CORONAVIRUS

Spanish resorts in revolt over masks on beach law

The mandatory mask rule was widely ignored at La Concha beach in San Sebastian
The mandatory mask rule was widely ignored at La Concha beach in San Sebastian
VINCENT WEST/REUTERS

A law to enforce facemasks in public, even when sunbathing or on the beach, has spread dismay through Spain’s tourism industry.

The legislation, which came into effect on Wednesday, makes wearing a mask obligatory, even for children as young as six. Only adults playing sport are exempt. Anyone not complying faces a €100 fine.

Reactions in resorts across Spain have been mixed. Balearic and Canary Island officials have said that the law will not be enforced at swimming pools and on beaches.

A national health commission said that it would review the rules. Hours after it came into effect, Carolina Darías, the health minister, said: “We have to study if the law allows us a certain degree of manoeuvre.”

Spain has re-entered a “high-risk” level