The Canary Islands are prepared to take a step forward and progressively end restrictions that have characterized life in the Archipelago during the last two years. The last step taken by the Government of the Canary Islands in this regard has been to lower the measures without the need to modify the level of risk in which the islands falleliminating the most severe restrictions of the maximum level of risk, 4. Gran Canaria and Tenerife, who are at level 4, have gone on to have to abide by the rules of a lower level, level 3. This change mainly affects capacity and closing hours, as well as the reactivation of some activities.
As regards to the gauging, In general, 50% capacity outdoors and 33% indoors must be respected. However, when it comes to capacity there are several exceptions. For example, establishments that carry out essential-type activities, such as pharmacies, may open indoors up to 75% of the capacity. Nightlife and restaurants will also enjoy less restriction, with a capacity that may reach 75% outdoors and 40% indoors. Nor will public transport have to apply this measure, which increases capacity to 100% – at level 4 it was 75% -, nor cultural spaces. The latter, since yesterday have a “fixed” capacity for all levels of 85% outdoors and 75% indoors, as the Government of the Canary Islands announced yesterday.
The lowering of the level will also make it possible to extend the closing hours of the premises until 02:00 in the morning. This represents a significant improvement, since since level 4 was imposed at the end of December until now, the entertainment venues and restaurants of the capital islands had to close their doors at midnight. As far as hours are concerned, the reduction in restrictions also benefits the places for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages that may open later than 10:00 p.m.
Despite the easing of restrictions, the maximum number of people who can stay in the same group is still limited to sixas in level 4.
The groups maintain in the capital islands the limit of six people
The change in restrictions also allows children’s furniture and parks to be used by the little ones again, after being sealed throughout the month of January. This improvement does not apply to recreational, children’s or rest areas of shopping centers, where these locations must remain closed, unless disinfection can be guaranteed. Those who will also enjoy an improvement are the residents of the social and health care centers who will no longer have limits to go outside the center. Until now, the only residents who could leave were those who could prove they had the complete vaccination schedule. Conversely, hospitals will continue to maintain severe restrictions – since they are the same at levels 3 and 4 –. Visits are suspended in them except for minors, pregnant women, accompaniment of terminally ill patients and when, at the discretion of the physician, it is considered necessary.
A relief for the smaller islands
The non-capital islands, which are all classified as risk level 3 due to their epidemiological indicators, have since yesterday enjoyed the restrictions of a lower level, that is, level 2. This level brings with it relief from capacity (75% outdoors and 50% indoors), groups (8 people) and closing hours (at 03:00 a.m.). In addition, in non-massive shows they can be held with a capacity of 50% outdoors if there is no food consumption, 33% in case it is consumed; and always with the audience seated.
Rehearsals for choirs, bands and orchestras are reactivated at this level, which will be able to fill a capacity of 75% outdoors and 50% indoors; the markets, which can also be held indoors; play and recreation centers for children; and camping and camping can be carried out again
Student residences and hospitals will also be able to receive visits, although in the latter they will be supervised by the center’s staff and prevention measures will be extreme.
