Mandatory mask wearing largely abolished in Spain from Wednesday
The seven-day incidence rate in Spain, of cases per 100,000 people, was just under 257 on Tuesday
Spain has largely abolished the requirement that people wear protective masks indoors as of Wednesday, as the number of cases of Covid-19 continues to fall.
A corresponding decree was approved by the Cabinet in Madrid on Tuesday and came into force on Wednesday.
After almost two years, people no longer have to wear masks in almost all enclosed public spaces.
Masks, however, remain compulsory in hospitals and on public transport, as well as in health centres and homes for senior citizens.
The danger posed by the coronavirus has "clearly decreased", Health Minister Carolina Darias told journalists after the Cabinet meeting.
Vaccination success
The seven-day incidence rate in Spain, of cases per 100,000 people, was just under 257 on Tuesday.
Meanwhile the vaccination rate is high, with around 85% of the population having received at least two jabs against Covid-19.