The spokesman for the Canary Islands Government, Julio Pérez, pointed out this Wednesday that the Canary Islands will continue to apply the use of masks as until now, after the law processed in relation to the Royal Decree adopted on measures to combat the coronavirus was published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on Tuesday in relation to the Royal Decree adopted on measures to combat the coronavirus with regard to the use of masks, which was extended to the whole country.
This was stated by Pérez at the press conference after the Council of Government of the Canary Islands Executive, after having clarified that although in this law "there is a change in the wording" regarding the use of masks, it also maintains "the exception in the obligation to use masks when the health authority has so ordered in particular circumstances".
For this reason, he stated that the Government of the Canary Islands considers that the rules issued in this regard are still "covered" by this exception, hence "they are still the ones that apply", admitting the exceptions. "Our rules continue to apply, at least for now, unless the Ministry of Health or the Interterritorial Health Council (...) issues any additional instructions," he added.
Asked then about the debate in recent days as to whether the mask should always be worn on the beach, Pérez pointed out that "it is not always required", while in the state law "it seems that in any case" one is obliged to wear the mask.
In any case, he considered that "it is not" the time to relax the requirement to use masks because "it is not" what the rule says in the Canary Islands, in such a way that he stressed that "it is not about reaching the absurd situation of bathing with the mask, that is not what is wanted," but "yes, that the mask is maintained in all cases that are required."
Thus, he stated that on the beach "you have to wear a mask" although "not always", clarifying that the rule remains "exactly the same as the day before yesterday."
Use of the mask
In the Canary Islands, in the specific case of beaches and swimming pools, the obligation to use a mask during bathing and while remaining in a specific space, without moving, is excluded, provided that respect for the interpersonal safety distance between all non-cohabiting users can be guaranteed.
In any case, the use of a mask will be mandatory in the accesses, movements and walks that take place in these spaces and facilities, as stated in the BOC of August 14, 2020.
Likewise, its use is mandatory on public roads and in outdoor spaces whenever it is not possible to guarantee the maintenance of an interpersonal safety distance of at least 1.5 meters. Likewise, in any enclosed space for public use or open to the public, regardless of maintaining a safety distance of at least 1.5 meters.
In addition, it must be used in air and sea transport, in all public transport (taxi, streetcar, bus), as well as in private cars with up to nine seats if the occupants do not live together.
Also in the case of enclosed spaces in hotels and restaurants, including bars and cafeterias, except when eating or drinking. And when accessing a health center.
