What are the new coronavirus restrictions going into force in Madrid this weekend?
Meetings of more than six people will not be permitted across the region, while residents of the affected cities will not be able to leave their municipalities with exceptions such as getting to work
Tonight at 10pm, the Madrid regional government will implement coronavirus restrictions that have been imposed by the central Health Ministry in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. Here are the measures that will be in place for at least the next two weeks in Madrid, Parla, Fuenlabrada, Alcobendas, Torrejón de Ardoz, Getafe, Alcorcón, Leganés, Móstoles and Alcalá de Henares and the healthcare areas of Reyes Católicos in San Sebastián de los Reyes, Humanes and Villa del Prado.
- Within the affected municipalities, citizens will be able to freely move “while respecting individual and collective protection measures,” but all unnecessary journeys are advised against. People can go to work, to study, to renew official documents, take exams, play sport or go to shows, provided they are in their municipality.
- Leaving the municipality is permitted for going to the doctor or hospital; for work or study; to return to your primary residence; to attend to a senior, minor or dependent; to go to the bank, courts or other public agency. Permission is also granted for the renewal of documents, administrative procedures that cannot be delayed, exams or for situations of force majeure.
- If you live in an area that is not subject to the restrictions, you cannot enter a municipality that is, such as the city of Madrid, unless it is for the aforementioned reasons.
- If you live in an area that is not confined, you can travel to another area within the region that is similarly free of restrictions. But if you live in a restricted municipality, you cannot travel to a second residence, even if it is in an area not subject to the new measures.
- Children’s playgrounds will not be closed under the new restrictions, despite that measure having been included in the Health Ministry’s preliminary draft. Parks that were closed by the regional government under its previous restrictions, which affected 45 basic healthcare areas, can now be reopened.
- If you have tickets for an event such as a play you will be able to attend the performance provided the theater is within your municipality. If not, you will not be able to go.
- Places of worship are limited to a third of usual capacity, while funerals are limited to 15 people in the open air and 10 inside.
- You cannot travel to a shopping mall if it is outside your municipality.
- Stores and establishments such as gyms and hairdressers must limit capacity to 50%, and will have to close by 10pm. Essential businesses such as pharmacies will not have time limits.
- Bars and restaurants will be limited to 50% capacity inside and 60% outside, with consumption at bar counters prohibited. They will have to close at 11pm and will not be able to admit new customers from 10pm onward.
- A maximum of six people will be allowed to meet in public or private throughout the whole region, although there are exceptions for work or institutional situations.
- Sporting activities and walking is permitted, provided you stay within your municipality. Sports facilities will be limited to 50% capacity inside, and 60% outside. Groups are limited to six people.
- Citizens will not, for now, be fined for disregarding these regulations until they are given the approval of the courts. Once that has been secured, penalties will range from €600 to €600,000.
English version by Simon Hunter.