The Catalan Government has announced new measures against Covid-19, which will come into force on Monday 7th June. The new framework for action to combat the pandemic was approved on Tuesday at the Procicat meeting and will increase permitted capacities in some sectors and open the door to school graduation ceremonies and some important dates on Catalonia's summer calendar: in particular, the traditional festa major celebrated in virtually every town and neighbourhood in Catalonia - and mostly over the summer.
Here are the new measures that will enter into force on June 7th:
ENTERTAINMENT, CULTURE & RELIGION
- Holding of assemblies by sports, cultural or any other type of association. Permitted capacity increases to 70% of the normal maximum and an absolute figure of up to 500 people, or up to 1,000 with enhanced ventilation and congestion control measures.
- All the normal activities of festa major celebrations (town and neighbourhood annual festivals), revetlles (nighttime celebrations on special dates such as that of Sant Joan, on the night of June 23rd) and other popular festivals as long as they comply with the conditions for each activity, with concerts, sports competitions, etc, all having their particular individual regulations.
- Permitted capacity is increased from 50% to 70% for religious events and civil ceremonies, including weddings, religious services and funerals.
EDUCATION
- University graduations can take place in the following conditions: occupancy of 70% of maximum capacity of the space, seated, with an absolute maximum of 1,000 people and up to 3,000 in open air or with enhanced ventilation and congestion control measures.
CONFERENCES
- Permitted occupancy at conferences, conventions, trade fairs and similar activities increases from 50% to 70%.
MOBILITY AND GATHERINGS
- The maximum group size of 10 people is maintained for family and social meetings, with the exception of those in the same bubble.
Positive progression
These measures come into force at a time when progress in vaccination is on the rise and hospital beds are emptying of Covid patients. Yesterday, 86,333 vaccines were administered in Catalonia, and the total figure for those who have had at least one jab is approaching three million.
The Outbreak risk continues to fall and is at 112, maintaining a downward trend, although figures for new contagions have increased slightly. The mass vaccination is a major driver for the relaxation of the public health measures. The Catalan health ministry's vaccination strategy is focusing on the 50-59 age group, with 64.3% having received the first dose, and this week, shots have begun for those between 45 and 49 years old.
Main image: Arbeca festival in 2020 / ACN