Latest: Coronavirus in Spain figures (13 August)
The Balearic Islands regional government is preparing to make the wearing of face masks compulsory in all public spaces, regardless of social distancing, following the measures taken in Catalonia, and in order to try and prevent any further infections of Coronavirus (Covid-19) on the islands.
The measures could come into effect from this weekend.
The wearing of face masks is already compulsory in Spain, but only if social distancing cannot be maintained – with police having the power to fine citizens for not wearing them.
It forms part of the measures within a royal decree that establish the guidelines that govern the New Normality. Wearing face masks is obligatory if a social distance of 1.5 metres cannot be maintained, with fines of up to €100 if it is not observed.
The new measures in the Balearic Islands are expected to mean that both residents and tourists will have to wear a face mask at all times in public, regardless of the 1.5m social distance rule – except on the beach and at swimming pools, and except when the nature of the activity makes it incompatible, such as doing sport or exercise, or once customers are eating and drinking at bars and restaurants.
ALSO READ: Coronavirus in Spain figures (8 July)
According to the Spanish Health Ministry’s figures published yesterday, the Balearic Islands – which encompasses Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera – has seen a total of 2,240 confirmed cases of Coronavirus (of which 1,986 have made a recovery) since the pandemic started, with 224 deaths. The most recent data shows there are 113 active cases on the islands – 90 in Mallorca, 20 in Ibiza, 2 in Menorca and 1 on the island of Formentera
Spanish Health Minister Salvador Illa has preciously said that wearing face masks must ‘remain in place until we permanently defeat the virus, which is when we have an effective treatment or vaccine against it’.
Wearing face masks in Spain became compulsory from 21 May for everyone aged over six in closed spaces (including shops and stores), as well as on the street and in public places, where social distancing cannot be maintained. It had initially been made compulsory to wear face masks on all public transport in Spain since Monday 4 May.
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