ARCHIVED - Bar and restaurant opening hours in Murcia extended until 2 am

10 at a table permitted on outdoor terraces pending High Court approval

Pandemic restrictions relaxed further in the Costa Cálida as the Covid incidence rate continues to fall

As coronavirus incidence rates continue their gradual decrease in the Region of Murcia the outcome of the latest weekly review of pandemic restrictions by the regional government is a further relaxation of the restrictions on the hostelry sector, with bars and leisure venues to be allowed to open until 2.00 in the morning.

At the same time, the maximum number of people allowed to sit together at tables on outdoor terraces and other outdoor gatherings is raised from six to ten, although in indoor areas the limit of 6 remains in place. Similarly, the limit for gatherings on private property is also raised to 10.

All of these measures are subject to approval by the regional High Court of Justice, and for this reason even if they are given the green light they will not take effect until Friday 18^th June.

Explaining the latest adjustments to the pandemic restrictions in Murcia, Juan José Pedreño, the minster for health in the regional government, referred to the continuing decline in the 14-day Covid incidence rate, which is now under 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants for the first time since last July. With the 7-day rate standing at 22.3 it would appear that further improvements are likely in the coming days.

As for the 45 municipalities of Murcia, the data in all but ten of them now indicate a low risk of infection, the exceptions being Bullas, Calasparra, Cehegín, Librilla, Lorca, Murcia, Puerto Lumbreras, San Javier, Las Torres de Cotillas and Totana.

As a result of the latest modifications, the restrictions in place in the Region of Murcia starting on 18^th June will be as follows, assuming approval is given by the High Court:

Night-time curfew: No curfew is in force, although in the Region of Murcia all non-essential establishments must be closed between 2.00 and 6.00 in the morning. This affects bars, restaurants and other leisure activities, although all-night service may be offered at petrol stations and pharmacies.

Inter-regional travel: It is permitted to travel into and out of the Region of Murcia for any purpose, rather than only for essential reasons.

Socializing in bars and restaurants: A maximum of 10 people from different households may be seated at tables on outdoor terraces, but only 6 in indoor areas. Indoor areas may be occupied up to 50 per cent of capacity. Drinking at the bar is not permitted.

Other social gatherings: Up to 10 people from different households may meet in public (outdoors) or on private property.

At events such as weddings, baptisms and communions the limit is set at 100 people outdoors or 50 in indoor venues. For religious services capacity is restricted to 75 per cent.

At large gatherings for events such as concerts audience numbers are limited to 5,000 outdoors and 1,200 indoors.

Facemasks: the wearing of facemasks in public is still obligatory, as decreed by the national government, except while lying on the beach or bathing. Masks must be worn while walking along the beach, although it is possible that these restrictions will be eased over the course of the next few weeks.

Smoking on bar terraces: this is another area covered by a nationwide decree, and smoking is permitted only away from bar and restaurant terraces and while maintaining social distancing of 2 metres.

Car passengers: when people from different households travel in the same private vehicle the number of passengers is restricted to half of capacity (note, three people may travel in a five-seater vehicle). This restriction will remain in force until at least the end of June.