Covid-19 measures extended for two further weeks until February 7

The Catalan government has extended the current measures in place to halt the spread of Covid-19 for a further two weeks. This means the restrictions on things such as mobility, educational centres, and opening hours for businesses will last until at least February 7. 

The decision was made just a day after health authorities revealed that they believed the peak of the third wave was “very close.” Hospitalizations and ICU patient numbers are already at the same levels seen during the peak of the second wave, with 2,825 patients in hospital with Covid-19 and 612 patients in intensive care as of January 19. 

Measures

This means that residents in Catalonia will still not be allowed to leave their municipality of residence without having a justifiable reason, which includes work, study, returning home, going to health centres, care of dependent relatives, demonstrating and force majeure.

Only shops of up to 400 sqm are allowed to open on weekdays under these measures, but retail has to remain closed at the weekend except for those providing essential goods.

Shopping malls will continue to be closed, as will gyms.

The rules for restaurants and cultural venues remain the same as now.

This means that restaurants will continue only to be allowed to open from 7 am to 9.30 am and from 1 pm to 3:30 pm. In the evening, take away and delivery services are only permitted.

As for theatres, cinemas and concert halls, they can open at 50% capacity with a maximum capacity of 1,000 people, as long as there is sufficient ventilation and access is controlled, otherwise, the capacity remains at 500.