Spain lifted the requirement to wear face masks outdoors on Thursday as Covid-19 infections continue to retreat from record highs, but some Spaniards, fearful of contagion, chose to keep face coverings on. .
“With a mask on, I feel protected, especially when there are a lot of people around,” said Julia de Isidro, 50, who works at the National Library of Spain.
“I will continue to use it, but in spaces where there is little chance of getting something, I will take it out,” she told Reuters outside the library on Madrid’s tree-lined Recoletos avenue.
Like her, many others were wearing disposable masks on the sidewalks of Madrid on Thursday morning.
The national infection rate, measured over the previous 14 days, halved in three weeks, dropping to 1,692 cases on Wednesday. Earlier, the country faced a spike of 3,397 cases per 100,000 on January 17, prompting authorities across the country to ease restrictions.
Masks are still mandatory indoors and on public transport, but almost all regions have lifted the requirement to show a health passport to enter bars and clubs.
Paul Latham, a 42-year-old Brit who has been living in Madrid for a year, was delighted to finally be able to leave the house without covering his face.
“It’s great, it’s nice to be able to live free again, I suppose, and not be constantly thinking about wearing a mask. Love it.”
Source: CNN Brasil
