The Government and the autonomous communities have agreed this Wednesday, within the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (CISNS), to limit entry and exit in the autonomous communities and cities between December 23, 2020 and January 6, 2021, as well as a maximum of 10 people in meetings, unless they are people who live in the same home and that no more than two coexisting groups are exceeded.
In addition, and as established in the 'Adoption of Public Health Measures for Covid-19 for the celebration of Christmas holidays', it has been agreed to set the curfew at 1:30 a.m. on December 24 and 25, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, although only to return home and "never" to move to other social gatherings.
"It is a very important agreement and of broad consensus, the result of coordinated work between Health and the autonomous communities that will make this Christmas different. And it is that, it is not only about celebrating a different Christmas, but about celebrating many more Christmases", said the Minister of Territorial Policy and Public Function, Carolina Darias, at a press conference after the CISNS plenary session.
Specifically, the document states that during the Christmas period, the autonomous communities and autonomous cities will make effective the limitation of entry and exit in these territories, except for those trips, adequately justified, that occur for any of the reasons provided for in said article, as well as for trips to territories that are the usual place of residence of relatives or close friends of the displaced person, complying at all times with the limits on the permanence of groups of people that are applicable.
"This shows that at Christmas we stay at home to celebrate the holidays with the new ones and only all the movements that are essential will be made", added the Minister of Health, Salvador Illa.
However, and in view of the evolution of the epidemiological situation, the regions may establish that this last exception, relating to travel to territories that are the usual place of residence of relatives or close friends of the displaced person, only applies on certain days. All this will not apply in the Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands due to the characteristics of insularity.
In those cases in which residents of social health care centers make a longer stay due to the Christmas celebrations, these will be restricted to a single home and maintaining a stable coexistence bubble. In addition, upon their re-entry, it is advisable to carry out a diagnostic test for active infection and in the days after re-entry, surveillance and prevention measures will be stepped up.
Static parades and virtual chimes
Regarding Christmas events, the plan prohibits between December 23, 2020 and January 6, 2021, the celebration of face-to-face events with a high influx of public, unless compliance with the provisions of the document 'Recommendations for events and mass activities in the context of the new normality due to COVID-19 in Spain' is guaranteed.
Likewise, it is recommended to hold activities in which compliance with hygiene and prevention regulations can be guaranteed, such as static Three Kings parades in places where access can be controlled, virtual chimes or broadcasts of Christmas events on television or other telematic options.
At this point, the document to be approved this Wednesday has removed the recommendation to hold the 'San Silvestre' marathon, reflected in the first draft, and prohibits the celebration of major sporting events, advising to hold them virtually.
Likewise, traditional Christmas activities that are held in cinemas, theaters, auditoriums, circus tents or similar will be carried out respecting the capacity provided for in the corresponding autonomous community or city. Whenever possible, it is recommended that activities be carried out outdoors and always ensuring that the safety distance is met to minimize contact between attendees.
In relation to religious ceremonies in closed spaces, they may continue to be celebrated in accordance with the capacity regulations established in each autonomous community, although it is advisable to avoid singing and use pre-recorded music. Physical displays of devotion or tradition should also be avoided.
The celebration of religious events, such as midnight mass, the document states that "it will not be an obstacle to compliance with the regulations regarding the limitation of the freedom of movement of people at night", and it is recommended to offer telematic or television services as an alternative.
The hotel industry will continue with the same hours and capacity
Regarding the hotel industry, the plan indicates that they will continue with the same capacity and prevention regulations, as well as with the rest of the restrictions in force in each autonomous community, although it insists on the importance of guaranteeing adequate mechanical or natural ventilation indoors, as well as reinforcing the need to use a mask when not eating or drinking.
Health and the autonomous communities will also agree to recommend that the population organize their purchases in advance to avoid large crowds in streets and shopping centers. Likewise, shops and shopping streets must respect the capacity provided for in their region, ensuring the maintenance of interpersonal distance of
safety.
During the Christmas period, the document highlights the need for the competent administrations to increase the frequency of public transport schedules to avoid crowds, guaranteeing adequate ventilation and compliance with prevention measures, which include not eating and making correct use of the mask. Whenever possible, it will be recommended to travel by outdoor transport.
Finally, it is recommended that students who return home for the holidays limit social interactions and take extreme prevention measures 10 days before, and once at home, limit contacts, respect their coexistence bubble and interact mainly outdoors, instead of indoors.
"There has been a broad level of consensus and a shared desire to restrict mobility and social contacts as much as possible," Illa concluded.
