Spain’s 17 ‘new normalities’

Different rules apply in different regions of Spain, we look into them in case you want to travel around the country this summer

YOU'RE probably tired of hearing the ‘Spain is different’ cliché, yet the so-called ‘new normality’ has done nothing but underline how true this is as, to all effects, there is not only one set of rules for the whole country under the circumstances but 17 different ones as each regional government has regained full authority in its territory to establish the ‘new normality’ regulations.

So if you are planning to stay in Spain this summer, or indeed until a vaccine or treatment is found (the official duration of ‘new normality’) you must know which regulations apply in each region, especially those closer by, so you don’t accidentally flout the rules.

First, we must underline the few measures that are applied nationwide by order of the ministry of health, namely: social distancing of 1.5 meters (formerly two metres) is required, and masks must be worn at all times in open and enclosed areas when that is not possible.

In the event of major outbreaks, the state of alarm could be introduced again. However, strict mobility and certain previous lockdown measures can be applied to towns or areas to contain smaller outbreaks that are being detected (such has been the case of several Aragón districts this week).

All this said, let’s now take a look at some of the most significant new rules that will be applied in each region but please bear in mind that any of them can change these as weeks go by (some have even set new phases for rule changing) and you are advised to check with the regional governments’ website before travelling.

Valencia and Murcia

The Valencia region, which includes the provinces of Alicante (Costa Blanca), Valencia and Castellón (Costa Azahar) has taken a very cautious approach and is maintaining many of the measures applied during phase three for the national lockdown exit plan. Hence maximum capacities for establishments in general are set at 75% but dropped to 60% at shopping centres.

Valencia has authorised summer festivals but they will be limited to 800 people (social distancing and face mask rules apply) and funeral can have no more than 50 attendants outdoors and just 25 indoors.

Although education measures are still to be approved, regional government sources have already confirmed that university students can return to class, classroom capacity is reduced to one person per 2.5square metres and masks must be worn if students are closer than 1.5 metres apart.

Murcia’s main ‘new rule’ is the allowance for hotels to use all available rooms (many regions such as Valencia apply a 75% maximum capacity norm), although the use of common areas (restaurants, pools, spas, etc) is limited to 75% of their full capacity.

General maximum capacity in other establishment sill be of 75%.

Summer camps will be allowed to go ahead with a maximum of 150 participants. Official sports competitions are suspended in the region until

September 15, weddings can have a maximum of 500 guest outdoors (200 indoors) and funerals can have a maximum 50 attendants (only 30 indoors).

Neighbouring regions

Andalucía (including the popular Costa del Sol) also sets a 75% maximum capacity for all establishments, but will allow 100% use of the terraces for cafés and restaurants. Hotels’ common area can be used only at 50% of their full capacity while the limit increases to 75% in the case of private pools (communities). Maximum capacity in cinemas, concert halls and theatres is set at 65%, but open-air concert can have up to 1,500 in attendance. Funeral can have up to 60 mourners (30 indoors)

The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera) have already welcomed foreign tourists and specific rules are now in place. So far establishments will a capacity of 300-plus are not allowed to open and the maximum capacity for the rest is of 75%. Each person must take up four square metres of sand on its beaches and a maximum of 30 people is set for excursions, leisure and sporting activities.

Neighbouring with Valencia and Castellón provinces, Aragón has set a 50% maximum capacity for discos and night bars that can only use the dancefloor to place tables and chair – the maximum capacity is of 75% in all other establishments. All local fiestas are suspended until September 30 at least.

Castilla-La Mancha, bordering with inland Alicante and Valencia provinces has also set a maximum capacity for all establishments at 75%. Local fiestas are not forbidden by not recommended before July 15. Day care centres for elderly and infirm residents have reopened, except if they are located next to elderly care homes and other vulnerable groups.

To the north of Valencia region, Cataluña has set a maximum capacity of 50% for indoor premises and 70% on terrace – although this rule is subject to review by the regional health authority by this weekend. As is other issues, Cataluña will be setting is own path in the new normality process and appears to be relying on individual responsibility to ensure protocols are followed. In any event, social distancing rules must be followed by the 1.5metre distance could be reduced is face masks are used.

Rest of Spain

The Madrid region was the epicentre of the pandemic in Spain, and is now calling of caution amid ‘new normality’ for which is has set up a twostage plan as the region never got past phase three in the national lockdown scheme. Until July 5 business will can only use their indoor premises to 60% of the capacity, but after that the ratio will increase to 75% - terrace are kept at 80% now and will increase to 100% from July 6. Nightclubs and social centres cannot reopen until July 6 and although swimming pool can, their capacity is restricted to 50%. Summer camps are allowed with a maximum 300 people (down to 75 if held indoors) and gymnasiums can only be used by a maximum 20 people at a time from July 6

The Basque Country has reopened all open-air sports venues but an area of four square meters per person must be guaranteed. Elevators and trams used are not at 100% of their capacity, but masks are compulsory. The regional will allow up to 1,000 people in openair cultural and sports events, but in closed pavilions the maximum crowd is reduced to 300. Discotheques and night bars are restricted to 60% of their capacity – again with tables and chairs on the dancefloors.

Canary Islands will enjoy some of the lightest restrictions due to the low levels of coronavirus on the islands. There are no limits in bars and restaurants, but shops are reduced to 75% of their capacity. Beaches have a compulsory four-metre space per person and local fiestas are suspended.

Local councils in Asturias will be able to limit the time beachgoers can stay on the beach. Bars and restaurants can open to their full capacity, but nightclubs only 50% - with dance floors banned. Fiestas can be held but have been divided into categories according to social distancing risk (high risk fiesta are cancelled, medium risk can go ahead at 75% of their capacity, and low risk without capacity restrictions). Shopping centre leisure areas can only be used to 50% of their usual capacity.

Cantabria, including its capital Santander, has set at 75% capacity limit for all hostelry, retail and cultural establishments. Hostels, tourist facilities and nightlife venues can only use their facilities to half their full capacity. Weddings in this region can have up to 150 guests outdoors, but only 75 indoors. Open-air concerts can entertain a crowd of up to 1,000 people but the maximum capacity allowed cannot exceed 75% of usual capacity and all must be seated. In the event of sports, the maximum crowd will be 300 in closed spaces and 1,000 in the open.

Galicia was officially the first region in Spain to reach new normality and has the lowest impact of Covid-19. In this region the majority of business can open to 75% of their full capacity – 80% for bar and restaurant terraces – and open-air events are limited to 1,000 people (300 indoors)

Castilla y León was one of the worst hit regions during the pandemic and any events where social distancing is not possible have been banned – except concerts and open-air activities where social distancing can be guaranteed. Bars have reopened at 75% of their usual capacity but nightclubs can only be open with a third of their usual capacity and no dance floors. Swimming pools are restricted to 75% of their usual capacity, but sporting events are allowed if no contact is guaranteed among the allowed 1,000 spectators outdoors and

Like neighbouring Madrid, Extremadura has also established a tow-phase system with a first stage lasting until July 31 where general maximum capacity will be reduced by 50% and subsequently increased to 75%.

Wine country La Rioja has not limited capacity in any establishment of event where social distancing can be kept. However, large events are limited to 1,000 people (or 75% of the usual capacity) and in these cases each attendee must register – to facilitate location in the case of outbreaks. And while local fiestas are allowed in La Rioja, no events involving large crowds (bullfights, fairgrounds, etc). Bullring capacity will be limited to 1,000 people and other recreational activities, such as swimming pools, can open at 75% of their usual capacity.

Navarra regional rules will mean no world-famous San Fermín fiestas in Pamplona this year. Fiesta involving huge crowds have all been cancelled, but large events can take place outdoors providing there are less than 1,000 people attending (500 indoors). Strict regulations have been set of Creches.