‘Where do I wear a mask?’ – seven exceptions to the Valencian Community’s new rules on mask wearing

Wearing a mask is now mandatory in Spain’s Valencian Community.

Regional health minister Ana Barcelo announced the news last Saturday during a press briefing following at least 20 COVID-19 outbreaks in the Community.

Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha and the Canary Islands are now the only regions in Spain not to make sanitary masks obligatory.

Barcelo said not wearing a mask in any public space – open-air or closed – is now punishable by a police fine between €100-600.

Here are seven exceptions:

1. You are not required to wear a mask at public swimming pools and beaches.
2. You are not required to wear a mask in natural parks or areas away from urban nuclei, provided a distance of 1.5m between people can be maintained.
3. You are not required to wear a mask when exercising.
4. Children under six are not required to wear a masks.
5. You are not required to wear a mask while eating and drinking at a bar or restaurant, however the health ministry has urged customers to wear a mask when not actively ‘consuming’.
6. You are not required to wear a mask if you suffer a medical condition or have respiratory problems, or if a disability or dependency means you cannot put on nor remove a mask.
7. You are not required to wear a mask while driving alone, or with people with whom you live.