Christmas restrictions for the Valencian Community –COVID-19

The president of the Valencian Community, Ximo Puig, announced measures affecting Christmas via a TV briefing last Saturday. Read the official resolution in Castellano and Valenciano here.

The Valencian Community contains the provinces of Alicante, Valencia and Castellón and includes the Costa Blanca.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

1. Border closure – The border surrounding the Valencian Community will close to neighbouring Murcia, Castilla-La Mancha, Aragón and Cataluña until 15th January. The closure will be lifted on 23rd, 24th, 25th and 31st December, plus 1st January, to allow people visiting family to cross the border.
2. Curfew – The 00:00 curfew in the Valencian Region will be extended to 15th January. A special 01:30 curfew will be in place from 24th-26th December and from 31st December-1st January.
3. Rule of 6 – Social reunions may not exceed six people until 15th January. However, reunions up to 10 people from no more than two households are allowed on 24th, 25th, 26th and 31st December, as well as 1st January.
4. Hospitality – Bars, restaurants and cafes are allowed to open until 01:00 on 24th, 25th, 26th and 31st December, as well as 1st January. No more orders after 00:30. No more than 6 people per table, although family groups are allowed 10 per table.
5. Cabalgata – Spain’s popular cabalgatas (think Reyes Magos when the three wise men arrive on horseback in towns across Spain) will only be allowed with strict restrictions. Static events in controlled areas will be allowed, and the three Reyes are allowed to travel through town streets, but no street parties are allowed.
6. Events – Open-air and closed events must not exceed 150 spectators. The interior capacity must be restricted to 50%. The only events permitted are public spectacles, recreational and socio-cultural activities and popular celebrations – but not theatres, cinemas, concert halls, conference halls or cultural centres.
7. Zoos and fairs – Fairs, theme parks, zoos and aquariums may open to 50% reduced interior capacity.
8. Public gardens – Public parks and gardens may open from 07:00 to 23:00.
9. Sports – Sporting events, trainings and competitions may take place at sporting facilities, with capacity reduced to 30% and 150 audience limit. Open-air pools must reduce capacity to 30% and closed swimming pools to 50%. Sports groups hiking or walking in natural areas may meet up to 30 at a time.
10. Christmas markets – Markets must reduce to 50% of capacity.

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Written by BayRadio