STORY: Spain ends face mask mandate in hospitals, pharmacies
DATELINE: July 6, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:19
LOCATION: BARCELONA, Spain
CATEGORY: HEALTH

SHOTLIST:
1. various of people walking on the streets in Spain (file)
2. various of hospitals, nursing homes and pharmacies
3. SOUNDBITE (Catalan): RAFAEL PADROS, Occupational risk prevention service manager at Barcelona's Sant Pau Hospital
4. various of people in Spain

STORYLINE:

The Spanish government on Tuesday declared an end to the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and said people no longer have to wear masks in hospitals, health centers and pharmacies.

A medical expert suggested that the use of face masks will remain a recommended precautionary measure in certain areas.

SOUNDBITE (Catalan): RAFAEL PADROS, Occupational risk prevention service manager at Barcelona's Sant Pau Hospital
"Depending on the viruses in the medical community, it's possible that the use of masks will fluctuate in hospitals. For example, when the flu season starts, we might find that everyone in the hospital will have to wear a mask."

The mask mandate in Spain was introduced in May 2020 as part of a raft of measures aimed at containing COVID.

The government removed the obligation to wear a face mask on public transport in February.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Barcelona, Spain.
(XHTV)