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OBSOLETE COVID THREAD Mask Wearing

OBSOLETE COVID THREAD
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Time of past OR future Camino
Nascente 2024
As far as I understand the law in Spain mandates wearing a mask in several situations, including all public spaces. Can anyone let me know what is the definition of a "public space" in Spain? The common sense definition would seem to be a space that the public would have access to. Does that mean that walking on the camino in a forest a good 1,000m from anyone else still means that I should be wearing a mask - on the grounds that the forest is a public space? Any clarification would be gratefully received; as a fully vaccinated Brit, I'm keen to book flights but I'm not keen on walking in high summer wearing a mask! In the UK there is no requirement to wear a mask outside so I'm wondering whether I'd be better off doing a route here in England.
 
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My experience is that you don’t need to wear a mask while on a trail by yourself. From my article on a pandemic camino:
In Spain, where the pandemic has had a more devastating effect, mask-wearing in outdoor public spaces had been made obligatory by the Spanish government by the time we walked and failure to comply could result in a fine. Although we felt that we were wearing masks more often than most pilgrims we came across while in Portugal, we wore them even more regularly once we crossed the border. This rule seemed to be mostly respected by locals, as I only noticed one or two people not wearing masks outside in the Galician cities we visited on camino. In fact, it became so normal to see everyone wearing masks outdoors in the nine days I spent in Spain that it seemed unusual and slightly unnerving to see many people not doing so once I returned to Portugal.

We also noted more subtle differences surrounding masks in Spain compared with Portugal. In both countries, mask-wearing was not essential while we were walking on socially-distanced rural paths. In Spain, however, if a non-masked local out for exercise or walking a dog came towards us, it was common for that person to put on their mask solely for the purpose of walking past us on the trail. To reciprocate that care and respect for the health of others, we did the same.
 
Thank you for that - just to say I’m really enjoying your account of the Caminho Nascente. Are the rules on masks wearing different in Portugal?
 
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This is a link to the UK gov advice regarding Spain and Coronavirus, there is a sub link within it to mask wearing.

 
You don't need to wear a mask during sports activities, which long-distance hiking is one of, as well as in other situations "incompatible" with mask-use (yes it really is that vague).

This does mean that if you're just walking straight through a pueblo without stopping, technically you don't need to mask, though as the case may be, good practice may indicate doing so.

There have been some indications that the Spanish government may drop the requirement for outdoors in the near future, whilst maintaining it indoors.
 
This does mean that if you're just walking straight through a pueblo without stopping, technically you don't need to mask, though as the case may be, good practice may indicate doing so.
One should wear a mask when approaching or passing a group of people while walking and always when walking through towns and cities. This is what was done last year along the Camino while I was in Spain. It is also respectful to the townspeople even if you're just passing through.
 
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Thank you for that - just to say I’m really enjoying your account of the Caminho Nascente. Are the rules on masks wearing different in Portugal?
Thank you!

At the time I wrote the article (last Oct), rules were looser in Portugal around outdoor mask-wearing. Subsequently rules became more stringent and usage more common but I still feel anecdotally that more people were wearing masks in Spain when I was there in Oct than at any time during the pandemic in Portugal.
 
This does mean that if you're just walking straight through a pueblo without stopping, technically you don't need to mask, though as the case may be, good practice may indicate doing so.
Yes. Technically, maybe it's legal, but it is a kindness towards local residents to do so:
One should wear a mask when approaching or passing a group of people while walking and always when walking through towns and cities. This is what was done last year along the Camino while I was in Spain. It is also respectful to the townspeople even if your just passing through.
Last year there were a number of posts from a resident of a village in Gallicia, very upset at the cavalier attitude of pilgrims who were ignoring signs at the beginning of the village to please mask up.
 
I understand that masks are required when in public spaces, both indoors and outdoors, but what about when on the Camino away from towns and cities?
I thought that I had read that walking the Camino was considered a "sporting activity" and that masks were not required so long as physical distancing could be maintained.
Is there an official government source on this?
 
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You don't need to wear a mask during sports activities, which long-distance hiking is one of, as well as in other situations "incompatible" with mask-use (yes it really is that vague).
Is there an official source for this?
 
I understand that masks are required when in public spaces, both indoors and outdoors, but what about when on the Camino away from towns and cities?
I thought that I had read that walking the Camino was considered a "sporting activity" and that masks were not required so long as physical distancing could be maintained.
Is there an official government source on this?
I am not sure what the exact rules for walking the Camino will be? But, here is what I intend to do to keep all involved safe. I will keep a mask handy at all times. On these occasions I will use a mask outdoors:

When there are a multitude of walkers passing together.

When someone wants to chat for a while as we walk.

When I pass through tiny towns and local are around.
 
This is a good thing for the heat-intolerant to keep in mind when planning.

I generally enjoy a full sun and mid-20’s temperature but that’s a bit warm for walking… so 16-22 is nicer (IMHO). Today I was out in weather roughly 31C + humid dx and it reminded me of Pamplona to Hontanas in September of 2014 when, for days on end, I thought I would roast to death.

If masks are required outdoors on the trails *away* from towns, then people sensitive to heat will be best to choose “shoulder seasons” when a mask might even be welcome for cold mornings.

(Thinking ahead to my hopes to be in Spain come January… and to walk as much as I can while determining if I can make the leap from Canada to Spain as a permanent choice).
 
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I'm walking the Salvador at the moment and agree with Kanga.
I've been watching videos of people currently walking in Spain. They always put on masks when in villages or built up areas.
In many small hamlets village folk no not wear masks now but out of courtesy I always put mine on.

Today is Sunday and many Spanish were out walking, some with masks on, some with masks under their chin and some with a mask at their elbow which is what I do when out in the wilderness.

In cafés and restaurants so far clients are very strict. Masks come off only when eating or drinking.
 
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