Background information

The favourable evolution of the COVID-19 epidemic, favoured by the vaccination coverage achieved in Spain and by the application of non-pharmacological measures to control the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by the population until March 2022, made it possible to consider modifications to the epidemic control strategies. The main epidemic monitoring indicators in force, according to the COVID-19 Surveillance and Control Strategy after the acute phase of the pandemic, were at a low risk level in most of the Spanish territory in April 2022.

Content of measure

Royal Decree 286/2022, of 19 April, regulates the use of face masks indoors, moving from the mandatory use in all types of interior places to the use only in certain specific places. Specifically, and as of 20 April, it is established that the mask continues to be obligatory in health centres, services and establishments; in socio-health centres and homes for the elderly; and in means of transport. In the rest of places, it is no longer compulsory.

Thus, in the workplace, the use of masks is not generally required. However, those responsible for occupational risk prevention, in accordance with the corresponding risk assessment of the workplace, may determine the appropriate preventive measures to be implemented, including the possible use of masks. The ‘Action Procedure for Occupational Risk Prevention Services’ takes into account assessment criteria such as the activity of the workplace, adequate ventilation, occupancy level or the 1.5 meter distance. This Action Procedures serves as a guide, a reference for public or private workplaces, which establishes the specific risks of each workplace. Depending on all these variables, risk professionals will have to conclude whether there are legal arguments to impose masks, now that they are no longer compulsory as a general rule.

Use of measure

This measure applies to all people in the Spanish territory.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Applies to all workers	Applies to all businesses	Applies to all citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government	No special funding required

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	No involvement	No involvement
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• No involvement
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

No involvement by social partners in this measure.

Views and reactions

Social partners respect the approved regulation and follow the recommendations made by health prevention services. Social partners are clearly involved in mechanisms related to employment protection, economic support for companies, workers and the unemployed, measures against the economic and social crisis, etc., but they do not interfere in health decisions.

Sources

• 19 April 2022: La Moncloa. Presidency of the Government. Agreements and regulations Real Decreto 286/2022 (www.lamoncloa.gob.es)
• 19 May 2022: BOE, Spanish State Official Gazette, Real Decreto 286/2022, de 19 de abril, por el que se modifica la obligatoriedad del uso de mascarillas durante la situación de crisis sanitaria ocasionada por la COVID-19 (www.boe.es)
• 07 July 2023: Order SND/726/2023 on COVID Masks (www.boe.es)