Tenerife returns to alert Level 3 from midnight tonight, 00.00H Saturday June 26th, due to the worsening of its epidemiological indicators in recent weeks. This change in the traffic light, which goes from amber to red given the risk of contagion is now high, comes just 7 weeks after the Island managed to drop to alert level 2, on May 2nd.
Level 3 now has a series of modifications with respect to the previous limitations thanks to the advance of vaccination, which have been published in the Boletin Oficial (BOC) today. Some of the measures that were previously mandatory at this level have been determined unnecessary, while others will be applied again.
Unfortunately the most affected is the hospitality industry and the associated trades to it, such as food and drink suppliers, and entertainers, although the Minister of Health has said that terrace use will increase to 75% as the situation improves.
GENERAL OVERVIEW:
Regarding the mobility of citizens, it must be remembered that since May 10th, the has not been any curfew in force in the Canary Islands, since the Superior Court of Justice did not endorse its continuity once the state of alarm finished, however, under Level 3 restrictions all commercial activity must be closed to the public by 11.00pm, and none can re-open until 6.00am at the earliest.
Travel is not affected as there is no perimeter closure in place, meaning travellers may enter the island as now, and residents who want to visit other islands, and vice versa, do not need to have a diagnostic test to do so.
According to the BOC, each council may also allow the use of “public urban furniture for children and sports use”, as well as, parks, skate parks and other outdoor spaces, provided that preventive measures are respected and cleaning measures are extreme. Therefore, it will no longer be necessary to seal these spaces, as previously happened in Level 3.
Restrictions regarding closing times and controls visiting nursing homes and centres for people with disabilities only affect those people who do not have been fully vaccinated.
SPECIFIC MEASURES:
Hospitality sector – Bars Restaurants and cafes:
- At alert Level 3, it will not be possible to exceed 50% of the authorized capacity on outdoor terraces, with interiors closed to the public except for the use of the toilets and the collection of food on the premises itself.
- Before entering the establishment, hand hygiene will be carried out through the use of hydroalcoholic gels.
- The maximum occupancy per table will be 4 people, and tables must be spaced with 2 metres distance between the back of the chair from one table to the next.
- Customers must remain seated at their table at all times, limiting movements within the establishment to what is strictly necessary and maintaining interpersonal safety distance.
- Only table service is permitted, consumption at the bar is prohibited.
- Physical menus must be replaced by blackboards, posters, QR codes or other similar means.
- Smoking is not allowed on the terraces or other outdoor spaces related to the establishment.
- The establishment must be completely closed to the public before 11.00pm, but home delivery service is permitted until midnight.
WHAT IS LEGALLY CLASSED AS A TERRACE?
According to the BOC, a terrace for use in this situation is defined as: “any uncovered space or any space that, being covered, is laterally surrounded by a maximum of two walls, partitions, or fences, or that does not have a lateral surface covering greater than 50% by any type of structure or material that prevents or hinders the passage of air (bricks, canvas, plastic, glass, etc.)”
SPORTS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:
- At alert level 3, 33% of the capacity established for each of the rooms or spaces in the case of sports facilities and centres will not be exceeded.
- In collective activities in which it is not possible to maintain the safety distance of 2 metres permanently, a maximum number of 4 people per group is allowed, including the instructor, guaranteeing that the indicated distance between the different groups is maintained at all times, and making use of masks obligatorily.
- Combat sports, boxing, martial arts or specialities or of another type, in which continuous interpersonal physical contact with the adversary is required, is not allowed.
- If gym machines or similar are used, they must be moved to maintain the distance, or some must be signed as not for use to create the spacing.
- All equipment must be disinfected between use by different people.
- The use of the mask during sports or physical activity in sports facilities and centres is mandatory at all times, and outdoors if distancing cannot be maintained.
CINEMAS, THEATRES, AND AUDITORIUMS:
- 55% of the authorized capacity. The public can be accommodated by groups of stable coexistence of up to 4 people.
- At this level, a minimum of two free seats will be maintained (indicating the prohibition of their use) between groups in the same horizontal row and one free seat both in front of and behind each occupied seat.
- In the absence of fixed seats, a perimeter distance of 1.5 metres will be maintained between groups of coexistence.
- Eating or drinking is not allowed during shows or sessions.
OTHER:
WEDDINGS: The number of guests in the church is a maximum of 33% capacity, or 50% if in an outdoor location. Dancing is prohibited, except for the bride and groom at the time of the wedding, exclusively or any other activity that does not guarantee a safe distance. Only table service is permitted, open bar service is not allowed. Prior communication must be made to the town hall where the celebration is taking place, at least 10 days before.
FUNERALS: 33% of the authorized capacity, with a maximum limit of 20 people outdoors, and 10 indoors. Cremation may be accessed by a maximum of 5 people at all alert levels.
GAMBLING AND BETTING: Casinos, bingo halls, recreational and gaming halls may open with 33% of the authorized capacity, but the consumption of food and drink is prohibited.
CHILDREN'S AND YOUTH CAMPS: A maximum of 20 participants is allowed, including monitors, and 33% of the authorized capacity will not be exceeded. During the development of the activities, the participants should be organized into groups of up to a maximum of 4 people, including the monitor.
MARKETS: Open-air markets can operate with distancing and sanitizing rules in place, with up to 50% of legal capacity.
DANCE SCHOOLS, NON-REGULATED TEACHING CENTRES AND TRAINING CENTRES: 33% of the authorized capacity will not be exceeded. Max groups of 4. The use of a mask is mandatory regardless of maintaining the interpersonal safety distance of 1.5 metres.
If you require more in-depth details of these regulations, you find the whole BOC number 130/3182 by clicking this link:
http://www.gobiernodecanarias.org/boc/2021/130/002.html
