Phase 2 in Spain
5th June
The health minister of Spain, Salvador Illa, has announced the areas that will change phases on Monday 8th June, in a press conference this morning.
➡️ From phase 1 to phase 2
?Castilla y León
?Cataluña: Health area of Barcelona and health areas Metropolitana Norte and Metropolitana Sur and health area of Lleida.
?Madrid
29th May
70% of the Spanish population will be in phase 2 of the de-escalation on Monday 1st June
The Valencia Region, part of Catalonia, Granada, Malaga, Albacete, Ciudad Real and Toledo will advance from stage 1 The Ministry of Health has not accepted the additional permits requested by Madrid in phase 1
The Ministry of Health has approved the passage to phase 2 of the de -escalation of several provinces and sanitary areas, so that starting next Monday, June 1, 70 percent of the country will already be in this phase. While four islands will go to phase 3 and the measures established for this last phase will be published in the BOE next Saturday. Another 15 million Spaniards, mainly the community of Madrid, Barcelona and Castilla y León, will continue in phase 1 .
The provinces and sanitary areas that pass to phase 2 are the following:
In Castilla y León the Bierzo region passes .
In Catalonia , the health area of central Catalonia, Girona, and the Alto Penedés and Garraf will do so .
In Castilla-La Mancha spend Albacete, Ciudad Real and Toledo .
In the Valencian Community , the three provinces.
In Andalusia , Granada and Malaga pass , which are the only ones left and the entire community is already in phase 2.
In Murica , Totana passes, which was the only town that remained to reach that phase.
And phase 3 passes 4 islands.
In the Balearic Islands : Formentera.
In the Canary Islands : La Graciosa, Gomera and El Hierro
Updates 20th May phase 2 for the Valencian region to start 1st June
Late Tuesday evening the health department of the Valencian government sent a message to central government requesting that our region remain at phase one for an extra seven days......Before the whole region then moves on to phase two. Which means Phase 2 will not start until 1st June.
The coronavirus transmission rate, which in a few days has gone from 0.66% to 0.88% in our region after increasing the general mobility of the population, has weighed on the decision taken, but it is also stated that there is no cause for alarm.
It was stated at the very beginning that the dates for the different phases were not fixed, but dependent on health data.
It is central government that will make the final decision, but they are unlikely to turn down a request from regional government for extra safety.
17th May -Following the publication last night of the BOE, the following activities will be allowed to regions passing to Phase II.
Our area is due to enter Phase II in just over one week, next Monday, 25 May, (it is possible that Alicante will not be able to start at the same time as it will not have completed two weeks in phase 1)
Order SND / 414/2020, of May 16, for the relaxation of certain national restrictions established after the declaration of the state of alarm in application of phase 2 of the Plan for the transition to a new normality. READ THE FULL BOE DOCUMENT HERE (33 PAGES)
GENERAL COVID 19 UPDATES IE DAILY FIGURES FOR SPAIN AND OUR REGION
Translation of the latest BOE with regards to Phase 2 read the full 33 page article https://www.boe.es/eli/es/o/2020/05/16/snd414
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT
Timetables for taking walks and other exercise will still be in place, although regions will be able to adapt them according to factors such as hot weather. These timetables do not apply to municipalities with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants.
From Monday 25th May whole families and groups of friends will officially be allowed to take walks or exercise together under the government’s coronavirus deescalation plan. Under Phase 1, this will be allowed in groups of up to 10 people, and under Phase 2, in groups of up to 15, That’s according to the Official State Gazette (BOE) published on Saturday, which eliminates the restrictions in place until now that allowed just one parent out onto the street with up to three children, or two adults who live under the same roof. The latest BOE also removes the rule that sports activities could only be practiced individually.
People aged up to 70 years of age will be able to carry out physical non-professional activities in any time slot except between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm and between 7.00 pm and 8.00 pm, which is reserved for those aged over 70 and people at risk. The autonomous communities may agree to vary the time slots starting up to two hours before and ending up to two hours later, as long as the total duration is not increased.
Safe distance - Maintain a minimum safe distance of at least 2m, the use of masks and hand hygiene is mandatory. Groups should be a maximum of 15 people, except in the case of people from the same household.
TRAVEL - Movement around the province is permitted and if it’s a justifiable and necessary reason, the rest of Spain.
BEACHES -
BENIDORM 29TH MAY
Benidorm will reopen the beaches in mid-June, once all safety parameters are guaranteed
Toni Pérez, has announced today, when asked by the media about the possibility that the sands would reopen coinciding with the start of Phase 2 of the de-escalation. Toni Pérez has indicated that this decision is made "from prudence and caution" and "doing an exercise of responsibility."
Note....Do NOT just go to the beach on Monday, without your town hall giving the okay...The Monday is just the day from when they are able to start sorting them out with their distancing plans etc.
Under this phase, the BOE sets out new conditions for the use of beaches. Towels, sun loungers and personal objects will have to be laid out in a way “that guarantees a security perimeter of two meters with regard to other users, apart from bathers who are cohabitating.”
Shared sun loungers will have to be cleaned and disinfected between uses. Open-air showers and foot-washes will be permitted for use, as will bathrooms, changing rooms and other similar public services. Only one person at a time will be able to use such facilities, unless that person requires assistance.
Also under Phase 2, local councils will be able to establish access limits and control the number of people on beaches in order to guarantee a two-meter distance can be observed, as well as establishing time limits both on the sand and in car parks. The order specifies that access to beaches must always be free of charge. Each bather is considered to occupy approximately four square meters.
Use of the beaches - Walking or sunbathing on beaches will be allowed with the usual security and hygiene measures.
Day at the beach .... make sure you know the new rules .... the fines are very high
Beach standards published in the Boletin Oficial de Estado = B.O.E. (Spanish State Gazette) May 11, 2020
OBLIGATED
- be healthy, otherwise stay at home
- children under 14 should not be alone on the beach
- 2.5 meters distance between umbrellas, towels or people at least six meters from the sea
- maximum 2 umbrellas / family, equal to 5m x2.5m = 12.2m²
- leave waste in rubbish bin (beach) or waste container (street)
- use toilet with compulsory footwear (flip flops, etc)
PROHIBITED: fines depending on autonomous area, but at least 200.00 euros to 750.00 euros
- itinerant trade is prohibited (you may not buy drinks, boules de Berlin, textiles, etc on the beach)
- no rusted beach chairs or umbrellas allowed
- no beach bars allowed
- do not place a parasol by the sea or without being on the beach: fines from 750.00 euros to 3,000.00 euros
- no nude suns
- music that is too loud is prohibited
- do not share balls or toys
- no mattresses or objects for water recreation
- do not build beach castles
- no group sports (volley, football), nor games (tag or beach paddle or beach tennis)
- no beach BBQ, nor nightly gatherings or parties
- forbidden to pee in the sea
- no animals allowed
- some regions also prohibit bicycles on the promenade
- fishing ban for both divers and from a boat in a swimming area
- beach showers without using shampoo
- no smoking on the beach (in many areas especially northern Spain)
- prohibition to walk bare-chested on the street, or to drive a car / motorcycle or to drive a car with flip-flops (fixed foot-enclosed shoe, or gym)
RECOMMENDED
- shower at home before and after a visit to the beach
- observe hygienic regulations
- planning a beach visit
- avoid gathering with others
- do not stay on the beach for more than 4 hours
Swimming pools with a maximum capacity of 30% capacity
Sports, professional or recreational activities will be permitted provided that they can be carried out individually and without physical contact and observe the 2m social distancing. Active and nature tourism may also be practised by groups of up to 20 people
HYGIENE AND PREVENTION MEASURES
Those who can continue to work from home are encouraged to do so. All the hygiene and prevention measures in the workplace for staff and customers - soap and water, hand sanitisers or disinfectants must be permanently at their disposal. The safety distance of approximately 2m must be guaranteed or adequate PPE used according to the level of risk (masks, gloves, protective screens etc). Daily ventilation of the facilities must be carried out.
When the use of the toilets by clients or visitors is allowed, its maximum occupancy will be one person, except in those cases of people who may require assistance, in which case they will be allowed to be accompanied by their companion.
Work schedules - The time recording system with fingerprints will be replaced by any other system that guarantees adequate hygiene measures. Rosters, shifts and work schedules should be amended to maintain the 2m social distancing to include common rest areas where lockers and toilets are. These amendments must also take into account the number of staff entering and departing at given times. Work centres and shops must ensure that only 30% of their space is occupied and that minimum safety distances are respected. For example, a member of staff at a supermarket entrance put in place to monitor the inward flow of customers.
If a worker starts having symptoms compatible with the virus he/she must immediately contact the health centre and abandon their post until their condition is checked by a healthcare professional.
Disinfection -The management will ensure that adequate clean-up and approved disinfection measures are taken with particular attention paid to commonly used areas (toilets, kitchens, rest areas etc) and all contact surfaces (door knobs, tables, furniture, handrails, floors, telephones, coat hangers etc). In the event of a job being shared by more than one worker 2 workers cleaning and disinfection of the area must be carried out before the next worker begins.
Lifts - The use of the lifts or cargo lift will be limited to the essential minimum and preference given to the use of stairs. If necessary though maximum occupation of them will be one person, unless it is possible to guarantee the separation of 2m between them and in cases of people who need assistance their companion is allowed to accompany them.
Toilets - Where their use is permitted by customers, visitors or users, maximum occupancy will be one person except in cases of people who may need assistance their companion is allowed to accompany them.
Purchases - Payment by card or other means other than physical contact will be encouraged avoiding, as far as possible, The machine must be disinfected after each use.
Bins - Paper bins shall be available in which tissues/wipes and other disposable items can be deposited. The bins must be cleaned at least once a day.
Funerals - These may be carried out with a maximum limit, at any time, of 25 people in open spaces or 15 people in closed spaces, whether or not they live together. Participation in the entourage for burial or cremation is restricted to a maximum of 25 people, including family and friends, in addition to, where appropriate, the minister or qualified person giving the farewell to the deceased. In any case, safety and hygiene measures regarding the maintenance of a minimum safe distance of 2m, hand hygiene and the use of masks is mandatory.
Places of worship - Attendance at places of worship at 50% of their capacity will be allowed.
Wedding ceremonies and other religious ceremonies - Marriage ceremonies will be permitted in enclosed spaces (50% of its capacity and a maximum of 50 people) and outdoors with a maximum of 100 people in open spaces. After the ceremony any celebrations that involve hotel and restaurant service will have to comply with the specific regulations for such establishments.
SHOPPING
Small stores, shops and businesses - All retail and commercial establishments and those offering professional services despite their size may be reopened to the public, provided that they comply with all the following requirements:
a) if located in shopping centres, the centre must limit its capacity to 30% in common areas. Customers will only be allowed in the common areas to enable access to the shops, bars and restaurants located in the centres.
b) the total capacity in establishments and commercial premises be reduced to 40%. If the establishments are over several floors, the presence of customers on each of them must be kept to this same proportion. A minimum distance of 2m between clients must be guaranteed. In premises where it is not possible to maintain this distance, only 1 customer is allowed in at a time.
c) opening hours must be offered with a priority service for those over 65 years of age.
d) they must also comply with social distancing and hygiene.
Collection services can be set-up where products have been bought by phone or online, as long as they guarantee a staggered collection to avoid crowds. A preferential home delivery system for certain groups can also be established.
e) the use of recreational areas such as children's areas, play areas or rest areas is prohibited and must remain closed.
This order does not apply to establishments and retail commercial premises that were already open to the public according to the previous BOE of 14 March.
Street and flea markets - Open-air markets and those on public roads must restrict them to 1/3 of the usual number of stalls. The number of shoppers must also be limited to ensure social distancing of 2m.
Hygiene measures - In establishments and premises opening to the public will be strictly followed. Cleaning and disinfection of all areas must take place at least twice a day (one at close of day) with special attention to the most common contact surfaces (doorknobs, counters, tables. furniture, handrails, dispensing machines, floors, phones, keyboards, payment terminals, touch screens, work tools, hangers, shopping trolleys and baskets, taps etc) and paying special attention to those areas and used by more than one worker and their changing rooms, lockers, toilets, kitchens and rest areas.
In situations of automatic sale, vending machines, laundry facilities, self-service etc the management must ensure adequate hygiene and disinfection of the machines and premises. Signs must inform the public of correct use of these facilities.
In the case of services that do not allow the safe distancing such as hairdressing salons, beauty centres or physiotherapy, the appropriate PPE must be used and the 2m distance must be maintained between the clients. The time someone can be on the premises will be only what is strictly necessary for them to make their purchases or receive the service.
Establishments and premises, as well as outdoor markets should clearly point out the 2m social distancing between clients with marks on the ground, bollards or signs. Establishments and premises must make authorised hand gels or disinfectants available to the public at their entrance and, in the case of street markets, signs should explain their proper use.
In clothes shops - Changing rooms should be used by one person only and after use they must be cleaned and disinfected. When a customer tries on a garment that he/she subsequently does not purchase, the garment must be sanitised before it is offered again for sale to other customers. This also applies to items returned. No testers of perfumes, cosmetics etc shall be made available. In the case of products of telecommunications for use and trial of customers these must be supervised by the vendor who can then proceed with immediate disinfection after handling.
Car parks - In establishments and commercial premises that have car parks for staff and customers access that is not via an automatic system will be replaced by a manual one via a member of staff who can also monitor compliance with the rules for those entering and staggering entrance/departure of workers according to shifts set by the centre. Where appropriate unless strict security reasons recommend otherwise, doors that are between the car park and access to the store or staff changing rooms will remain open.
The use of family toilets and baby changing rooms will be restricted to a single family.
Security personnel must ensure that the minimum social distancing of 2m is maintained.
In the parking area, in addition to the continuous disinfection of the usual contact points, hand gel must be made available to the client, payment by electronic means will be encouraged.
If necessary, fences or signalling systems will be used for better control of access and people to prevent crowding.
BARS & RESTAURANTS
Bars and restaurants can open for eating and drinking on the premises as long as they do not exceed 40% of the capacity permitted for their size. Nightclub bars and nightclubs cannot open.
Eating and drinking on the premises may only be done seated at a table or in table groups and preferably by pre booking a table. Self-service at the bar by the customer is not allowed. Take-aways will be allowed.
Self-service products are allowed provided the customers can select it for themselves and provided that the products are protected by a screen and are packaged individually.
The provision of service in outdoor terraces of bars and restaurants must ensure a distance of 2m between the tables or groups of tables and table seating must comply with the number of people in order to maintain minimum social distancing.
Single-use tablecloths or materials and solutions will be used.
Dispensers of suitable hand gels or disinfectants must be made available to the public at the entrance to the premises and in the bathrooms.
The use of printed menus will be avoided, instead the use of own electronic devices, blackboards, posters or some other technology for example via whatsapp.
Disposable single-use products will be used (oil, vinegar, napkins etc).
Crockery, glassware, cutlery and tableware must be stored in a closed area or as far away from customers and staff as possible.
Entry and exit of customers must be controlled to prevent contact between customers.
The use of the customer toilets must comply with hygiene and disinfection standards.
The waiter must guarantee the safety distance between them and the customer and apply the necessary hygiene and prevention procedures.
Cleaning and disinfection of equipment, in particular tables, chairs and other contact surfaces between one customer and another must be followed as well as cleaning and disinfection of the premises at least once a day.
CARE HOMES
Visits to care homes and similar are only permitted in exceptional cases (end of life or medical recommendation) are allowed. Visits will be by appointment and will be limited to one visitor per resident. The use of PPE is mandatory. It will not be possible to visit if there are confirmed cases of COVID-19 or if a resident there is quarantined.
HOTELS & TOURIST ACCOMMODATION
Hotels and tourist accommodation can be opened to the public and allow use of their common areas provided that they do not exceed 1/3 of their capacity. They will comply with the same capacity and distance measures as bars and restaurants.
Those enclosed spaces where events are held or gymnasiums should be ventilated two hours before use.
Animation activities or group classes should be designed and planned with a maximum capacity of 20 people and the minimum safety distance between participants otherwise masks must be used. Animation activities or group classes will preferably take place outdoors and exchange of objects will be avoided.
For swimming pools and spas, the establishment will determine the guidelines and recommendations for use in accordance with the prevention and hygiene standards established by the health authorities.
LIBRARIES
Computers can be used in public libraries as well as access to catalogues and electronic publications. All of these should be cleaned after each use. The borrowing of books loans will be permitted between libraries located in the same area. Library meetings may be carried out in the room with 1/3 of its authorised capacity. Children's rooms will not open.
EXHIBITION CENTRES AND CONFERENCE HALLS
Exhibition centres, art galleries and museums may open but only allow 1/3 of their authorised capacity. There will be no formal openings, there will be no cloakroom service and no left-luggage service.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Tourist attractions such as, for example, a castle may open with 1/3 of its authorised capacity and only for visits, not for events. Cloakroom and left-luggage service cannot be provided.The use of elements designed for use by touch for the visitor will be disabled. Audio guides, brochures or similar will also not be available to visitors.
CINEMAS, THEATRES, AUDITORIUMS
Cinemas, theatres and auditoriums may open as long as they have pre-assigned seats and do not exceed 1/3 of their authorised capacity and have no more than 50 people inside. In the case of outdoor activities, the public must remain seated, keeping the necessary distance and may not exceed 1/3 of the authorised capacity or have more than 400 people attending. Online or telephone sales of the tickets are recommended.
Specific measures for work associated with assembling and taking down temporary exhibitions - social distancing of 2m must be observed between workers. Cleaning and disinfection shall be carried out at least once a day of the inside the vehicle cabins of transport companies as well as the lifting points of machinery and tools used during assembly. If more than one company is involved the centre must stagger each company’s entrance and exit.
SPORTING ACTIVITIES
Athletes belonging to clubs participating in non-professional leagues will be able to carry out individual basic training and in compliance with the corresponding hygiene measures. This can be done in clubs or facilities that are open to the public. This will also apply to pre-competition training in professional leagues and professional sports clubs may develop training. Referees are permitted to access the facilities for specific training. Training sessions cannot be attended by the media. The relevant sports federations will issue the proper accreditation for their athletes.
Indoor covered sports facilities can reopen and be accessed by those who wish to practise sports but by appointment only and on an individual basis or with one other if the sport so requires but without physical contact. The limit of 30% capacity must be followed. The changing rooms may be used, in compliance with the provisions of the general hygiene measures indicated by the health authorities. Cleaning and disinfection of equipment must be carried out after each use.
Professional League competition may be resumed provided the health situation allows it. However, competition cannot be attended by the public and must be behind closed doors. It will allow press access to record for the retransmission of the competition.
Swimming pools for sports use - Outdoor or indoor pools may be opened for sports activities such as swimming, rescue and lifeguard, triathlon, modern pentathlon and underwater activities involving one or 2 people without physical contact. By appointment only. The changing rooms may be used. Pool limit of 30% capacity. Cleaning and disinfection of the pool surrounds, common areas and shared materials after each turn and of the facility at the end of the day.
Recreational pools - Access to them by prior appointment by any person is allowed. The maximum capacity allowed will be 30% of the capacity of the installation provided a 2m safety distance between users is observed. Use of the showers and water fountains is not permitted. The same cleaning and hygiene measure must be followed.
Also under Phase 2, driving classes can restart, albeit with masks being obligatory inside the vehicle, as well as cleaning and disinfection of the latter before and after each use.
SCHOOLS
Under Phase 2, regions will also be able to decide whether or not classes should restart in schools. Regional governments will be able to decide if schools should continue with distance and online teaching.
Until now, the reopening of schools and daycare was only being considered for two years of high school students and for children aged between zero and six years old whose parents cannot work from home. The regions had already warned the government, however, that they would prefer to reopen schools in September.
TRANSLATION OF THE Q & A TO THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR US ALL TO UNDERSTAND THE 4 PHASES OF THE TRANSITION PERIOD