Spanish Parliament ratifies end of face masks outdoors

Madrid, Jul 21 (EFE).- The end of the obligation to wear face masks outdoors in Spain when social distancing is practicable, as decreed on June 26 by the government, was approved by Parliament on Wednesday.

Some members of Congress advocated for a return to the face mask rule in all circumstances, as a fifth wave of coronavirus infections spreads across Europe.

After the relaxation of restrictions at the national level, Spanish regional governments have pushed to reinstate restrictions and curfews in their jurisdictions.

Health Minister Carolina Darias defended the decree and insisted that face masks continue to be mandatory in most circumstances, with the freedom to take them off restricted to specific situations.

The measure was backed by 180 members of parliament, with 90 voting against and 78 abstaining.

The Socialist Party of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and junior left-wing partners Unidas Podemos both supported the measure, to the opposition of the right-wing Popular Party and the abstention of Vox, on the far-right.

lv/jt