- Time of past OR future Camino
- Future Camino Frances April 2022
What kind of masks are you wearing on the camino? Disposable? Cloth?
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What kind of masks are you wearing on the camino? Disposable? Cloth?
There are no EU wide requirements.Not interested in debating the pros and cons of this type of mask, just wondering if there are any special EU/Spanish requirements that may preclude this type of masking.
What kind of masks are you wearing on the camino? Disposable? Cloth?
Not required or expected for hiking.Where such minimum requirements exist, you are expected to comply. Reenforcement is random or non-existent. As far as I can tell from all I have heard first hand or read. And this concerns only public transport, shops, restaurants. Not hiking.
It is always interesting to read first hand reports from peregrinos like you who are currently walking in Spain. Thank you!We thought they were bored and glad to see some peregrinos, but they were very serious about masks.
I don’t think I ever saw anyone in Spain or Portugal wearing a bandana instead of a mask, so it depends on whether you want to go with the flow or take a chance that there will be a confrontation. On an Iberia flight from Madrid to Chicago in November, a passenger with a bandana was denied boarding till he got something else, but I don’t know if this was a legal requirement, an Iberia policy, or the preference of the flight attendant.just wondering if there are any special EU/Spanish requirements that may preclude this type of masking.
I’m not sure about the rest of Spain but everywhere we’ve been on the Portuguese it’s a requirement in public transport, taxis, shops, restaurants when not eating (we were politely reminded a couple of times when we first got here - we came from a place where no one wears masks), and crowds and we haven’t seen any violations.Also, I should have added to my general comment that the comment concerns things like public transport, shops, restaurants (IF required) and anywhere where the required safety distance cannot be kept, for example in busy public spaces with lots of people - I think this is or was a requirement in Spain/Spanish regions?
Thanks for the feedback! I will probably bring a couple of surgical mask along with me, they weight almost nothing, but I like the ability to quickly pull up and pull down a bandana. They seem to be very popular in my area among hikers and even non-hikers on the street. I actually think the double cloth face covering is more effective than a surgical mask and the mask extends done to the neck area. Regardless, if someone of authority challenges it, I'll have the surgical mask in my pocket. I do not plan on bring an N95, as they are difficult to shove in your pocket and doing so messes with the fit and effectiveness of the mask.There are no EU wide requirements.
On public transport and in shops, restaurants and similar - depending on EU country or on region with EU country or on town - you may be required to wear, as minimum protection, a surgical mask ("blue mask") and even an FFP2 mask (aka KN95 or N95) as a legal requirement.
I very vaguely remember that someone reported several months ago that they were admonished by staff in a metro station in either Spain or Portugal because they wore a cloth mask. I vaguely remember even a poster in Spanish that said so but no idea how to find it again.
Where such minimum requirements exist, you are expected to comply. Reenforcement is random or non-existent. As far as I can tell from all I have heard first hand or read. And this concerns only public transport, shops, restaurants. Not hiking.
Just for info, not for advice: I personally don't like to wear the N95 masks but I have started to use them now. I always have a few surgical masks and a few N95 masks in my daypack (wearing a mask is required in shops and public transport where I live). Both types of masks fold up flat and are easy to store and to pull out from wherever I keep them. When not in use, I put them in a small plastic bag. If I meet someone outside and want to chat, I either put on a mask or keep a distance. I can't speak for Spain but around here people would find it odd when someone would use a bandana.I do not plan on bring an N95, as they are difficult to shove in your pocket and doing so messes with the fit and effectiveness of the mask.
I even find the FFP2 masks more comfortable than the normal surgical masks.Just to make clear what we are talking about: this is what common FFP2 masks (aka N95 or KN95) look like when not used ie folded up:
View attachment 116499
That really depends on the N95 mask that you use. Some are molded in a cup shape, others fold flat. Personally, I prefer to wear KN95 mask with ear loops - more comfortable, and easier to put on and take off. The masks that I buy look similar to those that @Kathar1na pictured. I buy them from bonafidemasks.comI do not plan on bring an N95, as they are difficult to shove in your pocket and doing so messes with the fit and effectiveness of the mask.
I have a cord with jewelry style hooks on each end the I attach to the ear loops of my mask, so that it hangs around my neck and is easy to put on quickly. Actually easier than raising up a bandana and adjusting it on my face. I made mine, but there are widely available. Look for "mask lanyards."I like the ability to quickly pull up and pull down a bandana
Me too. They are stiffer and therefore hold their shape which creates a pocket in front of the mouth. They also keep glasses from fogging up better. Also easier to put on without adjusting much.I even find the FFP2 masks more comfortable than the normal surgical masks.
In Spain you can get N95 and the blue one-day masks on every corner (Farmacias and some supermarkets).Just seeing this, now. Thanks so much for the links and suggestions.
So how many disposable masks would you all pack for a 30 day trip? Generally, we toss the surgical masks after one day’s use, but I read in a news article that some are using the kn95s for a couple of days if they haven’t had heavy use. They aren’t readily available in my area (sadly an anti mask US state). I’ll need to order and not sure how many to order.
That’s amazing. And very good to know.In Spain you can get N95 and the blue one-day masks on every corner (Farmacias and some supermarkets).
Yes, I can read it now.Does this work?
How Long Can I Keep Wearing the Same Respirator Mask?
With the right care, your high-performance mask can last for multiple uses.www.nytimes.com