What do the new restrictions in Andalucia mean?

What do the new restrictions in Andalucia mean now that they are in force?

In reference to the map below, Level 4 in red represents the highest restriction areas, with Level 1 being regarded as the ‘new normal’, representing the lowest risk.

There are a range of new rules affecting gyms, bars, and restaurants Andalucia and each of the new restrictions depend on the COVID-19 risk level of each municipality.  The individual municipalities in Andalucia have been separately divided into different risk levels by the Junta de Andalucia – as you can see by the colour scheme in the aforementioned map.

Starting with Level 2, you have Malaga city and the Axarquia, Poniente de Almeria and Sierra de Huelva. Level 2 allows 75% capacity limits in bars and restaurants, cinemas and cultural spaces. Public transport can be filled to capacity, as long as 75% of people are standing. Shops and commercial businesses are not allowed more than 75% of capacity and must while ensure at all times ensure safe distances between customers and staff.

Sports arenas and sports centres can open, but not exceed 65% of their capacity. A limit of 400 people indoors and 800 outdoors has been imposed. Any religious ceremonies must be capped at 50%.

New restrictions for towns within Level 3, which include the districts of Almeria city, Huelva Costa, Costa del Sol, Valle del Guadalhorce and Serrania de Ronda mean that hospitality businesses can only reach 50% of their capacity indoors but full capacity outside on their terraces.

Cinemas and other cultural spaces are allowed open but cannot exceed 60% capacity. Public parks and gardens can remain open, however, activities in these spaces cannot exceed 10 people. Larger events such as markets or ferias cannot exceed 60% capacity with a maximum of 300 people in indoor venues and 500 people outdoors. Many people wonder how this can be enforced, especially on a busy Saturday market for example.

Finally, Level 4, the highest restrictions, which are bound to cause hardship among business owners and residents alike. These include all of Sevilla, Granada and Jaen, Cordoba Sur and the La Vega district of Malaga- towns in these areas will not be able to hold ferias or any large scale events so as to limit spread within large groups.

Gyms are limited to a 40% capacity while restaurants and bars have just an allowance of 30% capacity indoors and 75% capacity on their terraces. Sporting competitions and events can take place, however, there can be no but spectators. Religious ceremonies are allowed 30% capacity when travelling on public transport there must be a seat between each rider, standing areas are capped at 50% capacity.

Taxis, Ubers, and private transport companies can not allow more than two people per row of seats. Shops in Level 4 districts cannot exceed 50% capacity and are responsible for enforcing social distancing on their premises. Cinemas and theatres have a 40% capacity limit and they are not be allowed to exceed 200 people inside or 300 outside under the new rules.

As these type of restrictions do not currently affect national borders it is still possible to cross in and out of Gibraltar, although it must be remembered that when travelling out of Gibraltar at night and entering Spain, you are subject to the 11.00 pm curfew.

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