The Official Gazette of the Canary Islands (BOC) published this Friday, August 14, the measures adopted on August 13 by the extraordinary Governing Council of the regional Executive to try to stop the increase in cases of coronavirus on the islands and it details all the issues related to the restriction of nightlife, meetings with a maximum of 10 people, the mandatory use of masks and the prohibition of smoking if the safety distance is not met.
Thus, in relation to social gatherings, it recommends that all kinds of groupings or meetings of non-cohabiting people that take place in private spaces "be limited to a maximum of 10 people, even when the safety distance can be guaranteed."
Regarding the mandatory use of masks, both in indoor and outdoor areas, even if the safety distance is met, it details that all people aged six and over will be required to use the mask on public roads, in outdoor spaces and in any closed space for public use, or that is open to the public, regardless of maintaining the interpersonal safety distance of at least 1.5 meters.
In the case of non-university educational centers, it clarifies that "the mask will not be mandatory" when it comes to stable school cohabitation groups, as well as in the rest of school groups when they are sitting at their desks at a distance of at least 1.5 meters.
In hotel and restaurant establishments and services, including bars and cafeterias, the obligation to use a mask is excluded only at the time of eating or drinking. It adds that the owners of establishments, spaces and premises must guarantee compliance with the obligations therein.
Likewise, in nature or outdoor spaces outside population centers, the obligation to use a mask is excluded "as long as" the influx of people allows maintaining the interpersonal safety distance of at least 1.5 meters.
Mandatory mask when traveling on the beach
Regarding beaches and swimming pools, the obligation to use a mask is excluded during bathing and while remaining in a specific space, without moving, as well as "as long as it can be guaranteed that the interpersonal safety distance between all" non-cohabiting users is respected.
However, "the use of a mask will be mandatory in the accesses, movements and walks that take place in these spaces and facilities."
Mention is also made of the correct use of the mask, indicating that it is mandatory that it covers the nose and mouth completely at all times. In addition, it must "be properly adjusted" to the nose and chin in order to prevent the expulsion of respiratory secretions into the environment.
The exceptions
Regarding the mandatory use of masks, it is stated that it will not be required in the cases provided for in article 6.2 of Royal Decree-Law 21/2020, of June 9, on urgent measures for prevention, containment and coordination to deal with the health crisis caused by COVID-19.
Thus, article 6.2 of Royal Decree-Law 21/2020, of June 9, states that the mask will not be required for people who have some type of illness or respiratory difficulty that may be aggravated by the use of the mask or who, due to their situation of disability or dependence, do not have the autonomy to remove the mask, or have behavioral disorders that make its use unfeasible.
It also adds that "it will also not be required in the case of individual outdoor sports, nor in cases of force majeure or situation of need or when, due to the very nature of the activities, the use of the mask is incompatible", in accordance with the indications of the health authorities.
However, the BOC recommends the use of a hygienic mask, preferably reusable, in private spaces, both open and closed, when meetings are held with people from different cohabitation groups.
Smoking ban
Regarding the prohibition of smoking, it specifies that "smoking, using tobacco inhalation devices, water pipes, hookahs, shisha or similar will not be allowed on public roads and in outdoor spaces, provided that it is not possible to guarantee the maintenance of an interpersonal safety distance of 2 meters."
Regarding restaurant spaces, a separation distance of 1.5 meters must be respected between tables or groups of tables, as well as at the bar, between customers or groups, with the maximum occupancy per table or group of tables indoors and outdoors being ten people, and the separation distance having to be "adequately" marked.
On the other hand, in nightclubs and nightlife venues, only outdoor spaces for seated consumption at tables may be open to the public with a capacity on terraces of 75 percent and dance floors are not allowed.
In entertainment venues, leisure venues, hotels, restaurants and any other type of establishment open to the public "the use of tobacco inhalation devices, water pipes, hookahs, shisha is prohibited."
Finally, with regard to recreational, leisure and entertainment boats with economic activity, only outdoor spaces for seated consumption may be open to the public, with the maximum permitted capacity being 75 percent.
