Since our last Coronavirus update six weeks ago, we have remained in a state of inertia while the situation on the islands has been given time to improve. Thankfully, due to a significant reduction in the spread of the virus the Govern Balear has convened to debate ways to ease our restrictions from Saturday, 24 April.
Firstly, the great news…
Over the past week there have been some days when no new infections have been reported on Ibiza and Formentera and there are currently no Covid-19 patients in the Intensive Care Unit at Can Misses Hospital. The rolling case rate has reduced dramatically to 46 cases in 14 days per 100k population - down from a high of 600+ per 100k at Christmas!
The vaccination programme is picking up speed now and approximately 15% of the islands' residents have received their first dose. The latest call has gone out for people in the age group over 60 to take their place in line.
Consequently, it is anticipated that the British Foreign Office, along with other European counterparts, will categorise the Balearic Islands as green zones when the new traffic light system is introduced. This would mean that travellers returning home from a visit to the islands will not be required to quarantine, if they have a negative PCR test result 72 hours prior to travelling.
The good news...
The Govern has eased restrictions, dowgrading Ibiza to Level 2 (medium risk):
- The night-time curfew will be reduced and now starts at 23:00 until 06:00
- Bars and restaurants can reopen 100% of their terraces but interiors must remain closed. Table capacity remains limited to a maximum of 4 persons per table.
- Opening hours have been improved: In addition to the previously valid opening times from morning to 17:00, bars and restaurants are now permitted to open in the evenings from 20:00 to 22:30, from Monday to Thursday, but not on weekends and bank holidays.
- For at least the next two weeks, Social gatherings remain limited to 6 persons: Inside, from only 2 households. Outside, the rule is relaxed to include any group of friends.
- Shops opening times have been extended until 21:00 and the interior capacity raised to 75%
- Gymnasiums can open up to 30% capacity.
More rapid PCR testing centres are appearing around the island, although the cost per test is still in the region of €120 per person.
With luck, our next report, in two weeks’ time, will be bringing even better news before the summer season is due to start. So far, our restrictions have been worthwhile in combatting the high levels of Covid-19 after the Christmas holiday period. And, with more time being spent outdoors as the weather permits, this situation should continue to improve even more.
We look forward to the islands being in great condition when the first wave of tourists begins to arrive in May.
