COVID Masking on the Camino

[ShirleyBeth]

Are pilgrims masking in albergues along the Camino in September 2023?

 

[JabbaPapa]

No.

 

[Albertagirl]

I have masks among my luggage and shall wear one, both on the plane and in common areas, after I arrive in Spain the end of September. I do not like the information about the spread of a new covid virus and I do not feel that I need to ask anyone about masking. I am free to do so, for my health and for theirs. Make your own decision, unless, of course, the authorities declare masks to be obligatory.

 

[lovelyshell]

You can certainly mask yourself but don’t have expectations that other pilgrims will be masking. Some might but most won’t. It’s their own perogative.

 

[LTfit]

I've been on various Caminos since 2020 and during the last 2 years they were not used. The final official requirement to use masks in pharmacies was dropped while I was there this past summer.

You may of course choose to do so.

 

[TravellingMan22]

Are pilgrims masking in albergues along the Camino in September 2023?

Still see the odd person wearing a mask on a daily basis here and there just in everyday life. Each to their own and everyone has the right to that along with all other optional aspects of life.

 

[Bradypus]

Just come home from a week on the Frances. I can't remember seeing any pilgrims wearing a mask and very few local people either.

 

[ivar]

In the streets of Santiago, most people do not wear masks now, sometimes you see one or two. I think the social norm is that if you feel like you have a cold coming/or have one you mask up. But there is no law on this.

You can of course put one on if you feel safer that way. You can get the masks at any pharmacy.

 

[SabsP]

In the streets of Santiago, most people do not wear masks now, sometimes you see one or two. I think the social norm is that if you feel like you have a cold coming/or have one you mask up. But there is no law on this.

You can of course put one on if you feel safer that way. You can get the masks at any pharmacy.

Saw this last week. Some seniors doing their shopping at the Mercado in Santiago.

 

[SYates]

As others have said, there are no legal requirements anymore to wear a mask here in Spain but you are free to wear one and nobody will stare at you if you do. Personally I still wear a mask in enclosed spaces like shops, but not in the streets.
SY

 

[TravellingMan22]

As others have said, there are no legal requirements anymore to wear a mask here in Spain but you are free to wear one and nobody will stare at you if you do. Personally I still wear a mask in enclosed spaces like shops, but not in the streets.
SY

I think some people do stare, as it feels unusual and a bit of a throwback, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from doing it… people stare anything slightly left field!

 

[ukjohn99]

I have masks among my luggage and shall wear one, both on the plane and in common areas, after I arrive in Spain the end of September. I do not like the information about the spread of a new covid virus and I do not feel that I need to ask anyone about masking. I am free to do so, for my health and for theirs. Make your own decision, unless, of course, the authorities declare masks to be obligatory.

Just remember that a mask tends to protect other people from you rather vice versa.

 

[C clearly]

I think you will find it similar to the practice in Canada - the vast majority of people don't mask, but you do see the occasional one.

 

[Kitsambler]

We are starting to see a few more here near Seattle, mostly at the grocery and church.

 

[Bradypus]

You can only see people from Asia still wearing them

Many Koreans in particular were wearing masks while walking the Caminos long before Covid came along. And they have been in common use in places like Japan and China for many years.

 

[Molly Cassidy]

I think some people do stare, as it feels unusual and a bit of a throwback, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from doing it… people stare anything slightly left field!

I took a holiday in a small Greek island this spring. The owner of our accommodation came to pick us up from the port. He wore a mask in the car but we didn't have to. It's really personal choice.

 

[canyonhiker]

Are pilgrims masking in albergues along the Camino in September 2023?

I’m on it now and no.

 

[WalkingInGers]

I am taking two masks with me when I leave Sept 19th , and will wear it if needed. Just like to be prepare in case of…

 

[TravellingMan22]

I took a holiday in a small Greek island this spring. The owner of our accommodation came to pick us up from the port. He wore a mask in the car but we didn't have to. It's really personal choice.

Absolutely! I tend to see a few in confined spaces, buses, trains planes. The whole saga made me think more about hygiene and I certainly often use the handwash that seems to be everywhere nowadays. I don’t particularly like handling cash for hygiene reasons nowadays. No idea if it can caries germs but it feels a bit grubby and during Covid was banned in quite a few places!

 

[David Tallan]

I think you will find it similar to the practice in Canada - the vast majority of people don't mask, but you do see the occasional one.

I'm starting to see a few more in Toronto on public transit, although they still are very much a minority.

Are they still masking in pharmacies in Spain? When I was walking in June and July it was expected. I ask because pilgrims sometimes need to go into pharmacies, so if it is still expected there it would be good for them to be prepared.

 

[SabsP]

I'm starting to see a few more in Toronto on public transit, although they still are very much a minority.

Are they still masking in pharmacies in Spain? When I was walking in June and July it was expected. I ask because pilgrims sometimes need to go into pharmacies, so if it is still expected there it would be good for them to be prepared.

See post #5 by @LTfit !
I can confirm they are not mandatory anymore.Walked into a Spanish pharmacy last week.

 

[David Tallan]

See post #5 by @LTfit !
I can confirm they are not mandatory anymore. Walked into a Spanish pharmacy last week.

Teach me to read more carefully! When I was there it was reported as imminent but it hadn't happened yet by the time I left (or if it had, the news hadn't spread).

 

[KDub]

On the CP currently. Not seeing any masks.

 

[CanadianBarb]

As I get ready to walk the Primitivo in two weeks, I now am sick at home with COVID - it is definitely around again. Will hopefully be well enough to go and I will be wearing a mask when in crowded places....

 

[WalkingInGers]

As I get ready to walk the Primitivo in two weeks, I now am sick at home with COVID - it is definitely around again. Will hopefully be well enough to go and I will be wearing a mask when in crowded places....

@CanadianBarb Get well soon.