What changes with Madrid’s 'new normal'? Two more phases and restrictions in place until July 20th

While 78 percent of Spain has already advanced to Phase 3, the final stage before the transition to the new normal, Madrid is still officially in Phase 2.

So what happens next?

Regional authorities will take over responsibility for lifting restrictions from Sunday and in Madrid they have outlined a new plan which takes over from the Phase 3 rules that have been imposed across the rest of Spain.

Regional authorities in Madrid on Friday announced a two-step plan beginning on Sunday night when the state of emergency ends and advancing to a second step a fortnight later from July 6th.

 Here is a breakdown of the rules:

As a general rule, the capacity of enclosed spaces (shops, commercial centres, restaurants, markets)  will be restricted to 60 percent of usual occupancy extending to 75 percent after July 6th.

Outdoor spaces such as terraces will be 80 percent in the first phase followed by a return to 100 percent occupancy after July 6th as long as social distancing measures (of 1.5 metres) are respected, masks are worn and general hygiene measures in place.

Nightclubs will remain closed until July 6th.

These restrictions (60 percent occupancy until July 6th and 75 percent after) are also in place for cinemas, museums, theatres, amusement parks, zoos, auditoriums and arenas -  including the bullring – and at conferences.

Weddings and funerals

Funerals and must not exceed 75 percent of the venue’s usual capacity  and with a maximum of 50 people outside or 25 people inside.

Weddings must also not exceed 75 percent occupancy of the venue but with a maximum of 150 in the open air or 75 inside.

Swimming pools

Municipal swimming pools run by the Communidad will open in Madrid on July 1 but will be subject to restrictions on occupancy during the first phase being limited to 50 percent as will private pools in urbanisations.

From July 6th, full occupancy will be allowed as long as users maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others.

Children’s playgrounds

These will remain closed until further notice.

Fiestas and festivals

These are on hold until authorities determine that they will be safe to go ahead depending on the epidemiological evolution of the coronavirus.

Travel

For the first time since March 14th when the state of emergency was declared and people were confined to their homes, freedom of movement has resumed across Spain and people will be allowed to travel outside their province to other parts of Spain.

Remember:

Social distancing is still necessary from those who are not within your household and the wearing of masks is mandatory if social distancing can’t be guaranteed.

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