BARCELONA, April 20 (Xinhua) -- After 700 days, the face mask mandate in Spain aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 has come to an end. The outdoor mask mandate was removed in February, and from now on masks will not have to be worn indoors in Spain in most settings.

However, exceptions remain in certain settings, such as in healthcare facilities and on public transport. The new rules entered into force on Wednesday.

Medical experts in Spain told Xinhua that the use of face masks has been effective in reducing the spread of coronavirus. They said people should nevertheless continue their vigilance with masking.

"It is clear that face masks have helped prevent the transmission of the virus, especially in closed spaces," Antoni Trilla, senior consultant at the Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology Service of Barcelona's Clinic Hospital, told Xinhua.

"We need to continue taking special care with those groups who are older or who suffer from serious illnesses. For these people, it's advisable to still wear face masks for now. Health professionals also need to continue wearing masks in hospitals and care homes," he said.

The authorities decided to drop the mask mandate that has been in force since May 20, 2020, as 92 percent of the country's population over the age of 12 have now been inoculated.

Currently, Spain has one of the highest vaccination rates in Europe, but it is also one of the last European countries to remove the mask mandate.

Nevertheless, the experts agree that face masks will continue to be used in specific circumstances.

"What will probably happen here in the future is that in certain circumstances, such as when viruses circulate in winter, on public transport, in closed spaces, or among vulnerable people, we would see the use of face masks being recommended but without them being obligatory," Trilla said.

"From now on, I think we'll always carry a face mask because in certain circumstances it will be advisable to wear one: on crowded buses and trains or in hospitals," commented Trilla's colleague, Anna Vilella.

Under the new rules, mask-wearing will no longer be mandatory at mass gatherings, such as in sports stadiums, or at workplaces, although employers will be entitled to assess the health risks and to introduce appropriate preventive measures. Enditem

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