Although no one expected, Health Minister Carolina Darias announced that the government plans to remove the mask indoors on April 19. a decision that It will come into effect on the 20th. On that day, the Cabinet of Ministers was to approve the end of the last non-pharmacological measure in effect in Spain after two years of the pandemic.

Where to go without a mask? During the Easter period, which we know so far and is pending final approval, the use of masks indoors will only be mandatory in public transport, health centers (such as hospitals or health centers) and other public areas, and with vulnerable people (such as nursing homes). ).

As explained by the Minister, the decree will also include the possibility of proposing certain restrictions. For example, in offices and other workplaces, companies will be able to regulate their use. Likewise, there will be mechanisms where museums or hospitality centers can request masks if they see fit. Also, the waiver of liability will be accompanied by a list of places the Department has “recommended” continue using.

Will it withdraw suddenly or gradually? Months ago, the Spanish Society of Pediatrics called for the mask to be removed from schools as a way to gradually start “de-escalation”. According to media like El Español, some communities have asked for this measure to be promoted in schools, but the government’s plan seems to be to suddenly remove the mask after Easter.

What is the next step? The Minister has just brought up the proposal at the Interregional Health Council and since it is not an issue on the agenda, the Ministry does not need the support of the autonomies. Regardless, the Government has the authority to remove the mask whenever it sees fit. So, out of surprise, on April 20, the closed mask will no longer be in effect.

Spain, one of the last countries in Europe to remove the mask. While communities like the Basque Country or Asturias may believe the decision is hasty, the reality is that Spain is thus joining an international trend. One of the last European countries to participate in the removal of the mask indoors was France, which stopped using the mask in areas requiring vaccination passport entry. The United Kingdom, Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Poland and Finland have eliminated it; Greece also joined a few days ago. Outside of the continent, California, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington DC and New York have also been doing so in recent weeks.