Covid concerns lead to tighter restrictions in Cerdanya, Pyrenees

Cerdanya is the latest county in Catalonia to have tighter restrictions put in place following concerns over how the coronavirus pandemic is evolving.

With the risk of more outbreaks measured above 2,000 (over 200 is "very high"), the Catalan civil protection agency Procicat approved a series of measures on Wednesday for the region, situated in the Pyrenees and popular with second home owners from the Barcelona area.

People are advised to stay at home in general, and to work from home where possible.

Valid reasons for going out include visiting a health center; bringing children to school or extracurricular activities; taking care of the elderly or other dependents; banking; shopping for food, drink and other essentials; or visiting other stores by appointment.

Bar and restaurant capacities are limited to 50%, as is attendance at religious and sporting events. Cultural activities, however, can have up to 70% of capacity.

These measures are similar to those already in effect in other parts of Catalonia with a high outbreak risk, and will be in place for a minimum of two weeks.

Social gatherings in Catalonia capped at 6 people

Civil Protection also approved reducing the maximum number of people at social gatherings from ten to six.

This will apply across Catalonia and comes following a request from health authorities.

The measure aims to reduce the number of Covid-19 infections that occur within families and among friends. The number of people who can sit together at a table or group of tables in a hotel, cafe and restaurant is also reduced to six, both indoors and on outside terraces.

Authorities decided against closing children's playparks at this time, but urged people to use them "rationally" and to avoid them if there are several other children playing already.