The mask goes back in Europe: in which countries is it no longer used?

The mask, considered one of the basic elements of protection against the coronavirus, is in decline in several European countries, as far as open spaces are concerned, thanks to the evolution of the pandemic.

The WHO has already confirmed that Europe is in a good position to control the COVID-19 due to the high vaccination rate of its population and the widespread level of infections, which leads several countries to ease the limitations.

The most radical in this regard is Denmark, which last day 1 eliminated all the restrictions imposed by the fourth wave of coronavirus, because its authorities consider that the omicron variant does not imply a “danger” for its health or its inhabitants and despite the high levels of incidence registered in the country.

Since this last Tuesday it is no longer mandatory for Danes to wear masks indoors, restrictions on restaurants, cultural and social life have disappeared and nightclubs reopen.

Italy

The Council of Ministers last Monday approved that from February 11 it will be possible to be outdoors again without a mask, thus repealing the rule introduced before the Christmas holidays, and given the improvement in the incidence of coronavirus infections in the last weeks.

The obligation to wear a mask will be maintained inside closed places such as restaurants, cinemas, theaters, gyms and on public transport, where it will also be mandatory to use the Ffp2 type, which guarantee greater protection.

France

Wearing a mask on the street is no longer mandatory in France since last Wednesday, the day part of the restrictions that had been imposed in December to deal with the fifth wave carried out by omicron were lifted.

However, it is necessary to continue wearing a mask outside when it is not possible to maintain a distance of one meter from other people and systematically in indoor public spaces, except in places where food or drink is consumed, such as bars and restaurants.

Germany

In Germany it is mandatory to wear a mask “in all places where people are in close contact” although each Land or region can order specific measures. In schools it is mandatory to wear them in all classes.

On February 16 there will be a meeting between the federal government and the regional authorities in which it will be possible to decide whether to approve a relaxation of the current measures, although perhaps in the first place those that affect access to shops and hotels for vaccinated, immunized and not vaccinated.

United Kingdom

The Government last week lifted most restrictions to minimize contagion in England, where more than 83% of the 67 million people in the United Kingdom reside.

Masks have become optional both indoors and outdoors and proof of vaccination or a negative test is no longer required at the entrance of large events.

Spain

The Spanish Council of Ministers will eliminate the mandatory nature of outdoor masks next Tuesday, a measure that will come into force on Thursday, February 10, the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, explained today.

Masks are mandatory outdoors, unless individual sports are being practiced or in natural spaces, since last December 24. It was one of the measures that the Executive agreed with the regional authorities to stop the advance of the sixth wave.

Austria

Austria maintains the obligation to wear an FFP-2 type mask indoors and on public transport, as well as outdoors when it is not possible to maintain a protective distance of two meters from other people.

The measure applies to those over fourteen years of age, while children between six and fourteen can wear a surgical mask, something that also applies to pregnant women.

Poland

In Poland it is also compulsory to wear them indoors and also in public spaces where there is close contact with other people, such as public transport, schools and universities, cinemas and theaters, shops and public offices.

Netherlands

The mandatory use of masks in the Netherlands currently applies only to closed spaces accessible to the public, although they are recommended in crowded outdoor areas, such as shopping streets.

Belgium

In Belgium, the use of a mask is currently not mandatory on public roads, but it is for people over six years of age in public transport and indoor spaces, from hairdressers to museums, as well as in outdoor events.

Portugal

In Portugal, the use of a mask on the street is still mandatory, although as of this Thursday it is no longer necessary to present a negative test to enter the country by air.

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