Spain brings back MORE Covid restrictions – including wearing masks on the beach
BRITS visiting Spain for a Christmas or New Year break will once again have to wear masks outdoors - including on the BEACH.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the new rule as part of a "shock plan" against Omicron in a bid to halt the country's sixth wave of coronavirus.
Masks will have to be worn outside across Spain even if social distancing can be maintained.
There will be some exceptions, such as for the practice of sport, but it is likely to include beaches, even when sunbathing, although more will be announced following the Cabinet meeting later today.
Wearing a mask outdoors was vetoed on June 25 when health chiefs thought the spread of coronavirus in the fourth wave was under control but this has now been reversed.
Regional presidents in numerous holiday hotspots, including the Canary Islands and Valencia, had all demanded the return of masks outdoors, with only Madrid objecting.
The Spanish government hopes the wearing of masks outside, even if social distancing of 1.5 metres can be observed, will help put the brakes on the soaring number of Covid cases.
Pedro Sanchez said he was putting his trust in people to wear their masks and to exercise commonsense "in the face of the avalanche of social and family gatherings that are coming".
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The Prime Minister has, however, ruled out other additional restrictions such as setting new capacity limits in the hospitality sectors and events; or establishing opening hour limitations in bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
Thousands of Brits have already cancelled their holidays to popular Spanish hotspots due to Covid travel rules.
The Spanish islands have since called for a UK travel corridor to save the rest of the winter season, which often sees Brits visiting for some last-minute sun.
We've rounded up the entry requirements and rules for Brit-favourite holiday spots, including Germany, Spain, France and the US, with many banning Brits or enforcing mandatory quarantines and negative Covid tests.
Both France and Germany have banned British tourists from entering the country, while Austria will only allow UK arrivals with their booster to enter without a quarantine.
