On Sunday, October 25, the central government declared a new state of emergency to combat the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in Spain. These new emergency measures include a night-time curfew, although unlike in March, the autonomous community will be the ones to determine the specific measures that apply in each territory.
In Catalonia, there is a community-wide perimeter closure in place for 15 days and municipal perimeter closures on the weekends. The territorial confinement, which all communities have opted for except Galicia, Extremadura, and the Canary and Balearic Islands, affects 88% of Spanish towns and nearly 40 million people.
What measures have been put in place in Catalonia to contain the pandemic?
Experts reiterate that it is very important to follow safety and hygiene measures. They also recommend staying at home as much as possible and limiting interaction to the household bubble or extended bubble (small group of people, always the same ones, you can socialize with).
The Government of Catalonia has also put in place several measures in an attempt to contain the spread:
- Perimeter closure of Catalonia for the next 15 days. No one can enter or leave the region, except for justifiable causes: health, studies, work or force majeure.
- Perimeter closure of towns from Thursday at 10 pm to Monday at 6 am, to prevent weekend travel.
- Curfew from 10 pm to 6 am.
- Gatherings of more than six people are not allowed, either in public or private.
- As much as possible, companies should encourage telecommuting.
If it isn’t possible, comply with prevention regulations. - In education:
- Schools remain open, but without extracurricular activities.
- Online classes are recommended for high school and vocational training.
- And virtual classes at universities and higher learning centers.
- Bars and restaurants remain closed to the public. They can offer pick-up or delivery service during the hours allowed.
- For retail:
- Shops selling staples can open, regardless of their size.
- Shopping centers must close.
- Shops with less than 800 m² can open with no more than 30% capacity.
- Beauty salons are closed, except for hairdressers by appointment only.
- In culture:
- Cinemas, theaters and concert venues are closed.
- Libraries are open to pick up and drop off books only.
- Museums, archives and galleries are open with no more than 30% capacity.
- Gyms and sports centers are closed, except for professional athletes.
- Physical activity must be done individually, with social distancing.
- Playgrounds close at 8 pm.
- Religious events can be held but with no more than 30% capacity.
All of these measures have been put in place to flatten the curve: reducing the number of people infected each day and keeping the reproduction rate (Rt) below 1.
Initially, the measures will apply for the next 15 days, but they will be reviewed weekly in case they have to be extended, depending on how the healthcare situation progresses.
