Italy, Spain end outdoor mask mandate as COVID surge ebbs

Rome: Italy and Spain are lifting the obligation to wear masks outdoors in response to an improving coronavirus situation. 

In Spain, mask-wearing will not be necessary outside starting Thursday, government spokeswoman Isabel Rodríguez said after a weekly Cabinet meeting. 

The rule change includes children at school during their breaks outside between classes. 

Conversely, masks remain mandatory in indoor public spaces, including public transportation, and when people are unable to keep a safe distance of 1.5 meters (4 feet) between them.

The decline in COVID infections is being linked with a strong vaccination rate of nearly 81% of Spain's 47 million people.

The country has officially recorded more than 94,000 Covid-19 deaths. 

In the meantime, Italy's government on Tuesday scrapped outdoor mask mandate after decline in COVID infections—aiming to raise attendance limits at stadiums. 

Under new directives set by Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza, it will be necessary to wear protective masks only in crowded areas and at indoor public venues, starting February 11.

The country’s rate of new COVID-19 infections and hospitalisations has been gradually declining in recent weeks, but the death toll remains stubbornly high, with between 300 and 450 fatalities on most days.