As.com End of the mandatory mask: in which countries are they still using it and in which ones are they not?

As of today, it is no longer mandatory to wear a mask outdoors in Spain, as long as we are in places where it is possible to maintain a safe distance. With this measure, Spain joins the list of countries that have lifted this restriction. These are some of the states that have stopped forcing their citizens to wear a mask.

Europe

The first European country to eliminate the mask outdoors was the United Kingdom, after an initial experiment in Gibraltar on March 28. In April, the British government announced that face coverings would only be compulsory indoors and on public transport.

In Poland, the mask is only mandatory when the incidence exceeds 15 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This measure came into force in the middle of last month.

Hungary eliminated the obligation to wear a mask on May 23, when it exceeded the figure of 5 million vaccinated, half of its population.

In Belgium, the outdoor mask ceased to be mandatory at the beginning of this month, except in crowds.

Austria eliminated the mask outdoors on June 10. If the situation is favourable, the country plans to also eliminate its mandatory indoor use from July 1.

On June 14, Denmark became the first country to eliminate the mask indoors with the exception of public transport. In this country, it never became mandatory outdoors.

In France and Andorra, the mask in open spaces has been optional since June 17.

From today, Spain allows you to go without a mask outdoors, although it will continue to be mandatory in case you cannot keep a minimum safety distance.

Finally, Italy will follow in the footsteps of Spain and will join this list next Monday.

In countries like Germany, Norway, Iceland, Sweden and Finland they were never mandatory outdoors. In addition, in these last two they were not indoors either.

Latin America

In Mexico, the mask is not mandatory in open spaces, although each State can decide what to do based on its situation.

Costa Rica only requires wearing masks in closed spaces. Therefore, it is completely legal to walk outdoors with your face uncovered.

In Nicaragua it has never been mandatory.

In Bolivia it is only mandatory in public places where the safety distance cannot be maintained.

Colombia only requires wearing masks on public transport and in crowded situations.

In Uruguay, the use of masks is not regulated at the state level, although in some areas such as Montevideo they are mandatory on public transport.

In Argentina, the government recommends its use, although the final decision rests with the provinces or cities.

In Brazil, President Bolsonaro vetoed a law that imposed the mask at the national level. Even so, masks are mandatory in many of its states. Bolsonaro is adamantly opposed to wearing it, which has cost him more than one warning.

Rest of the world

Israel was the first country to eliminate the mandatory use of the mask thanks to the rapid progress of its vaccination campaign. However, given the increase in cases linked to the delta variant of the coronavirus, the country has been forced to bring the mask indoors.

In the United States, President Biden announced on May 13 that the vaccinated population is no longer required to wear a mask outdoors. However, the country has not yet developed an effective way to detect who has completed their vaccination schedule. In addition, the rules vary depending on the State in which we find ourselves.

In Australia and New Zealand, its use depends on the alert level of each area. Thanks to the success of these countries in their fight against the pandemic, the mask is usually only mandatory on public transport.

In China, the mask is mandatory on public transport.