Yesterday, after the weekly Governing Council meeting, the Minister of Health for the Canary Islands announced that Gran Canaria will be joining Tenerife at alert Level 4 due to the increase of cases and incidence rates on the island along with the pressure on hospitals.
The change will take effect from midnight on Sunday night to Monday morning and will be in effect for at least the next two weeks until August 19th, whereas in the case of Tenerife it will be reviewed on August 12th.
Many people are concerned that this means they can’t travel to the islands, which is not the case. The islands are open and accessible as usual in the same way as any other territory of Spain, i.e. with full vaccination and a PCR test, however, there are restrictions when you arrive here.
There has been some confusion in the last week or so, as the Superior Court over-ruled some of the new measures implemented by the Canary Islands Government, including the use of ‘Covid passports’ to access the interior of hospitality premises, but here is an overview of the restrictions that remain in place (in theory!):
Hospitality: Bars, restaurants, cafes etc:
Outdoor terraces can be used to a maximum capacity of 75% with 6 people per table allowed guaranteeing the distance of 2 metres between chairs at different tables. Inside, the capacity is a maximum of 50% four people per table guaranteeing the distance of 2 metres between chairs at different tables, and two people are allowed together at the bar within marked spaces. The takeaway service must be finished by, and the complete closure of the establishment to the public is midnight.
Closing hours:
The total closure of the establishments is between 00:00 hours and 06:00 hours, except for:
- Health centres, services and establishments.
- Essential, critical public services and public transportation services.
- Social and socio-health services.
- Veterinary centres or clinics.
- Petrol stations.
- Vehicle rental services.
- Funeral services and wakes.
- Catering establishments integrated into health centres.
- Industrial activity and wholesale trade.
- Supply services to the above services and activities, as well as to food and beverage establishments.
Work environment:
Working remotely from home is encouraged wherever possible. In the case of meetings, only those that are essential will be held in person, guaranteeing health measures.
Tour guide activity:
Maximum 12 people, except in outdoor activities in which a safety distance between the different groups is guaranteed, when up to 20 people are allowed, in groups of maximum of 4 people.
Common areas of shopping centres and parks:
25% capacity in common areas. The use of recreational, children's or rest areas is prohibited, unless disinfection can be guaranteed after each use, and many are closed at the decision of the local municipality.
Cultural activity: Cinemas, theatres, auditoriums and other spaces:
A maximum of 55% of the authorized capacity is allowed, exclusively for those who have the Covid-19 Certificate, and have either been fully vaccinated, or had a Diagnostic Test for Active Infection ("self-tests" are not included among these) carried out in the last 72 hours, or to certify that you have overcome the infection in the last six months.
Seating of up to 4 people is allowed together, and at least two free seats will be kept (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 4 sat together.
Eating and drinking are prohibited during shows in these places.
Non-federated physical and sports activity:
Outdoors or in open-air facilities: Only 25% of the capacity in each of the spaces is allowed, only the practice of individual sport and one in which the safety distance of 2 metres can be maintained permanently is allowed.
Team sports or those practices or exercises in which the distance of 2 metres cannot be guaranteed at all times (eg sparring, boxing), may not be practised.
Indoors in gyms and sports facilities: A maximum of 33% of the capacity will not be exceeded in each of the rooms or spaces, and only those with a Covid Certificate can use indoor areas.
The maintenance of a safety distance of 2 metres is to be guaranteed at all times, and a mask must be used to cover the nose and mouth permanently whilst training.
Bingo, gambling and betting establishments:
Maximum 33% capacity exclusively for those users who have the Covid-19 Certificate.
The consumption of food and drinks is prohibited. Tables with a maximum occupancy of 4 people is allowed guaranteeing the distance of 2 metres between chairs at different tables.
Swimming pools for collective use and spas:
Uncovered facilities: 33% capacity with groups of maximum 2 people.
Publicly owned indoor pools: Open only to users who require the activity for therapeutic purposes and improving health. Maximum 2 people allowed.
Indoor spas or hydromassage pools: Closed to the public.
