Catalonia to extend curfew in 165 municipalities for another week following court approval

The 1 am to 6 am curfew will be in place for another week from Friday night in 165 municipalities including Lleida, up from 161, after the High Court greenlighted the Catalan government's extension request. 

Because the curfew infringes upon individual liberties, authorities must seek court approval on a weekly basis every time they wish to enforce new Covid-curbing measures or prolong those that already exist. 

The towns of Igualada, la Bisbal d’Empordà, Salt, Mollerussa and Roses will also be under a curfew, in place from 1 am to 6 am. The restriction, however, has been lifted in others, like Deltebre, Esparreguera, Sant Celoni, Solsona, or Sant Sadurní d’Anoia a week after it was first reimplemented. 

The measure mainly affects municipalities with 5,000 or more residents and a 7-day Covid-19 incidence rate of 400 or more cases per 100,000 inhabitants, although it also applies to some with lower figures as they are surrounded by towns with higher rates. Catalonia as a whole currently has an average 1-week incidence rate of 603.59. 

Covid-19 restrictions

Aside from the curfew in 165 cities and towns, the court has also approved extending the other Covid-19 restrictions.

This means that all bars and restaurants as well as other businesses throughout Catalonia must continue to close by 12:30 am, while cultural events have to end by then as well. 

The 10-person limit on gatherings also remains in place, as does the 70% capacity limit for places of worship.

Nightclubs are only allowed to open their outdoor areas to the public and dancing is not permitted, while facemasks must be worn when food and beverages are not being consumed. 

Authorities advise local councils to close off parks, beaches, and other areas where people tend to get together at night.