Although almost 700 days have passed since its approval, it can be said that the obligation to wear masks in closed areas is now a thing of the past. Council of Ministers newly approved Royal Decree eliminating liability. Once it takes effect (as soon as it goes live on BOE tomorrow, April 20), the last major symbol of the pandemic will also fade. What does the new regulation say? When should you use it and when should you not? What can we expect in the days, weeks and months ahead?

Where will masks continue to be mandatory? While the government recommends “responsible use of masks” wherever there is risk, possible and necessary, masks are no longer generally required in all areas and areas. Of course there will be some exceptions:

• In health centers, services and institutions; for both visitors and employees: this includes hospitals, health centres, blood transfusion centres, as well as pharmacies. Those admitted to hospitals will not need to use their rooms; but it will be when they come out of them.
• It will also be mandatory for visitors and workers in social health centers (not for residents).
• Without exception, in means of transport (airplane, railway, bus, metro or ships where it is not possible to maintain a distance of one and a half meters). It will not need to be used for passenger platforms and stations.

Masks will not be used in the school environment. They were no longer mandatory at recess and at certain ages. Starting tomorrow, they will not be at all venues and events in the school environment. “In no case can they be mandatory,” the minister said. However, it may be advisable in some contexts (which must be duly justified).

Do we have to wear masks at work? In general, there will be no mask requirement in the workplace. However, each company’s prevention services may determine mask use based on the specific circumstances in which the job is done (and will require special consideration).

Not mandatory at mass events. Masks will not be mandatory at football matches, concerts or (in general) any major events. Of course, in these events (especially if there are vulnerable people), the Government will recommend responsible use.

What about bars, restaurants, museums or entertainment venues? If the decree is not published, there will be no specific mechanism to ensure its use in such a field. The minister insisted that the Royal Decree was generally aimed at eliminating the mandatory nature of the mask in all areas except those that were strictly necessary. Other measures (such as capacity) that affect them are dependent on autonomous communities and should be addressed by them.

Other usage suggestions. While masks are no longer mandatory indoors, their responsible use is recommended for the vulnerable population. Also, in family settings and in private gatherings or celebrations, depending on the sensitivity of the participants.

Will it be reversed? This is one of the key questions. Especially after Austria reintroduced the mask shortly after removing it due to backlash in cases. In this sense, the Government does not exclude any scenario. For months (in the coming weeks, after summer and with the coming of winter) the baseline data will be hospital pressure. This is what will “decide” the success or failure of the measure.

For example, after Fallas, Spain experienced a recovery in the number of backlogs, but this went unnoticed at the hospital level. If epidemiological evolution follows the same pattern, everything indicates that this will be the arrangement that will accompany us at least until the spring-summer period of 2023.

Image | Liewig Christian/ABACA