Spain has scrapped strict regulations forcing people to wear a face coverings outdoors, while officials have ditched the need for a Covid vaccine passport to gain entry in bars and restaurants.
Tough rules forcing adults to wear masks outside ended today while the tourism industry received a further boost ahead of a predicted influx of visitors from the UK for half-term.
The major Covid rules overhaul came as the Madrid government lifted its requirement to wear face masks outdoors as officials said the requirement for vaccine passports in hospitality venues would end by the weekend.
Masks are still mandatory in enclosed spaces and on public transport but almost all regions - including holiday hotspots like the Balearic and Canary Islands and mainland resorts such as Benidorm - have lifted requirements to show a Covid passport to enter bars and nightclubs.
The face covering rule was re-introduced before Christmas as cases of the Omicron variant surged even though there has been disagreement over the medical benefit of wearing a mask outdoors.
The improving Covid situation as forced officials into a rethink.
It was initially planned to end the restrictions on Monday but it has been brought forward in many zones, including popular tourists resorts.
Fully-vaccinated UK visitors can also enter Spain without proof of a negative Covid test.
However, Spain’s rule requiring children over 12 to be fully vaccinated has led many UK families cancelling plans to visit the country over half-term.
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