People travelling to parts of Spain could soon face restrictions due to a spike in covid cases.
Health bosses dropped a number of its coronavirus restrictions in a bid to boost tourism again. In October it was announced UK arrivals no longer had to show proof of vaccination or a negative test.
Currently, the requirement in Spain is the wearing of a face covering on public transport and health centres, including pharmacies. But in light of concerns over a new variant, stricter restrictions could soon be re-introduced.
READ MORE: People 'devastated' by loss of Martin Gregory who was hit by HGV
According to The Express, Andalusia in Spain, is the first major destination to hint that new regulations could be introduced. The region includes popular Costa del Sol hotspots.
The Andalusia region, which contains Malaga, Seville and Granada, has hinted of new regulations with president of the regional government Juanna Moreno urging for "maximum precautions." Today, he admitted he would not rule out the "adoption of preventative measures".
He confirmed Andalusia's public health committee will meet on January 17 so that experts can give their opinions on the present situation adding: "Prevention is better than cure and it is better to be two little steps in front rather than two little steps behind. I prefer to err on the side of foresight and that we go ahead with decisions in case we had some sort of incident that we hope and trust won't occur."
Mallorca is already advising people to wear masks inside, though health chiefs say this is not mandatory as of yet. From January 3, Spain reinstated mandatory COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for all passengers arriving from China. More can be found here.
Tourists could also face more restrictions in popular destinations in the Balearics where they have been urged to be vigilant. Patricia Gomez, minister of health for the Balearic Government, said the use of masks indoors was recommended but not mandatory for now.
She said: “We all know that it is in closed spaces when the virus circulates actively. The mask is a preventive measure.” Gomez added there were currently no indications that the islands would need to return to the mandatory use of masks inside.
Spain has reinstated mandatory vaccination and testing requirements for all passengers arriving from China. All other tourists, including those from the UK, do not need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result. Tourists should follow the advice of local authorities on how best to protect themselves from the virus.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
Read next:
Connor Chapman charged with murder of Elle Edwards
Wetherspoons workers attacked after asking sex offender to leave
Dad cooking young son's tea horrified to as rat appears in kitchen next to him
Lisa Marie Presley, 54, dies after reports of cardiac arrest at her LA home
Woman sobs as she's jailed for sending messages to a dog on Facebook
