Masking A Facemasking Policy

I ARRIVED in Alicante yesterday morning and spent much of the rest of the day wandering around the city.

Most people were wearing facemasks, which I understood to be in line with the Spanish government's new policy, that came into force yesterday, of insisting facemasks be worn outside as well as indoors.

But I noticed a sizeable proportion of people not wearing masks, so I looked for clarification online, and I asked at my accommodation's reception.

The receptionists did not seem to be sure, and I cannot blame them after I later found the newspaper El Pais' report of the new law:

Speaking after the meeting yesterday, Pedro Sánchez, of the [ruling] Socialist Party (PSOE), explained that the use of masks would be obligatory outdoors from December 24, with the exception of when citizens are in natural spaces or when in the company of members of their family unit. They will also not be necessary if social distancing is observed.

In other words, the law has not really changed as masks were already supposed to be worn outdoors when social distancing could not be observed.

El Pais writer Jessica Mouzo wrote:

[T]he prime minister announced a series of exceptions to the measure yesterday, which in practice mean the same rules will be in place as they are now. "We are going to include some exceptions, when, for example, one is practicing sports; when we are in natural spaces, such as the mountains or the beach; and obviously, when we are alone, with our family unit or with someone who is not from our family unit, but with a distance of 1.5 meters," he explained.

This is essentially the same situation under which Spanish citizens can take off their masks right now when outdoors.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.