Spain urges regional authorities to tighten holiday restrictions

Covid-19 measures, which were set to be eased slightly in the coming weeks on key dates over the holiday season, should be revised given the worsening state of the pandemic, says Spain's health ministry.

A meeting between regional health authorities will be held on Wednesday evening in which Spanish health minister Salvador Illa is expected to seek an agreement that would see restrictions tightened over the holidays as widespread gatherings among friends and family members poses an elevated risk.

Speaking in Congress on Wednesday morning, president Pedro Sánchez already spoke of the need to not ease measures as cases continue to increase.

Loosened holiday restrictions

Usually only up to 6 people are allowed to meet up, but on key dates over the holiday period, that is to say, December 24, 25, 26, and 31 as well as January 1, 5, and 6 this number is supposed to be increased to 10 under Catalonia's current 'Christmas Plan', which is now in question.

According to this plan, the curfew would be allowed to be delayed to 1:30 am rather than 10 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Spain had banned travel between regions from December 23 to January 6 except to visit relatives – whether this exception will hold could also be discussed on Wednesday. Travel within Catalonia is set to be permitted on December 24, 25, 26, and 31 as well as January 1, 5, and 6 for holiday meals, but on other days it will depend on the de-escalation phase.

The Catalan government also announced that on December 24, 25, 26, and 31, as well as January 1, bars and restaurants would be able to have up to six people per table as opposed to four, which is currently the case. On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, they will be allowed to close by 1 am if the plan is not modified.