Call to ease hospitality restrictions

THE owners of bars and restaurants are calling for the Valencia regional government to further relax Covid-19 restrictions as infection rates continue to fall dramatically.

The government meets tomorrow to discuss the next step in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic and the possibility of further easing rules.

Since March 1, cafes, bars and restaurants have been able to open 75% of terraces until 18.00 but inside areas have remained closed to customers.

The hospitality industry – one of the worst hit economic areas of the health
emergency – are asking for all their outside space to be opened and 50% of the interior of premises. They also want opening times to be extended until the current 22.00 curfew in Valencia.

The most recent figures show the incidence rate of infections has fallen to 63 per 100,000 people in the last 14 days, coming close to the level of 50 per 100,000 which is considered when there is no longer a great danger of contagion and the virus is being controlled. Hospital admissions and number of patients in intensive care units has also improved.

It is likely Valencia will extend opening hours, a time of 20.00 – when non-essential shops have to close – has been suggested.

Other changes will be discussed when central government’s health minister Carolina Darias meets representatives of all 17 regional authorities later today and will be tabled in Valencia tomorrow.