Covid: Restrictions relax across Valencia, changes in force until June 7

NEW measures in the battle to control the coronavirus pandemic came into force across Valencia today marking a further de-escalation of restrictions.

The regional government agreed a new set of Covid-19 rules affecting residents and visitors including shortening the hours of the overnight curfew and allowing the hospitality sector longer hours in which to operate.

The start of the curfew is pushed back to 1am until 6am and the cafes, bars and restaurants can now remain open until 12.30, an extra hour of business.

And Ximo Puig, president of the Valencia government, indicated if levels of
contagion remained low, the curfew might disappear in two weeks’ time.

He said reducing mobility had been “a decisive instrument in saving lives and containing the pandemic” – adding: “But on June 7, if the situation continues as it is now, we Valencians will leave the curfew behind.”

The hospitality industry, as well as opening an hour longer, will be allowed to use 50% of inside space and all outdoor terraces. Tables can be occupied by groups of up to 10 people, service must be at a table and masks must be worn unless consuming food and drink.

In public area, inside and outdoors, groups of no more than 10 people may be formed unless they are co-habiting households – the same limits govern private spaces and inside homes unless they live together or are two ‘nuclei of coexistence’.

New rules also come into force for celebrations and events, places of worship, wakes and burials. Commercial premises may now use 75% of sales areas.