Ibiza has moved to level 3 restrictions after exceeding 700 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the last 14 days, a four fold increase since the start of December.
Covid certificates will now be required for all bars and restaurants regardless of capacity although this still needs to be ratified by the Balearic Supreme Court for bars with a capacity of less than 50. Covid certificates will also be needed to enter cinemas, cultural establishments where food and drink is served, gyms and fitness centres, dance academies, gambling halls and clubs for the elderly.
With regards to indoor and outdoor sporting events and competitions, participants over the age of 12 must demonstrate that they have been fully vaccinated, are fully recovered in the last six months or a have had a recent negative test.
In addition, planned street parades such as Kings Day can go ahead but must be carried out “in a way that is as serene and relaxed as possible and with the maximum of common sense; therefore, it will be necessary to avoid crowds and be as static as possible “. These are the words of Josep Marí Ribas, formerly mayor of San Jose and now the Balearic Minister for mobility and housing. The measures will come into force immediately (except those that require authorisation from the Balearic Superior Court) and will remain, in principle, until the end of January.
With regards to the thorny issue of masks outdoors Mari Ribas said “where there are crowds and the safety distance cannot be safeguarded, the use of a mask is a good thing but we have also clearly argued that when there is a considerable distance from others a mask is not necessary”.
Mariano Juan, Vice President of the Ibiza Council, added “to say that a mask should be used at all times outside doesn’t make any sense but it’s logical in outdoor spaces where there are crowds or risk situations”.
Original article in Periodico de Ibiza (Spanish)
"MAN IN SAN AN" by Martin Makepeace 