The Royal Decree regulating the use of masks on public transport has just been published. And yes, as we already knew, it goes into effect today. In other words, as of today, February 8, it will no longer be mandatory to wear it inside public transport. But the decree brings much more news. Here we shell all.
Where do you not have to wear a mask from today? As of February 8, 2023, it is no longer mandatory to wear a mask inside buses, trains, subways, planes and taxis. In addition (and this is something that had been talked about but there was no confirmation) it will not have to be used in opticians, orthopedics and hearing aid stores either.
Where will it still be mandatory to wear a mask? The Decree establishes a list of places where it is still mandatory. This list includes hospitals (although admitted people do not have to use it in the room) and health centers. But all kinds of health clinics are also included (physiotherapists, podiatrists, dentists, psychologists, clinical analysis centers and other specialties — including home health care)
In socio-health centers (residences of all kinds, but especially for the elderly) it will continue to be mandatory as well. However, in this case, it only affects workers and visitors (not residents).
Exceptions. The exceptions stay, more or less, as they were. It is not required to be worn by people with medical conditions (respiratory or otherwise) where wearing a mask is a problem. Nor is it, obviously, when activities incompatible with its use are being carried out (such as eating).
Is this final? The truth is that this regulation (by removing places such as opticians and orthopedics) seems to have the vocation of not being transitory. The use of a mask in health centers has been a historical demand of public health experts and, although we cannot rule out that it will stop using it in the future, it does not seem that it is on the agenda to completely withdraw it. On the contrary, one way or another, the mask has come to stay in our lives.
Image | Marco Testi
