Wearing masks will be compulsory in Spain until virus gets eradicated: Health Minister

Spanish Health Minister Salvador Illa on Tuesday said that wearing masks in the country will be compulsory until the coronavirus pandemic has been wiped off once and for all. 

He said the guidelines for the coronavirus will remain enforced despite the end of state emergency on June 12. He said, "It will remain in place until we permanently defeat the virus, which is when we have an effective treatment or vaccine against it". 

Spain has forced people over the age of six to wear a mask since May 21. The country has asked its citizens to maintain a two-metre distance for security purposes. 

Fines up to 100 euros ($113) have been introduced by the government to ensure the measure remains in place after the lockdown ends. 

According to the new guidelines, the security distance will reduce to 1.5 metres. 

Earlier, wearing masks were limited to those who were travelling in public transport in early May but it was expanded after the virus killed 27,000 people in the country. 

With the epidemic now well under control, Spain has been easing out of its mid-March lockdown in a staged process due to finish by June 21, with the country to open its international borders from July 1. 

Mask wearing is not compulsory for very young children although it is "recommended" for those between three and five.

(Inputs from AFP)