Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said the cabinet will meet today to approve the reintroduction of the use of masks outdoors, as the coronavirus infection rate continues to rise.
The announcement came after he met via video with regional leaders to discuss ways to reduce the spread of the Omicron variant – believed to account for almost half of infections across the country.
Mr Sánchez told regional leaders the mask measure would be put to ministers and signed into law before Christmas. He also announced an acceleration of the vaccine booster programme with greater involvement from the military.
Meanwhile the Generalitat in the Catalan region looks set to reimpose a curfew. It has asked local courts to authorise a series of restrictions, including an overnight curfew, the closure of nightclubs and limiting capacity at gyms, restaurants and theatres from Christmas Eve for a period of 15 days.
Photo: Pool Moncloa / Borja Puig de la Bellacasa
