Holiday boost to Spain for Irish tourists as key Covid rule scrapped TODAY

IRISH holidaymakers have rejoicing as Spain scrapped its indoor face mask rule today.

The measure was deemed to be scrapped 700 days after it was first introduced in the country on May 20, 2020 Covid-19 spread quickly.

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As of today, wearing is no longer necessary face masks in covered spaces such as shops, supermarkets, restaurants and bars as well as gyms, theaters, cinemas or concerts,

It will continue to be needed on all public transport, on airplanes, in health services of all kinds and in pharmacies.

Health Secretary Carolina Darias said the decision was made possible because of a “very high immunization coverage rate” of 92 percent in people over the age of 12 and a decrease in the severity of the disease.

The use of a mask is moving from an obligation to a personal option for every citizen, who must assess whether they want to wear it based on their own Degree of susceptibility to the virusthe places they go and the precautions they want to take.

The Department of Health says people need to “use responsibly” the protections, with a focus on those most vulnerable to severe illness from Covid – people over 60, pregnant women and immunocompromised patients.

Health chiefs continue to recommend that people cover their mouths in small or poorly ventilated indoor spaces where crowds occur, especially if they spend a lot of time inside.

Meanwhile, Irish holidaymakers traveling to the United States no longer have to Wear a mask on planes or other public transport.

A federal judge in Florida has struck down the Biden administration’s mask mandate, calling it unlawful.

U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle said the national health agency exceeded its statutory authority in issuing the mandate.

The US Department of Transportation said it will no longer enforce the wearing of masks.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week extended the requirement to wear masks through May 3.

Judge Mizelle’s order on Monday removes mandates in all airports, trains and taxis.

However, Irish holidaymakers traveling to the US in the coming weeks are advised to check with their airline what mask-wearing rules apply to them.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the decision was “disappointing,” noting that the CDC still recommends travelers cover their mouths and noses.

Shortly after the court decision was issued, the Transportation Security Administration, which runs US airport security, confirmed that it would no longer enforce the mask mandate.

United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines and American Airlines said face coverings are no longer required on domestic flights and certain international flights.