The mandatory use of masks outdoors is coming back in Spain

The Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, has informed the regional presidents today, Wednesday, that an extra Council of Ministers session will be held tomorrow to re-establish the mandatory use of masks everywhere outdoors in public, according to an official government press release.

Sánchez announced this measure at the Conference of Presidents which took place online today, to address, together with all of the regional leaders in Spain, the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic and the sudden increase in cases in recent dates.

It was on June 26th when the central government decided to end the mandatory use of the mask outdoors in public, if more than 1.5 metres of distancing could be maintained. However, Sánchez has decided to re-introduce this obligation as a measure that, in his opinion, can control the spread of the virus in Spain.

STRENGTHEN VACCINATION WITH THE MILITARY:
At the same time, the Prime Minister has proposed reinforcing vaccination teams with military personnel from the Army, as well as making hospitals of the Military Health Network available as vaccination points.

He proposed the intensification and acceleration of the booster vaccine program and has put the following objectives on the table:
- That 80% of the population between 60 and 69 years old is vaccinated with the third dose before the end of the year.
- That 80% between 50 and 59 years old are by the week of January 24^th.
 -That 80% between 40 and 49 years have the booster dose by the first week of March.

In addition, that 70% of children between 5 and 11 years old have the first pediatric dose by the week of February 7^th, and 70% have the second dose by the week of April 19th.