New Covid-19 restrictions announced by Gibraltar Chief Minister

CHIEF MINISTER Fabian Picardo unveiled a new raft of Covid-19 restrictions this afternoon (December 21) after stating in Parliament that there was currently no evidence of the new strain of coronavirus having reached Gibraltar.

With effect from midnight, everyone in Gibraltar will have to wear face masks in public places and all catering establishments will be closed until January 11 at the earliest although takeaways will still be permitted to operate.

Gyms are to close and shops will have to enforce new restrictions on the number of people allowed to enter each establishment and churches and other places of worship will not be allowed collective gatherings.

There will be no lockdown for the over 70s but they are advised to act as if there is one and not go out if at all possible, especially to family gatherings.

Remote working is recommended as much as possible and there should be no works parties or get togethers.

Gibraltar will not impose restrictions on those entering through the land border although negative testing will be required when flying onto the Rock, or tests will be undertaken upon arrival.

The Spanish Government has indicated that it will impose some restrictions on who may cross into Spain but details are not yet confirmed.

A major incident has been declared at the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) and all GHA leave has been cancelled with no visitors admitted to GHA premises.

The GHA is also gearing up for the possible re-opening of Nightingale Field Hospital which until now has never been used.

The one positive piece of news relayed by Mr Picardo is that the vaccine is expected to arrive in Gibraltar in early January.

Thank you for taking the time to read this news article “New Covid-19 restrictions announced by Gibraltar Chief Minister”.

Written by

John Smith

Married to Ophelia in Gibraltar in 1978, John has spent much of his life travelling on security print and minting business and visited every continent except Antarctica. Having retired several years ago, the couple moved to their house in Estepona and John became a regular news writer for the EWN Media Group taking particular interest in Finance, Gibraltar and Costa del Sol Social Scene. Currently he is acting as Editorial Consultant for the paper helping to shape its future development. Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews

Comments


    • Jay

      21 December 2020 • 17:00

      Hi,

      Is this only catering places that are closed until the 11th January, or are other hospitality establishments such as hotels and bars going to be closed as well?

      • John Smith

        21 December 2020 • 17:37

        Definitely bars are closed and although no mention is made of hotels at this stage, past experience suggests that if they remain open, they will only serve guests who are staying at the hotel.

    Comments are closed.