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OBSOLETE COVID THREAD Wearing a mask on the CF

OBSOLETE COVID THREAD
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Felice

Active Member
Time of past OR future Camino
SJPP to Santiago Sept 2014
I cannot wear a mask. In the UK, I have self certified that I am exempt from wearing a mask and have downloaded a card from the government website as well as bought a Sunflower lanyard for those with hidden disabilities.

It is said that there are no exemptions in Spain, but I believe that that is not true. This is what the regulations, which the UK gov website linked to, says:
Se excepcionan de esta obligación a aquellas personas que presenten algún tipo de dificultad respiratoria que pueda verse agravada por la utilización de la mascarilla y a aquellas cuyo uso se encuentre contraindicado por motivos de salud o discapacidad.
Using google translate, this says:
Those persons who present any type of respiratory distress that may be aggravated by the use of the mask and those whose use is contraindicated for reasons of health or disability.

So my question is: if we go to Spain whilst there is still the requirement to wear a mask, how do I set about ensuring that I am exempt? Do I need a doctor's certificate? Or would my UK exemption card be adequate?
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
I cannot wear a mask. In the UK, I have self certified that I am exempt from wearing a mask and have downloaded a card from the government website as well as bought a Sunflower lanyard for those with hidden disabilities.

It is said that there are no exemptions in Spain, but I believe that that is not true. This is what the regulations, which the UK gov website linked to, says:
Se excepcionan de esta obligación a aquellas personas que presenten algún tipo de dificultad respiratoria que pueda verse agravada por la utilización de la mascarilla y a aquellas cuyo uso se encuentre contraindicado por motivos de salud o discapacidad.
Using google translate, this says:
Those persons who present any type of respiratory distress that may be aggravated by the use of the mask and those whose use is contraindicated for reasons of health or disability.

So my question is: if we go to Spain whilst there is still the requirement to wear a mask, how do I set about ensuring that I am exempt? Do I need a doctor's certificate? Or would my UK exemption card be adequate?
I think in Spain you'll have problems in shops and hotels if don't wear a mask . Outside people usually don't say anything.
 
Hi. I am not able to give a decisive answer on your case, with the pandemic in progress ... I can only say that even before the present moment, those who have certain exemptions, health indications (intolerances, difficulties in doing certain jobs or movements , diseases related to breathing, vision, driving cars and so on) must do this before leaving or starting a new job or whatever it is, proving it with medical documents and legal heat. In my opinion, you should ask for information from your doctor or other competent staff if your self-declaration is also valid outside the national territory.
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
I cannot wear a mask. In the UK, I have self certified that I am exempt from wearing a mask and have downloaded a card from the government website as well as bought a Sunflower lanyard for those with hidden disabilities.

It is said that there are no exemptions in Spain, but I believe that that is not true. This is what the regulations, which the UK gov website linked to, says:
Se excepcionan de esta obligación a aquellas personas que presenten algún tipo de dificultad respiratoria que pueda verse agravada por la utilización de la mascarilla y a aquellas cuyo uso se encuentre contraindicado por motivos de salud o discapacidad.
Using google translate, this says:
Those persons who present any type of respiratory distress that may be aggravated by the use of the mask and those whose use is contraindicated for reasons of health or disability.

So my question is: if we go to Spain whilst there is still the requirement to wear a mask, how do I set about ensuring that I am exempt? Do I need a doctor's certificate? Or would my UK exemption card be adequate?
Contact the Spanish Government and ask them to furnish you with whatever document they use in their country.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Thank you for your responses. If we do decide to go when things have died down a bit but masks are still mandatory, I will have to get prepared well in advance.

Depressing that stores etc could still refuse you entry. In the UK, the threat of a massive £5,000 max fine for breaching the disability discrimination act is a huge help.
 
I cannot wear a mask. In the UK, I have self certified that I am exempt from wearing a mask and have downloaded a card from the government website as well as bought a Sunflower lanyard for those with hidden disabilities.

It is said that there are no exemptions in Spain, but I believe that that is not true. This is what the regulations, which the UK gov website linked to, says:
Se excepcionan de esta obligación a aquellas personas que presenten algún tipo de dificultad respiratoria que pueda verse agravada por la utilización de la mascarilla y a aquellas cuyo uso se encuentre contraindicado por motivos de salud o discapacidad.
Using google translate, this says:
Those persons who present any type of respiratory distress that may be aggravated by the use of the mask and those whose use is contraindicated for reasons of health or disability.

So my question is: if we go to Spain whilst there is still the requirement to wear a mask, how do I set about ensuring that I am exempt? Do I need a doctor's certificate? Or would my UK exemption card be adequate?
Not wearing a mask - would this leave you more vulnerable to contracting C-19? Why would you want to put yourself in any such danger, particularly if your condition is respiratory related? There will probably be travel insurance implications also. I don't wish to pry, but you have posted your point.
Stay safe and well.
 
Depressing that stores etc could still refuse you entry. In the UK, the threat of a massive £5,000 max fine for breaching the disability discrimination act is a huge help.
In the US businesses don't have to allow you inside if you aren't wearing a mask, even with a legitimate medical exemption. They do however have to provide you with an alternative, such as curbside pickup.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Bear in mind that masks are worn largely to protect other people, not the wearer of the mask, in case the wearer has Covid 19 but it isn't showing yet. Wearing a mask is also very much about being seen to respect other people and to care for their health. There are many different types of masks and one option is to buy a type that hardly impedes breathing in but does stop water droplets spraying out. You might need to buy a few to try them out to find one that suits you but that would be a worthwhile investment. Buen Camino and stay safe.
 
Maybe with your issues you should as everyone should think 2 or 3 times before walking. You can’t wear a mask so you may or may not be putting yourself at a higher risk. But what is certain is if you contract the virus and you are asymptotic like so many millions are you will be walking around putting a countless number of people at risk. Especially older people and people with compromised immune systems. The possibility becomes real that you may be a spreader and risk people’s lives. You should also read about those worldwide who refer to themselves as “Long Haulers”. People who are perfectly healthy and contracted the virus and in a majority of cases have mild to moderate symptoms. Months later they are still suffering from a host of conditions,
Memory loss, no smell/taste. Lethargy and fatigue so severe they can barely function, muscle and bone pain. There are just some of the symptoms. These are also not old people or people with compromised immune systems. These are healthy people as young as their late teens. There is growing alarm among the medics community as they were slow to recognize this. They have no therapies or drugs whatsoever or even guidance for these people. Whatever condition you may have may also exacerbate your health issues . I know these are all maybes and ifs but what if it was someone else without a mask or being out in a crowd because they want to or they have to go walk the Camino and they infected someone you love?
 
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
Maybe with your issues you should as everyone should think 2 or 3 times before walking.

Kindly look at Coruna Virus Discussions Thread (8):

"Please do not offer opinions on whether someone should or should not walk the Camino."

The OP's question was:
" if we go to Spain whilst there is still the requirement to wear a mask, how do I set about ensuring that I am exempt? Do I need a doctor's certificate? Or would my UK exemption card be adequate? "

It was NOT
"Should I or should I not walk the camino . . . "
 
but...as someone said, you still may not be allowed in stores, letter or not.

I can also foresee a problem with entering stores.

I doubt that it is in the remit of the security personnel at the doors here to have to read letters . . .

. . . they have just been told to not let anyone in who is not wearing a mask. They probably don't have the authority to make any other decision.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
Kindly look at Coruna Virus Discussions Thread (8):

"Please do not offer opinions on whether someone should or should not walk the Camino."

The OP's question was:
" if we go to Spain whilst there is still the requirement to wear a mask, how do I set about ensuring that I am exempt? Do I need a doctor's certificate? Or would my UK exemption card be adequate? "

It was NOT
"Should I or should I not walk the camino . . . "
We all can do what we decide to do but a statement regarding scientific facts are always warranted when the risk to others is possible by our own personal actions. Buen Camino
 
If we go to Spain whilst there is still the requirement to wear a mask, how do I set about ensuring that I am exempt?
Do I need a doctor's certificate?
Would my UK exemption card be adequate?
I can't answer these questions directly and I will not make any comments on whether or not you should do the Camino.
However, after walking from St Jean Pied De Port to Logroño from 8-17 Aug, most pilgrims were not wearing masks in open countryside, but made sure to put them on as soon as they approached villages or even a small settlement of houses.
After finishing this part of the Camino. I flew to Benidorm, in the Costa Blanca for five days and, in both areas of Spain, I didn't see anyone, of any age, not wearing a mask in public, except when they were eating, drinking or on the beach. It was reassuring, to be honest, and I wish the UK government would follow suit.
 
I cannot wear a mask.

How about wearing a face shield? Everyone can wear a face shield

cg944u88_thailand-hospital-baby-face-shields_625x300_09_April_20.jpg


Nowadays you can get a mini-shield which covers just your nose and mouth, and doesn't affect breathing

302493-a.jpg


The bonus of wearing some kind of protection on your face is that you won't get lynched by the locals before you manage to explain them in Spanish why you are spreading the virus in their village :)
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
In this case I would not go this year.

Certificate or not, you won’t be welcome in many places and will get the bad eye. You wouldn’t enjoy having to show your certificate and explaining it every time.

As pilgrims we are guests in the country. Many of the people are scared that the pilgrims will bring the virus in from other countries, in addition to the problems Spain already had with it.

Corona wise, I have felt very safe on the Camino. Everyone (that is close to a 100%) wears a mask. Everywhere where there are people, even in the tiniest hamlets.
- in Restaurants and cafes no masks while consuming something.
- the only non-masked people I have seen are 1) people within their own property (house, garden, car....).2) a few of the cyclists outside the towns 3) a few of the joggers and runners
- You are supposed to wear your make whenever you pass others... even in the middle of nowhere. For the largest part, people I encountered have been doing that.

Perhaps you could have a Buff around your neck and just pull it over nose and mouth whenever inside populated areas. I do that in my home country, works well and I can breath almost normally under it.
 
Sunflower lanyard
Is that widely recognised as such in the UK? I had never heard of it nor do I know of an equivalent in Spain or any other country. You may have to continue to search on Google for an answer to your question. The question of how to prove that one is entitled to an exemption of wearing a face mask in public spaces or in shops may be regulated at the regional level in Spain. I used the search term exención mascarilla site:.es to have a look for specific information.

You obviously frame your question in the context of equal treatment and non-discrimination while many people see it in the context of private interest versus the protection of public health. One can only hope that by the time you do decide to travel around Spain your question has become a moot question.
 
In the US, having a good medical reason for not wearing a mask does not mean a license to do as one pleases. It just means that the store, for example, must provide "reasonable accommodation (" which can be asking you to stay outside, jotting down what you want to buy, and picking it up for you. I would guess that no country gives non-mask wearers, for whatever reason, a total exemption from basic health precaution in the middle of a pandemic.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
How about wearing a face shield? Everyone can wear a face shield

cg944u88_thailand-hospital-baby-face-shields_625x300_09_April_20.jpg


Nowadays you can get a mini-shield which covers just your nose and mouth, and doesn't affect breathing

302493-a.jpg


The bonus of wearing some kind of protection on your face is that you won't get lynched by the locals before you manage to explain them in Spanish why you are spreading the virus in their village :)
This looks like a really great protection, I'm going to buy one.
 
Face shields are not as protective as face masks, and should be worn in addition to a mask.

Yesterday, I went with my sister, who is doing a complete bathroom remodel, to a bath/kitchen specialty store. (It was my first non-essential store I'd to since covid, apart from some outdoor dining.) We wore masks, and the salesman was wearing an awesome looking face shield. I think it could possibly be "helpful" and it looked really nice, but the gaps on all sides had me wondering how effective it really was.
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
It is a lot easier to provide an opinion than actual information, especially when one doesn't live in Spain and doesn't read Spanish fluently. Like me ☺. I tried, nevertheless, to inform myself before I posted in this thread.

As I said earlier, I used the Google search term exención mascarilla site:.es. Of course there are exemptions under Spanish law for people who cannot wear a mask for health reasons. The relevant Spanish law is already referred to in the first post of this thread! And there is plenty more information to be found. The issue is regulated at the regional level in Spain.

For example, Castilla y Leon which covers a large part of the Camino Frances has a form and you find it here:
https://www.saludcastillayleon.es › mascarillas.ficheros

Andaluciá does not regard a self-declaration form as valid for exemptions for health reasons and requests a medical certificate instead, see here.

Using a face shield does not exempt you from the obligation to wear a face mask in Spain, see here.

There is a campaign going on in Spain for the creation of a distinctive badge for people to wear who are exempt from the obligation to wear masks on health grounds, see here. Esta marca evitaría miradas, insultos y críticas. Such a badge could help to prevent being stared at, being insulted and being criticised.
 
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St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
But the OP was asking about Spain. (Regulations differ widely across Europe.) As a reader from another country, I found it interesting to learn how a similar situation is handled elsewhere. That might give a clue to the OP to help in finding/understanding the information for Spain.
I agree. As my Spanish is quite limited, it is too hard for me to find out about the exact situation in Spain. You rightly point out that regulations differ widely across Europe. However, national equal treatment and anti discrimination laws have some anchors in EU law. I had a look at the current situation in a large EU country other than Spain.

Their anti-discrimination/equal treatment law does not give people who cannot wear a face mask on health grounds unfettered access to retail shops. This surprised me. In that country which has a high level of equal treatment and anti-discrimination provisions, retail shops have the right to refuse access to anyone not wearing a face mask and they are not obliged to provide alternative options although a number of them are willing to do so.

So, to any pilgrim from the UK: be prepared that the situation in Spain may be different from what you are used to in the UK.
 
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I agree. As my Spanish is quite limited, it is too hard for me to find out about the exact situation in Spain. You rightly point out that regulations differ widely across Europe. However, national equal treatment and anti discrimination laws have some anchors in EU law. I had a look at the current situation in a large EU country other than Spain.

Their anti-discrimination/equal treatment law does not give people who cannot wear a face mask on health grounds unfettered access to retail shops. This surprised me. In that country which has a high level of equal treatment and anti-discrimination provisions, retail shops have the right to refuse access to anyone not wearing a face mask and they are not obliged to provide alternative options although a number of them are willing to do so.

So, to any pilgrim from the UK: be prepared that the situation in Spain may be different from what you are used to in the UK.

Thank you for doing this research. Makes me realise how powerful the anti discrimination laws in the UK are.
 
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
Thank you Felice and Sabine
2 good articles
As yet...thank heavens...I don't suffer from either a physical or mental disability but I absolutely despise wearing a mask even though I do as recommended ..

My glasses fog up and I get agitated not being able to see
It's difficult to communicate to shop workers
I must always remember to carry one with me ...as well as all the other clobber needed for a shopping trip
It gets stuck in the arm of the specs when removing it ...and so on and so forth

One of our relatives has mental and physical health issues and when we donned him with a mask going into the shop.......it was like Armageddon believe me!

But everyone here so far have been very understanding.....as are the bus drivers when my neighbour , who has asthma, goes to work in the morning
I've seen people in stores explain at the shop entrances as to why they cannot wear a mask...and always accepted in a pleasant way

Mind you, the only reason that I'm happy to wear a mask down the high street is that I can have a hearty conversation with myself without anyone looking at me in a "funny" way!!
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
But everyone here so far have been very understanding.....as are the bus drivers when my neighbour , who has asthma, goes to work in the morning
I've seen people in stores explain at the shop entrances as to why they cannot wear a mask...and always accepted in a pleasant way
Download an exemption card here. Much easier (and less embarrassing) than having to explain.
 
Hi Felice,
As always, Kathar1na has done excellent research and confirmed that here in Spain, each region has its own laws about wearing a mask and who would be exempt. Here is Galicia's policy: https://www.xunta.gal/dog/Publicados/2020/20200718/AnuncioC3K1-170720-2_es.html

Unless I've missed it, Galicia doesn't inform us as to how to demonstrate you're exempt. The article Kathar1na linked to above (https://www.ideal.es/granada/policia-local-granada-multa-mascarilla-20200725134756-nt.html) does say that a self-declaration is valid in Castilla La Mancha, Navarra, Asturias, and Cantabria. ("Se trata de una «declaración responsable» firmada por la persona que presenta la causa de exención, que sí es válida en otras comunidades, como Castilla La Mancha, Navarra, Asturias y Cantabria.")

So I would start with a doctor's note in Spanish saying that you're exempt (and bring your UK card and the self-declaration), but you may also need to comb through the policies for the different regions you'll be walking through to see if there are clearer instructions or requirements for each of those regions.

Their anti-discrimination/equal treatment law does not give people who cannot wear a face mask on health grounds unfettered access to retail shops. This surprised me. In that country which has a high level of equal treatment and anti-discrimination provisions, retail shops have the right to refuse access to anyone not wearing a face mask and they are not obliged to provide alternative options although a number of them are willing to do so.

I believe this will be true in Spain as well. As a general rule, if you have a private establishment in Spain you have the right to refuse entry to anyone. I haven't seen or read anything during the pandemic to know how this plays out when a client cannot wear a mask - and forgive me for here I wade into giving an opinion - but I'm not optimistic that it's a friendly, good experience for either the proprietor or the client in those cases.

Take care!
 
Face shields are not as protective as face masks, and should be worn in addition to a mask.


Yes. In Spain if you wear a face shield you are still obligated to wear a mask underneath it (unless exempt).
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
So are you implying that these people are not able to work or walk a Camino?
I don't think that was the intended implication. We are currently in an exceptional time, and people need to be realistic about their expectations - there are some things that limit us all, at the moment - many of us are not currently able to walk a Camino, for different reasons. The rules about mask use are very new. Hopefully they will be unnecessary before too long, but if they are needed in the "new normal" we will all have to develop new coping mechanisms, rules, and ways to help each other be safe. We need to be patient.
 
In the US, having a good medical reason for not wearing a mask does not mean a license to do as one pleases.

As someone else said, "but this is Europe".

The US has very different laws regarding private property (including shops) than anywhere in Europe, except to a degree the UK.

Generally in Europe, the Laws state that potential customers have reasonable rights of free access into shops, whether they are actually seeking to purchase something or not, contrary to the USA -- these rights are very old, and were first established between the 16th & 18th Centuries.

As for masks, I suspect that the situation in Spain would be similar to the one in France -- people with exemptions can refrain from wearing one, but they need to carry documentation demonstrating this to be the case.

OTOH many people in that situation do seem to use a face shield instead, just to avoid being hassled by busybodies.
 
I asked for facts from someone in Spain who is knowledgable as to how exemptions work.
I did not ask for opinions.

I would bring a certificate from your doctor at home ; stamped as someone suggested as the Spaniards love their stamps, it's not just a Camino thing ! :cool:

But then on arrival in Spain, I'd go and see a Spanish doctor to see if he can give you a Spanish equivalent.
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
Maybe with your issues you should as everyone should think 2 or 3 times before walking. You can’t wear a mask so you may or may not be putting yourself at a higher risk. But what is certain is if you contract the virus and you are asymptotic like so many millions are you will be walking around putting a countless number of people at risk. Especially older people and people with compromised immune systems. The possibility becomes real that you may be a spreader and risk people’s lives. You should also read about those worldwide who refer to themselves as “Long Haulers”. People who are perfectly healthy and contracted the virus and in a majority of cases have mild to moderate symptoms. Months later they are still suffering from a host of conditions,
Memory loss, no smell/taste. Lethargy and fatigue so severe they can barely function, muscle and bone pain. There are just some of the symptoms. These are also not old people or people with compromised immune systems. These are healthy people as young as their late teens. There is growing alarm among the medics community as they were slow to recognize this. They have no therapies or drugs whatsoever or even guidance for these people. Whatever condition you may have may also exacerbate your health issues . I know these are all maybes and ifs but what if it was someone else without a mask or being out in a crowd because they want to or they have to go walk the Camino and they infected someone you love?
totally agree with you
 
Another thing to consider may be restrictions implemented by airlines. For example, Lufthansa and all the other airlines of Lufthansa Group are restricting exceptions from compulsory masks: Flying without mask only with a medical certificate and negative Covid-19 test.
 
Hi Felice....I walked the Camino for 6days last month. In towns, villages and anywhere you came into contact with other people, we wore a mask, but once in open countryside, we too them off. I live in Madrid where wearing a mask as soon as you leave your home is compulsory.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
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