handle having to do so whenever he leaves the hotel room. How rigorous are they in Spain about young children and masks? Is it ok for him not to wear one when he’s playing in a playground or riding a bike/scooter for example?

@Librarybooksandacoconut if he’s 6 then he’s required to wear it in the playground, yes. Riding a bike could class as exercise so I don’t think they’d say anything.

Is he a small 6 year old? I’ve never heard of anyone being asked for an ID card to check real age, so if he’s not too tall you could always say he’s 5… but they are very rigorous, yes. Even under 6s wear them regularly, including all day at preschool, there is high acceptance of masks.

[quote EileenGC]@Librarybooksandacoconut if he’s 6 then he’s required to wear it in the playground, yes. Riding a bike could class as exercise so I don’t think they’d say anything.

Is he a small 6 year old? I’ve never heard of anyone being asked for an ID card to check real age, so if he’s not too tall you could always say he’s 5… but they are very rigorous, yes. Even under 6s wear them regularly, including all day at preschool, there is high acceptance of masks.[/quote]
Thanks @EileenGC

Unfortunately he’s really tall and looks more 7/8 so that won’t work! I’m hoping he’ll be fine, but I’m just a bit worried that he’ll get completely fed up and have a bit of a meltdown while we’re out. I think we’re just going to spend lots of time at the pool and beach where at least he won’t need to wear one.

@Librarybooksandacoconut good luck! Hopefully he will be fine - don’t underestimate the ‘power’ of all the other kids around him wearing a mask. He might even want to copy it and be more like them. I’d try to find some funky-coloured or patterned masks if you can, maybe let him choose a special design!

We were there last month in both coastal locations and cities and despite it not being a requirement at that time the level of mask wearing outside was amazing. In Burgos, for example, I would say 90% of people wore masks outside and about 60-70% on the costas.
My understanding is beaches and natural spaces (walking in the countryside) are exempt if no other people are in close proximity.

My experience in Spanish cities recently is a very high degree of mask wearing outdoors when when it wasn’t compulsory. We are travelling again this week and I’m not looking forward to it but all of our family and friends who live there are slightly obsessive about wearing a mask outdoors at all times, including the children.

We know it doesn’t really do much other than protect others from your own sneezes / accidental spitting while talking etc but I feel it has almost become a bit of a psychological comfort blanket for people in Spain. I’m not knocking it - I do understand, but my experience is that people there seem to genuinely believe they’re protecting themselves from others in eg a park.

I guess my point is just bear this in mind as you may well get a few dirty looks if you’re not wearing one.