Increased use of face mask required
Closures to continue until the middle of February
NEW anti-Covid measures published in the regional official bulletin (DOGV) on Saturday came into force on Monday.
The regional government in Valencia noted that this was to combat the high level of infections, which is leading to more coronavirus patients requiring treatment in hospital intensive care units.
The new rules state that face masks have to be worn at all times on beaches by people over six years old.
The DOGV also notes that people have to observe social distancing and follow the regulations on group numbers while they are on beaches.
The DOGV also states that face masks only have to be worn between 10.00 and 19.00 when practising sport and taking physical exercise in towns and urban areas.
However, a face mask is not required for exercise and sport taken outside of towns and urban areas.
It also notes that supermarkets
can only sell ‘essential products’ after 18.00, which include food, ‘drinks’, hygiene products, sanitary items and pet food.
Supermarkets are told to mark off areas in which items are not for sale after 18.00.
Bars and restaurant closures
Restrictions which came into force on January 21 have been extended for another 14 days until 23.59 on February 15.
This includes the closure of bars and restaurants, which can only open for a take-away or delivery service.
Hotels can offer a restaurant and meal service – only for their guests, with a reduced entry capacity to the establishments.
Non-essential shops have to shut their doors at 18.00 – but not supermarkets, pharmacies, opticians, vets and other ‘essential providers’, which include hairdressing salons.
All sports installations have been closed – including gyms – except ones which cater for professional athletes, or for official national competitions.
All day recreational centres for the elderly and young people have been closed as well as bingo halls, casinos, betting shops and gaming establishments.
A maximum of 15 people can attend open-air funerals, which is reduced to 10 for indoor services.