The mandatory use of face masks as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is coming to an end, although there are still some exceptions. But… when are face masks no longer required indoors?

After the outdoor face mask requirement was lifted on February 10, the mandatory use of face masks indoors to prevent COVID-19 infections has also come to an end.

WHEN ARE FACE MASKS NO LONGER MANDATORY INDOORS?

The Spanish Ministry of Health has announced the end of the mandatory use of face masks indoors as a preventive measure against COVID-19 transmission in enclosed spaces, following the recommendation made by the experts advising both the Ministry of Health and the regional health authorities.

This measure came into effect on the day it was published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), Wednesday, April 20.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE FACE MASK RULE

The Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, explained the places where wearing face masks indoors would continue to be mandatory:

  • Hospitals, health centers, and pharmacies.

  • Residential and social healthcare facilities.

  • Public transport (buses, trains, airplanes, metro systems, ferries, etc.).

In offices and workplaces, wearing a face mask is no longer mandatory. However, the Ministry of Health's guidelines leave it up to occupational health and safety managers to decide whether employees should wear face masks during working hours.

The use of face masks is still recommended when a distance of 1.5 meters cannot be maintained in the workplace and adequate ventilation is not available.