The compulsory use of face masks in Catalonia as a measure to protect against coronavirus will be approved today in the Procicat civil protection committee and will enter into force tomorrow, Thursday July 9th, as confirmed by the Catalan president Quim Torra in Parliament during this morning's question session.
"Masks will be mandatory throughout Catalonia, not just in the Segrià," said Torra in response to a question from CUP deputy Natàlia Sànchez who criticized the government's management of the health crisis in Segrià.
Everywhere except at home
Catalan health minister Alba Vergés had already announced yesterday that the Procicat was planning to extend the mandatory use of masks in Catalonia, which up till has not been necessary in situations where social distances from other people can be maintained. Under the new rule, masks will have to be worn even if safety distances from others exist.
The proposal, still to be confirmed, is that going without a mask will only be permitted in a space shared by people who live together, that is, within the family. Vergés also outlined other possible exceptions which the new rule will have to consider: for example, with regard to practicing sports and when swimming at the beach.
For those that don't comply, said the minister, fines will be charged.