Capacities at sporting events across Spain to be reduced

Capacities at sporting events across Spain will be reduced due to coronavirus fears. 

Outdoor events will be able to host 75% of their regular capacities, while indoor matches will only be able to host 50% of their maximum crowds. 

The decision will affect football clubs such as FC Barcelona and Espanyol in La Liga, as well as Girona in the second division. 

In basketball, FC Barcelona, Joventut de Badalona, and Manresa will all see their capacity crowds halved, heading into a key point in the season. 

The decision was taken at the Interterritorial Health Council meeting on Wednesday evening and comes at a time of significantly worsening pandemic figures. 

In the past two days, Catalonia has seen the two highest new daily Covid-19 case count, as well as record-high incidence rates and outbreak risk. 

Hospital admissions and patients needing intensive care are also quickly rising. 

However, the quarantine period for people positive with Covid-19 and those who are close contacts has been reduced from 10 days to 7.

The booster shot campaign is also advancing well, with third doses now available in Catalonia to people in their 40s.