Strict rules still apply

Whilst countries like the UK are dropping many restrictions,  here in the Valencia region the rules remain strict. In other words, no fudging, no putting the onus onto individuals to use common sense or institutions to try and impose their own rules. 

MASKS

Everyone six years and older is required to wear a mask in the following circumstances: 

 In any enclosed space for public use or open to the public. So that means shops, theatres, cinemas etc.  

 In any outdoor space where due to the mass of people, it is not possible to maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 metres between them, except for people who live together.  

On forms of transport: air, sea, bus, rail, including platforms and passenger stations, or cableways, as well as other public and private passenger transport in vehicles with space for up to nine people, including the driver, if the occupants of the passenger vehicle do not share the same residence. For passengers on ships or vessels, it will not be necessary to wear a mask when in individual cabins, or in outdoor spaces on the boat where it is possible to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres.  

At large outdoor events, when attendees are standing or if they are seated and it is not possible to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres between people, except for people who live together. 

NIGHT-TIME TRAVEL

Free circulation of persons during night-time hours between 1.00 am and 6.00 am is limited in the following municipalities: Alaquàs, Alboraia, Aldaia, Almàssera, Benaguasil, Benetússer, Benifaió, Bunyol, Burjassot, Catarroja, El Puig, Gandía, L’Eliana, Meliana, Mislata, Moncada, Paterna, Picanya, Picassent, Puçol, Quart de Poblet, Requena, Riba-roja de Túria, Sedaví, Silla, Tavernes Blanques, Utiel, Valencia, Vilamarxant and Xirivella. 

Exceptions:  

a) Purchasing medications, healthcare products and other basic necessities. 

b) Visiting healthcare facilities, services and establishments.  

c) Visiting veterinary clinics due to an emergency. 

d) Fulfilling work, professional, business, institutional or legal obligations.  

e) Returning to the customary place of residence following one of the activities envisaged in this paragraph.  

f) Supporting and caring for the elderly, minors, persons with special needs, persons with disabilities or particularly vulnerable persons.  

g) Engaging in hunting activities associated with controlling an overabundance of hunted species which may be harmful to ecosystems, agricultural and livestock farming production cycles, and road safety.  

h) Cause of force majeure or situation of necessity. 

i) Any other activity of a similar nature, duly substantiated.  

j) Refuelling at petrol stations or service stations, when this is necessary to carry out the activities envisaged in the previous subparagraphs. 

LIMITS ON SOCIAL GATHERINGS 

In residences, spaces for private use, and spaces for public use, both closed and in the open air, groups are limited to no more than 10 people, unless said persons live in the same household or unless they come from two households, without prejudice to the exceptions envisaged in the following paragraphs of this decision, as well as any other applicable administrative actions.  

Exceptions:

a) Non-professional activities related to child rearing and care, such as support and care for minors, the elderly, persons with special needs, persons with functional diversity and particular vulnerable persons.  

b) Shared living arrangements for children with their parents who do not live together.  

c) Family members taking in minors under any arrangement.  

d) Meeting of persons with marriage bonds or couples who live in different residences.  

e) People who live alone, who for the entire duration of this measure, may join another single household unit, provided that said household unit only includes one person who lives alone. 

f) Work, institutional and transport activities, and the activities of educational facilities that provide the instruction referred to in Article 3 of the Education Act, including university education, nor those activities for which specific measures are established. 

BARS, CAFES AND RESTAURANTS

The terraces of bars, cafes and restaurants may be open until 0:30 AM, at 100% capacity and a maximum of 10 people per table, which must be 1.5 m apart outdoors and 2 m apart indoors, where the capacity is limited to 50%, indoor tables may be occupied by a maximum of 6 people. Remember that masks must be worn while not actively eating/drinking, and that only table service is available. Also, there is no smoking on terraces.

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

The sale of alcohol is prohibited from 08 PM to 8 AM in any type of retail sale establishment, regardless of its operating license, except in hotels and restaurants/bars, to which the rules specified in the point above apply. The consumption of alcohol on public roads is prohibited 24 hours a day, except in hotel and restaurant establishments, in compliance with the provisions of Article 69 of Health Law 10/2014 of December 29, of the regional government of Valencia.

NIGHT-TIME LEISURE

Businesses may remain open until 00.30 am.

Food and beverages must be consumed at tables with the proper safe distance of a minimum of 1.5 metres between the chairs at different tables. Masks must be worn when not eating or drinking.

Occupancy inside the establishment is limited to 50% of maximum capacity. Outdoor seating at these establishments may occupy all permitted tables, ensuring a safe distance of a minimum of 1.5 metres between tables is maintained at all times. Maximum capacity must be posted in a visible location at the entrance.

Indoor tables may be occupied by a maximum of 6 people, 10 people for outdoor tables.

No dancing is allowed inside or outside. No karaoke and periodic or amateur singing performances are allowed. Professional performances by musical groups and DJs are allowed, ensuring sufficient ventilation and a safe distance of at least 2 metres between the musicians and audience in the case of singers and wind instruments.

Smoking is not permitted, nor is the use of any other tobacco inhalation device, water pipe, pipe or similar device, including electronic cigarettes or vaping in outdoor or enclosed spaces.

MUSEUMS

There is no capacity restriction in museums, but distancing, hygiene and prevention measures must be enforced

THEATRES AND CINEMAS

For cultural activities and outdoor performances, the maximum capacity is 75% of the approved capacity. The measures necessary to maintain a safe distance between persons or, if this is not possible, the application of alternative physical protection measures must be laid down. The use of masks is compulsory, even if the safety distance of 1.5 metres between persons is maintained (except in the case of groups of persons living together who may sit in adjacent seats). The public must remain seated and pre-allocated seats must be provided.