A raft of covid restrictions are to be lifted this week as part of a series of proposals which were being
approved by the Interdepartmental Commission as the Costa Blanca People went to print on Monday.
Proposals, announced by Ximo Puig on Monday morning, include getting rid of restrictions on capacity in
certain venues such as cinemas, theatres, auditoriums, museums and libraries. There is also positive
news for the hospitality industry as indoor seating may be increased to 75% of the venue’s full capacity,
tables inside can be increased to ten people (from eight, the most recent limit imposed by government)
and customers will be allowed to sit (but not stand) at the bar. Another huge change for the hostelry
industry is that bars will be allowed to close according to the time on their licence, and will no longer be
forced to stop serving at midnight in order to be able to close at 12.30am. In terms of nightlife at late
venues, capacity also increases to 75% with tables of ten, use of the bar (while seated) and dancing will
finally be allowed, only within a pre-assigned dancefloor area. The cut off time for late venues is
extended from 3am until 5am.
In addition, the maximum number of people allowed to be in attendance at some sporting and other
events is also eliminated. In professional soccer and basketball leagues, the limit on the number of
spectators eases, indoor arenas will be able to fill 40% of the capacity and 60% can attend outdoor
stadiums. The changes, announced by president of the Valencian Community Ximo Puig on Monday
morning will be signed off by the Interdepartmental Commission, due to meet later on Monday.
Also tabled for discussion will be the possibility of implementing a ‘Covid passport’ check in order to
access bars or restaurants. This issue is more complicated to implement in terms of current legislation
but regional Vice President Monica Oltra says she believes it to be “a guarantee for customers” and has
advocated for an agreement between the various sectors in order to make it work.
Meanwhile, over 900 elderly people in the Vega Baja have received their third dose of the covid vaccine.
According to data provided by José Cano, director of Public Health in the Vega Baja, third dose
vaccines were administered in nursing homes throughout the Vega Baja region. The public nursing
home in Torrevieja, where there was a covid outbreak in August, will receive a third dose this coming
week. To date, all residents of the nursing home have tested negative but it was necessary to wait 28
days from the last positive case registered before giving the third dose at the home, explained Cano.