COSTA WELCOMES 'NEW NORMALITY'
Regional legislation now applies as resorts get ready to welcome more UK and EU flights from July 1 following extra safety rules
THE COSTA Blanca is enjoying 'new normality' under specific regulations now under the authority of the regional government - see the full set of regulations you must follow in our report on page 5.
Meanwhile, Benidorm and other Costa resorts are gradually reopening in the hope that the restarting of flights between the UK and Spain on July 1 by some airlines will bring some kind of normality to the local tourism trade - especially after Spain announced it would not be imposing quarantine on UK citizens.
Until this week only 25% of hotels had opened their doors but the percentage will rise significantly next week.
Some attractions, such as Terra Natura have already opened and other parks will do so next week (Mundomar).
THE VALENCIA government has published regulations for the ‘new normality’ period following the end of the national state of emergency at midnight on Saturday.
Regional vice-president Mónica Oltra said their goal is to ‘minimise the risk to public health’ and ‘support the reactivation of the economy’.
In line with national legislation people have to observe 1.5 metre social distancing in public places or wear a face mask when this is not possible.
Extension
In effect, the rules – which have been published in the official bulletin of the Valencia government (DOGV) and came into effect on Sunday – prolong many of the measures that were already in place for phase three of the exit plan.
Shopping centres, bars, restaurants, museums, cinemas, theatres, street markets and other establishments have to maintain entrance limits and can only cater for 75% of their normal capacity.
Tables inside and outside restaurants and bars have to be at least two metres apart.
Nightclubs and discotheques can only operate with one third of the normal occupancy rate – and dance floors cannot be used for dancing.
Hotels also have to operate with 75% of their normal capacity in common/public areas. This rule also applies to hotel and urbanisation swimming pools – however, if users are not able to guarantee 1.5metre distancing then the capacity has to be reduced to ensure this.
Hygiene
The obligation to clean and disinfect any areas or facilities used by the public remains in place – and owners have to ‘ventilate’ their premises at least once a day ‘to renew the air’.
Businesses should encourage clients to pay with a card ‘or others forms of non-cash transactions’.
They also have to have handsanitising gels available for their customers.
Only one person is allowed into a lift at any one time, unless they are members of the same household, or everyone is wearing a facemask.
Work
Business owners have to organise work shifts so that workers can maintain distancing of 1.5 metres.
Valencia advises that meetings should take place via video link and not in person – and communication should take place over the phone rather than travelling to meet clients.
The measures will remain in place ‘until the coronavirus healthcare crisis is over’.
As such, the regulations could be modified in the coming months, noted Sra Oltra.
Inspections to make sure that businesses and residents are complying with the rules will be carried out by town halls and regional police.
The bulletin states that any fines levied for breaking the rules will be applied by the ‘appropriate authorities’.