The increase of declared cases throughout Spain triggered an emergency meeting of the Health ministry and the respective heads of each of the autonomous states in Spain on Friday 14th August. As result of this meeting 11 new measures will be implemented throughout Spain and there are a further three recommendations that each state can decide to implement or not.

One of the new measures introduced will be that late nite bars, dance halls, discos cocktail bars with or without live music are to remain closed. The minister for Health, Salvador Illa, pointed out that this measure has been brought in not because these establishments were not following the safety measures but more due the fact that tracing outbreaks from these establishments was proving exceedingly difficult to carry out effectively.

All bars and restaurants must be closed by 1am and will not be allowed to receive any new clients after midnight. These establishments must keep 1.5 metres between tables and groups of over 10 people are not permitted.

Nursing homes will have to test all residents and all employees returning from holidays. Visits to nursing homes will be restricted to one person per resident and for a maximum of one hour. Excursions for residents is also to be limited while visiting hours are to be spread out to avoid agglomerations.

Group events or activities will have to obtain permission after carrying out a risk evaluation which must be summited to the relevant health authorities

Open-air parties where alcohol is consumed (in Spanish “Botellon”) are prohibited. So consumption in public areas is strictly forbidden.

Smoking in public areas is prohibited where a safe distance of two metres cannot be maintained. This measure has already been implemented in Galicia and the Canary Islands.

Screening in specific groups is also to be implemented. Where a cluster is identified screening will de done on all high risk inhabitants, neighbourhoods where there is communal transmission , education centres or entire blocks of apartments etc.

The Minister for Health Salvador Illa also pointed out that these measures were the minimum that were needed to ensure control but would not rule out further additions should the situation require. Increase In Cases Brings In 11 New Laws