Half-term holiday boost as Spain lifts number of Covid restrictions
BRITS heading to Spain on holiday from next week have been given a welcome boost as the country is scrapping mandatory face masks outdoors.
The Spanish government confirmed that face masks in outdoor public spaces will no longer be compulsory.
The new rules will be in place from February 9.
Spanish Health Minister Carolina Darias told : “I can confirm that on Tuesday February 8, we’ll take the Royal Decree to the Spanish Cabinet through which we will cancel the outdoor face mask rule.
“Prior to that on Monday, we’ll hold an interterritorial meeting between the regional governments to debate the legislation.”
Spain was one of the few countries still enforcing face coverings outside, along with Italy.
There are still strict rules in place on the islands, however, both on the Balearics and the Canary Islands.
Majorca, Ibiza and Formentera are on the highest Covid Level 4 alert, which includes 12am restaurant and bar curfews and a maximum of six people meeting up, while Majorca is at Level 3.
The Canary Islands Tenerife and Gran Canaria are on the highest level of Covid alert at Level 4, while La Palma is at Level 3.
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At Level 4, nightclub capacity is just 25 per cent and beaches are limited to 50 per cent capacity.
Spain has tightened its Covid travel rules making it more difficult for Brits to head abroad.
Brits must be fully vaccinated and cannot now use a negative Covid test or proof of recovery to enter.
Many kids aged between 12 and 17 are yet to be fully vaccinated - meaning they have no other way of being allowed into the country, even if they have evidence of recovery.
Unvaccinated travellers over 12 can only enter the country for specific reasons, such as working as a healthcare professional or in air transport, studying as a student or people travelling for imperative family reasons, among others.
If you are unvaccinated and qualify for an exemption, you have to provide proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours prior to arrival in Spain, or an antigen test taken up to 24 hours before arrival.
The country will also only permit Brits to enter who had their second jab less than nine months ago, or have had their booster jab.
