The article discusses the end of the mandatory use of masks in Spain as a measure to control the transmission of COVID-19. It is mentioned that masks have been shown to be effective in reducing the emission and exposure to respiratory aerosols, but there is no solid evidence of their effectiveness at a population level. The negative consequences of prolonged use are highlighted, such as communication difficulties, alterations in vision and voice, and problems with social interaction. The adverse effects of prolonged use, such as difficulty breathing, headaches, and skin conditions, are also mentioned. The risk of infection transmission when reusing masks is warned against. The current epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Spain justifies the non-mandatory use of masks in healthcare centers, considering factors such as the low incidence of the disease, high percentages of complete vaccination in the population over 12 years old, and the presence of Omicron subvariants with higher transmissibility but low pathogenicity. The use of masks will be subject to the responsibility of each individual, considering factors such as the increase in local incidence, the individual risk of severe illness, and the professional risk. As long as the current epidemiological conditions are maintained, it is estimated that the use of masks should not be mandatory, but their voluntary use is advised for individual protection in high-risk situations of contagion. [Extracted from the article]