Covid: Valencia eases social restrictions. Bars, restaurants and shops open until 10pm

THE regional government of Valencia announced last night it was easing Covid-19 health rules from Monday allowing people a more flexible social life.

While the curfew remains unchanged for the moment – bars, restaurants and shops can also trade until the new closing time of 10pm, a lifeline for the hospitality and commercial sectors.

The changes from April 26 will remain in force until May 9 when central government is expected to end a state of emergency that has impacted on the country since October.

Valencia president Ximo Puig and health chief Ana Barceló said the incidence of coronavirus for the region was just over 40 infections in the last 14 days per 100,000 people, those in hospital had been halved over the last month, and vaccinations had risen to over one million.

Puig, who wants to proceed with “maximum prudence”, said restrictions had kept the virus “at bay” for two months and appealed for people to be responsible but said across the region “it has begun to get light”.

Hospitality can remain open until the start of curfew rather than closing at 6pm.

Capacity in use at premises remains at 30% inside and 100% on terraces, a
maximum of six people may be at a table. Business hours are also extended until 10pm but capacity in use remains at 50%.

Cultural premises like theatres and cinemas can sue up to 75% of capacity, an increase from 50%.

The curfew hours and the closure of Valencia’s borders remain in place and will be reviewed again before the end of the state of alarm.