Reacción a "Reactions to the announcement that face masks will no longer be mandatory indoors from 20 April"

The situation of the covid-19 pandemic is now more favourable than it was just a few weeks ago, but it is worth remembering that it is not yet over and that virus transmission persists. The new surveillance strategy has only been in place for a fortnight and, although it is possible to have the time series of indicators covered by the strategy for a much longer period than 15 days, it is still a little premature to make a full assessment. From what we know of these indicators, there is territorial heterogeneity and, in general, a certain stabilisation has been observed over the last month or so. It is true that the most serious indicators are at low levels.

In the next two weeks we will have more elements to assess the situation in a much better way and it is possible that the situation has evolved in a way that allows different measures to be taken. But it is also possible that the upcoming mobility, due to Easter and other events, will indicate that the situation is different.

That is why the announcement of the withdrawal of facemasks indoors on a certain date, without knowing a priori what the situation will be like at that time in the near future, cannot be a measure based on the evidence of the epidemiological situation at that time, but on other issues. These other aspects must also be taken into account, of course, but they need to be made explicit when the decision is taken so that it is understood by the public.

The use of face masks indoors is a very iconic and visible measure, and its elimination also sends the message that there is no longer any need for any measure. It should be remembered that the new surveillance strategy is based on the need to focus protection on vulnerable people and, for this to be effective, it is essential that some measures are maintained in the areas where vulnerable people live, work and reside. Part of its success lies in those who are not vulnerable protecting those who are vulnerable by their behaviour and compliance with these minimum measures. 

It would be highly desirable to maintain the use of face masks indoors in certain situations, as well as other measures that tend to be forgotten, such as ventilation and avoiding crowds in enclosed spaces, based on the need to protect vulnerable people. It would therefore also need to be very well established, and better explained, under what circumstances the use of face masks indoors should be more than just a recommendation.