Additional covid prevention measures for the region of Valencia

Bar capacity has been reduced, but bars and restaurants remain open

The regional government of Valencia has decided against closing down bars and restaurants due to the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, a move which is being implemented in neighbouring regions including Murcia, but has opted instead to reduce the number of customers allowed inside these establishments at any one time.

A resolution was passed on Friday to limit occupancy to a third of capacity in indoor areas and 50 per cent on outdoor terraces, while a 50 per cent limit is also to come into force in shops (including those inside malls). At the same time, shoppers will not be permitted to remain in public areas within shopping malls and in other high street shops footfall is to be limited to a third of capacity. Only half of the pitches in street markets may be occupied.

Restrictions have also been outlined for funerals and wakes, limiting the number of mourners to 25 people outdoors and 15 indoors, and the same restrictions apply non-religious ceremonies such as civic weddings and subsequent receptions in restaurants.

The new measures also affect hotels and tourist accommodation, which are limited to a third of capacity, while cultural and tourism activities are limited to 50 per cent. Street shows are temporarily banned and it is recommended that congresses and workshop activities (including extracurricular education classes) be held online. Individual contact-free sports and those played in pairs may continue, while group contact-free sports may be enjoyed by up to 30 people in the open air and 20 in indoor premises, as long as social distancing is maintained and a third of the capacity of the premises is not exceeded.

The measures, which also include the perimeter closure of Elda and Petrer, which have particularly high contagion rates at the moment, will take effect at 00 hours on November 7th, that is, at dawn from Friday to Saturday, and will last until December 9th.