Guide to new measures to prevent spread of Covid-19 in force across Catalonia

Catalonia's official gazette published on August 18 the new measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, including the ban on smoking in public and the curfew on restaurants, and one week later, social gatherings were also limited to a maximum of 10 people. 

There is no expiry date to these regulations and failing to abide by them might mean fines of between 100 and 3,000 euros.

These measures are to be added to those in operation since the state of alarm ended, the obligation to wear a face mask, and further restrictions for certain areas with recent Covid-19 outbreaks.

Here's a guide to the main Covid-19 regulations to take into account if you are in Catalonia as of August 24, with none of them having expiry date:

Smoking ban if not enough safety distance

Smoking is banned on streets and other public outdoor spaces such as terraces where a two-meter safety distance cannot be guaranteed – this rule applies to any other device to inhale tobacco, such as vapes and similar.

Restaurant curfew

All sorts of bars and restaurants, bar terraces, and beach bars will have to close never later than 1 am and they will not be permitted to admit clients after midnight.

At the bar inside establishments, a distance of 1.5 meters must be guaranteed.

Tables or groups of tables in bars have to be at least 1.5 meters from each other.

Groups of people in such businesses cannot exceed 10 individuals – there must be enough space so that they can respect the safety distance between one another.

Gatherings of more than 10 people

On August 24, Catalan president Quim Torra announced a ban on social gatherings of over 10 people, which from August 18 had been a recommendation only. 

The new measure doesn't apply at work or on public transport and will be in place for 15 days and, as of August 24, it is yet to be officially published.

Face masks compulsory 

The obligation to wear face masks in public everywhere both indoors and outdoors, approved on July 9, is still in effect.

The measure applies to adults and children over the age of six in both outdoor and indoor public spaces, while it is recommended for kids between 3 and 5 years of age

The exceptions include those with respiratory problems that can worsen with the mask, when practicing sport, and when in touch only with the inner circle.

General regulations

Other regulations established by the Catalan government when the state of alarm ended in June and still in operation include a 1.5-meter safety distance both indoors and outdoors, with a 2.5m³ space per person.

Up to 2,000 people in indoor events, including fairs

For indoor activities, in general, the safety area of 2.5 square meters has to be respected for those not close.

This distance can be lower under three conditions: everyone uses face masks, there is a register of attendees, and they have allocated seating with a protocol to avoid crowds established.

Up to 1,000 people standing or 2,000 on seats previously allocated are allowed.

Up to 3,000 people in outdoor venues

In outdoor activities, in general, the safety area of 2.5 square meters has to be respected for those not close.

This distance can be lower under four conditions: everyone uses face masks, there is a register of attendees or they have allocated seating, a protocol to avoid crowds is established, and sectors with independent entry and exit are set.

Up to 2,000 people standing or 3,000 on seats previously allocated are allowed.