Finally, after spending two months at Level 2 of the Canarian Government’s anti-Covid alert levels, Lanzarote was returned to Level 1 yesterday. The decision follows a week in which the island saw a slight improvement in figures and no change in hospital occupancy.
General measures
Level 1 means that many of the restrictions that apply at higher levels are relaxed. Among the most important measures are the following:
- Groups of up to 10 people may gather in public and private.
- The maximum occupancy of several activities, such as religious services, funerals, indoor markets, swimming pools, spas etc is increased to 75%.
- Outdoor markets may operate at 100% occupancy.
Bars and restaurants
The announcement will be most welcomed by bar and restaurant owners, who will see the following changes from today:
- Closing time at 2 am. This is likely to be extended to 3 am shortly, when a new law is approved by the Canarian Parliament.
- Outdoor terraces may be occupied to 100% capacity, with a maximum of 10 to a table.
- Indoor dining areas have a capacity of 75%, with a maximum of 6 to a table.
- Up to four people may gather at the bar
- Buffets are permitted indoors and outdoors.
- Nightclubs are permitted to open until 2am. Karaoke is permitted. Outdoor areas are 100% occupancy with a maximum of 10 to a table; indoors, 50% capacity and a maximum of 4 to a table.
What does not change
The Canarian Government does not have the power to alter mask-wearing laws, which remain unchanged:
- Masks must be worn in any indoor public places, and may only be removed for eating and drinking in bars and restaurants.
- Masks must be worn outdoors when distancing of 1.5 metres cannot be guaranteed.
- Masks must be worn in public transport and cars in which people who do not live together are traveling.
- Exemptions to mask-wearing apply to children under 6 and those with medical certification provided by a local health centre.
The Canarian Government rules also have nothing to do with the UK government’s red, amber and green lists of safe countries for travel. The next UK travel review will take place around September 15th. It is extremely unlikely that Spain or the Canaries will be red-listed at this review, and they are most likely to remain on amber – although a green listing for the Canaries is a possibility.
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