No longer a limit on gatherings in Catalonia

There is no longer a 10-person limit on gatherings in Catalonia, although authorities advise larger groups of people not to get together.

On Friday, the measure that was implemented again in summer to combat the fifth Covid-19 wave was lifted after it expired and the government chose not to extend it.

The state of the pandemic has eased and, for the first time since June, the outbreak risk indicator is no longer 'high', but rather 'medium'.

The capacity limit for religious ceremonies, previously set at 70%, has also been removed – yet, the ban on any activity in places open to the public from 12:30 am, such as bars and cultural events, still applies.

The indoor areas of nightclubs are still not allowed to open, although outdoor terraces can operate until 12:30 am, meaning that the nightlife sector in Catalonia will remain closed.

Night bars and clubs have repeatedly requested to open again. Since Covid-19 first hit in March 2020, they have only been allowed to reopen for a few days in June.

Stores can open at 70% of their total capacity, while outdoor sports venues of a capacity of over 10,000 seats have seen their limit increased from 30% to 40% if safety measures are implemented and separated sectors with up to 4,000 people each are created.

Smaller outdoor venues are allowed 70% of their capacity and a maximum of 4,000 people, and the same applies for indoor venues with a maximum of 3,000 people, with everyone seated in both types of facilities.

As for cultural venues, restrictions are unchanged: maximum capacity of 70% with a cap at 3,000 people both outdoors and indoors.

None of these measures will need to be approved Catalan high court as they are no longer considered to impact fundamental rights.