This morning the publication of BOC number 2021/152/3598 has confirmed the Governing Councils ruling for alterations of restrictions at alert Level 4 that Tenerife enters today, and take effect now. Many of the measures regarding shops and offices are the same, however, the introduction of proof of vaccination, PCR test or recovery from Covid-19 is the main addition for access to certain premises where lengthy stays physical activity will take place.
- Presentation of a Covid certificate for access to the interiors of bars, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, theatres, sports facilities, stadiums, arenas, and cultural premises. This must either prove full vaccination, a PCR test in the last 72 hours, or that you have recovered from Covid-19 in the last six months. EU residents can use the Digital Covid Certificate, and UK tourists can present, for example, the NHS certificate/app.
Under 18s do not need to present anything, but their presence counts towards the total allowed capacity.
It is not necessary in shops, for example, as you are moving around as opposed to being in one place for a length of time, and most, especially supermarkets, are classed as an essential service with capacity limitations.
- Hospitality premises, ie bars, restaurants and cafes, must be closed by midnight (not 6pm as previously in Level 4) and can use 75% of terraces and 50% of interiors.
- Clients on outdoor terraces do not have to show Covid certificate and can be in a maximum of 6 people per table, more if are co-habitants, eg two parents and five children, as long as there is sufficient ventilation and the terrace is not closed in by walls or pull-down blinds. Clients may pass through interiors to access toilet facilities, but a mask must be worn.
- All clients aged 18 and overusing interiors must show a Covid certificate (only 10% need show it in level 3), and can in a maximum of 4 people per table, more if are co-habitants, eg two parents and three/four children.
Two people are allowed together at the bar in visible sectioned areas.
- A record of the client’s details must be maintained for the Ministry of Health in cases of an outbreak to assist trackers (business can be fined for failing to do so).
- No self-service buffet type meals are allowed indoors but are permitted outdoors.
- All other health protocols still apply and must be coordinated by the establishment, including hand sanitizers, correct spacing of tables, masks in Level 4 must be worn by all staff and clients when seated and only pulled down to eat or drink, no smoking on premises, etc. Any activity that encourages interaction, including singing, dancing, karaoke or other such activities are prohibited, as in Level 3.
- Further sanctions and fines have been implemented for establishments that don’t comply with regulations, particularly repeat offenders.
- In hotel bars and restaurants the rules are slightly different for buffets and presentation of certificates, as details have already been logged on checking in.
One of the questions being asked by bar and restaurant owners is regarding whether or not staff must be vaccinated to work indoors, the BOC only refers to ‘all users’ so it depends if you interpret that as clients or everyone. We recommend you consult your legal advisors to clarify.
- Cultural events, which includes theatres, cinemas, auditoriums etc, can use up to a maximum of 55% capacity in a maximum of groups of 4 with spacing maintained between audience members, and all aged 18 and over must present a Covid Certificate for entry. No food or drink is allowed inside at these venues during the shows/movies/events.
- Casinos, Bingo Halls and arcades have the same restrictions as hospitality for the presentation of Covid certificate and a maximum of 4 people to a table, but a maximum of 33% applies to interiors.
- Indoor sports facilities, including gyms, are allowed to stay open (previously they had to close in level 4) to a maximum of 33% capacity and a Covid Certificate is necessary for access. A mask must be worn at all times for training, distancing of 2 metres must be maintained, and physical combat sports (including sparring) are not permitted due to this spacing rule. For group classes, a maximum of 4 people including an instructor.
- Public shows outside of regular licensed venues are prohibited.
- Beaches are allowed to be open to the public to a maximum of 50% capacity and in groups of 4 people separated by at least 2 metres to the next group. Masks must be worn when moving around the beach (when distancing cannot be observed), but not when stationary sunbathing or swimming.
- Public swimming pools and spas are allowed to open to 33% capacity, however indoor Jacuzzis or hydro-massage pools are closed unless being used by strained staff for necessary treatments. Maximum two people allowed together.
- Children’s summer camps over school holidays are allowed to continue but at a maximum of 33% capacity or 20 children in groups of 4.
- Weddings are the same as in other levels. The ceremony and meal has to respect the maximum capacity of the venue it is taking place at, with the correct distancing, and only the married couple may have their first dance, other dancing is prohibited.
- Public transport capacity is reduced to 33%.
