What do I have to do to obtain a free facemask?

In an effort to curb Covid-19 transmissions, last week the Catalan government announced it would begin distributing 14 million facemasks on April 20 to all residents of Catalonia, of which the first would be free.

Beyond the fact that these masks were initially supposed to be available almost a week earlier than they will be, the move has caused confusion among many who are unfamiliar with the local health system and who were left wondering how to go about claiming their masks.

Here at Catalan News we've put together a brief guide to try to answer any questions you may have about the matter.

When and where will the masks be made available?

The facemasks will be distributed from pharmacies throughout Catalonia from April 20. President Quim Torra had said they would be available from April 14, but then retracted his statement when the government realized there would not be enough of them ready by then. 

What do I have to do to claim my free one?

To obtain the free facemask you are entitled to as a resident of Catalonia, all you have to do is present your CatSalut public health card at your local pharmacy. 

Can I access the public health system if I’m not from here?

Yes, all of Catalonia's residents have the right to access the public health system, regardless of their residency status. 

That said, higher-income foreign residents and their dependents who are not registered in the Spanish social security system are only entitled to public emergency care unless they pay a monthly fee, but everyone will receive public emergency treatment if needed.

How do I obtain a CatSalut public health card?

Under normal circumstances, the most common way of applying for a CatSalut card is at your local Primary Care Center (known as a CAP for its acronym in Catalan), but now this can be done online due to the Covid-19 crisis. 

What if I’m not registered in the Spanish social security system?

Lower-income foreign residents who are not registered in the Spanish social security system can usually apply for coverage here, but given the current circumstances are now requested to do so through the generic online application form.

Higher-income foreign residents who do not have Spanish social security numbers - that is to say, people who are not employed by a company registered in Spain or who are not registered as self-employed workers here - and their dependents can also procure coverage in the public health system by paying a monthly fee. This starts at 60 euros for those under 65 and 157 euros for those 65 and older; otherwise, they will either have to buy their own masks or obtain them through their private health insurer.