Date Published: 08/06/2021
ARCHIVED - Restrictions eased further as Murcia drops to Level 1 pandemic alert
ARCHIVED ARTICLE
Major outdoor events may take place with up to 5,000 people present
The latest weekly assessment of the current coronavirus situation in Murcia on Monday 7th June concluded with the entire Region dropping to Alert Level 1, bringing about further easing of restrictions.
As a result of the positive developments over the last week large-scale events will now be permitted with up to 5,000 people present at outdoor venues (or 75 per cent of capacity, whichever is lowest), while at indoor venues the limit is raised to 1,200.
These new regulations come into force as of midnight on Wednesday 9th June.
According to Juan José Pedreño, the regional Health minister, the Covid incidence rate in Murcia has fallen by 30 per cent over the last week, dropping to 60.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last fortnight and 24.2 over the last 7 days. Only 11 of the 45 municipalities in the Region are still showing figures in the “medium” range (Alcantarilla, Alguazas, Calasparra, Caravaca de la Cruz, Cehegín, Ceutí, Fuente Álamo, Molina de Segura, Murcia, San Javier and Las Torres de Cotillas), while all of the remainder are in “low risk” territory.
As a result, the stricter rules which have governed Caravaca for the last couple of weeks due to a series of outbreaks in the municipality are now lifted.
With the vaccination campaign now achieving record figures, further improvements are expected in the near future, and Sr Pedreño also confirmed that the intention is for another 130,000 jabs to be administered this week. With the self-appointment system now having been extended to 34 municipalities, the latest additions being Albudeite, Campos del Río, Mula, Pliego and Torre Pacheco, the campaign is now in full swing.
A reminder of the restrictions still in place in Murcia
Night-time curfew: No curfew is in force, although in the Region of Murcia all non-essential establishments must be closed between 1.00 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. The situation regarding late-night leisure establishments is currently the subject of fierce debate among the national and regional governments of Spain.
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 six people from different households may be seated at tables both indoors and on outdoor terraces. Indoor areas may be occupied up to 50 per cent of capacity. Drinking at the bar is not permitted.
Other social gatherings: Up to six people from different households may meet in public 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 2,000 outdoors and 850 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.
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).