First day without masks on public transport: "In closed places I will continue to wear them"

"It is the measure that was missing

".

Heading up the stairs that led him into the Mar de Cristal station, José Enrique this Wednesday morning was one of many Madrid residents who "we have finally been able to leave the mask at home."

As of today, its use on the country's public transport has ceased to be mandatory after, in the mouth of the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, the "worst" of the pandemic has passed.

The drop in face masks during the morning has been notable, although many users,

, continued to wear them.

"Lately, more people were seen without it on the Metro. Out of respect for the rest of the passengers, I have continued to wear it, but I understand the discomfort of some people who live with friends, with work colleagues or in entertainment venues without a mask , and then you get here and they force you to put it on.

, "concludes José Enrique.

Marcos, a teenager fresh out of high school, confesses while waiting for Line 4 that both he and his friends "for a while" have been wearing them as decorations.

"We put them on,

. Sometimes they have asked us to put them on, and we did, but it was the custom. Outside the Metro it is no longer used."

Others from Madrid, like Rosa, opted for caution and, they say, for the moment they will continue wearing it.

"In closed places, like when I go shopping or on the Metro,

Even though no one talks about Covid anymore, there are still other viruses."

I wasn't the only one.

At his side, moving on Line 8, half of the users continued to cover their faces with this accessory.

"There are times when a pin does not fit in the carriage,

it", Gonzalo pointed out, adding: "Some nights, when the train was practically empty, I would lower it. I will continue the same, but I think it can continue being

".

This measure, which also affects taxis and VTC, has been well received by some drivers, such as Luis, who was waiting in his vehicle on Paseo de la Castellana.

"

it on. Now everything will be more normal."

From this Wednesday, masks will only be mandatory in hospitals, health centers, dental clinics or specialized care and

, as well as in the common areas of nursing homes.

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

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