The provinces of Malaga and Granada plan to move to Phase 1 measures from Monday 18th May.
The outline and guidance for the new provinces to move to Phase 1 was given during a press conference held yesterday by Salvador Illa, the Minister of Health, and Fernando Simon, the Director of the Centre for Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies of the Ministry of Health in Spain.
The latest provinces to move to Phase 1 include Granada and Malaga.
The decree is set to come into effect from Monday 18th May and from that date the provinces will be able to benefit from the new freedoms.
What will life be like under Phase 1? Here’s just a few of the new expected rules:
- Social Contact – Those without pre-existing health conditions and other non-vunerable people can meet with family or friends in a group of upto 10 at home or outdoors. They must obey the two metre distance rule, and hand-washing hygiene must remain a priority.
- Bars & Restaurants will be able to open their pavement terraces at a 50% capacity. A minimum distance of 2 metres between tables must be respected and groups of customers cannot exceed 10 people. Tables must be disinfected between customers. Indoor dining areas must remain closed. Single serving items such as vinegar, oil, ketchup will replace dispensers.
- Movement within each province will also be permitted.
- The current timetables for outdoor leisure will remain in place however each region has powers to adjust the hours to suit the needs of their citizens.
- You can take walks in natural parks and areas observing the current timetables for social distancing protection.
- Hotels can reopen with no limit on rooms but restrictions will remain in place on the use of common areas such as dining rooms.
- Places of worship can open at 30% capacity. Attendees must wear face masks and avoid the exchange of objects to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
- Museums may also open but at a third of capacity.
- Cultural events under 30 people can be held indoors. Outdoor cultural events can entertain upto 200 people (seated). Social distancing of 2 metres must be respected.
- Businesses will have to provide hand santizer gels and disinfectants for their customers.
- People currently working from home are recommended to continue to do so if possible.
More details will be revealed in the coming few days and weeks to follow.
Even if all things do go ahead as planned, authorities caution that we must stay alert as Coronavirus has not disappeared.
