The Canary Islands Government has agreed to raise the level of health alert for Covid on most of the islands, given the "worrying" indicators that the archipelago has, which in the last day has broken a new record with 914 new positives in one day. In the case of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, it has been decided to raise them to alert level 2, which La Gomera has also moved to, while Gran Canaria and La Palma have risen to 3 and Tenerife to 4.
Thus, the only islands that will not see increased restrictions are El Hierro, which remains at level 1, and Fuerteventura, which, however, has been at health alert level 3 since last week, given that its cumulative incidence both at seven and 14 days is at "very high risk."
"We have been increasing all the incidence indicators both at 7 and 14 days and we have been lowering the levels of traceability," Trujillo pointed out about the situation in the Canary Islands, especially showing his concern about the increase in hospital pressure, which is currently "already above 10.37% on average."
He also emphasized the increase in the delta variant "throughout the world," a "very virulent" strain. "We are at a moment as delicate or more so than at the beginning of the pandemic and we have to be extremely careful," added the counselor, stressing that "being vaccinated does not mean not infecting."
The level changes will take effect this midnight, except in the case of Tenerife, which will do so on Monday. And, with respect to health alert level 4, changes have been agreed in the restrictions, which will now be marked by the requirement of the Covid certificate to access some activities.
As explained by the Minister of Health, from now on level 4 will allow 50% capacity indoors in hospitality and catering establishments, as in level 3, but all people will need to have the Covid certificate to access, a measure that will be applied "from 18 years of age as a result of the vaccination schedule." In addition, the closing time at 6:00 p.m. will not be applied, but opening will be allowed until 00:00 hours.
Regarding sports activity in closed spaces, which until now was prohibited in level 4, it will now be allowed with a capacity of 33%, although also with a Covid certificate. And the same will happen in cultural activities, where there may be a capacity of 55% indoors, although also with the requirement of the Covid certificate.
Restrictions in Lanzarote
With respect to Lanzarote, the rise to health alert level 2 will mean that meetings will be limited to six people when they are not living together. In addition, the opening of nightlife, which is only allowed at level 1, is prohibited again, and bars and restaurants must close their doors before 00:00 hours.
Regarding the capacity in the hospitality and catering sector, it is reduced to 75% on terraces with a maximum of six diners per table, and 50% indoors, with a maximum of four diners per table. At the bar, consumption will only be allowed in groups of up to two people.
With respect to non-federated sports activity, in activities in indoor areas of facilities as well as outdoors in which it is not possible to maintain a safety distance of two meters permanently, a maximum number of six people per group is allowed, including the instructor. Outdoors, the capacity of 75% in each of the spaces and sports centers may not be exceeded, and indoors this must be a maximum of 50%.
