"With a mask I feel protected, especially when there's a lot of people around," said Julia de Isidro, 50, who works at Spain's National Library.
"I'm going to keep wearing them, but in spaces where there's little chance of catching anything I'll take it off," she told Reuters outside the library on Madrid's tree lined Recoletos avenue.
Like her, many others were sporting disposable masks while on the sidewalks of Madrid on Thursday morning.
The national infection rate as measured over the preceding 14 days has halved in three weeks, falling to 1,692 cases on Wednesday from a peak of 3,397 cases per 100,000 on Jan. 17, prompting authorities across the country to ease restrictions.
Masks are still mandatory in enclosed spaces and on public transport but almost all regions have lifted requirements to show a COVID passport to enter bars and nightclubs.
Paul Latham, a 42-year-old Briton who has been living in Madrid for a year, was pleased to finally be able to leave his house without covering his face.
"It's great, it's nice to be able to live free again I suppose and not be constantly thinking about wearing a mask. I love it."
4 comments
To be able to write a comment, you have to be registered and logged in
Despite Faulty Kev-Que? I will continue to wear my Mask for reasons given in the previous Article. It would be interesting to learn of how many infections occur, as a direct result of not wearing a Mask. Especially as Tourists begin to arrive?
Haha damn, maybe I'm wrong but he's having two masks in the image? That's hardcore
i must admit....i am glad about the descison to beable to go out doors with ur Mask now BUT i also WILL continue to wear mine. I am STILL weary and nervous. But again...am glad of this progress we are making.
Well they either didn't get the memo. Or they've been that brainwashed by fear and propaganda, there never coming back into reality. I feel sorry for them!