Finally, it's good news week!
Sunday 14 March, marks the first anniversary of our initial COVID-19 lockdown and now, thankfully, we can start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The Govern Balear has just announced new measures to start relaxing the restrictions we have been living under - with effect from Saturday 13 March with regard to shops and Monday 15 March for the hospitality industry. With luck, this will be the last time we have such measures in place and the removal of restrictions will be progressive and final.
Furthermore, the vaccination programme is moving along quite nicely now, and, from Monday, the age group 45 to 55 are next in line for their jabs. The local health authority's plan to have 70% of the island's residents vaccinated by the end of May looks like a very real prospect.
The new regulation changes are relatively small and will continue, through Easter, until 11 April, to try to deter much population movement over that holiday period. But we can be thankful for any positive changes right now.
Ibiza is moving back to Level 3 (high risk) of the Govern's recovery plan, while Formentera drops to Level 2 (medium risk), for the time being. The great news is that we are also now free to travel between the islands once again, as the sealed perimeter has also been lifted.
- Bars and restaurants can reopen 50% of their outside terraces, but have to close by 17:00. There can't be more than 4 persons per table, from max. 2 households.
- The night-time curfew remains from 22:00 to 06:00.
- Shop capacity will rise from 30 to 50% interior space and must close by 20:00.
- Gymnasiums and indoor swimming pools can reopen, with strict limits on capacity.
- Outdoor non-contact sports, with up to 10 participants, can resume.
- Social gatherings, of up to 6 persons from 2 households, inside or out, are allowed to resume. IMPORTANT UPDATE: From March 26 to April 11, both dates included, no meetings of any kind will be allowed inside homes, beyond the members of the household.
Obviously, the mask mandate remains in force at this time.
The number of active cases has been steadily declining to around 250 now, with some days free of any new infections. However, over half the number of hospitalised patients in the Balearic Islands are here on Ibiza. So, patience is still necessary before we move to the next stage.
Despite being overwhelmed by feelings of fear and uncertainty at this time last year, as the invisible wave approached, Ibiza and Formentera managed to enjoy a brief holiday season. This year already promises to be very different. Whereas it might not get going properly until June, we anticipate that by the beginning of that month the virus will be practically eradicated from the island once again, and most businesses will be reopened. Clubbing still remains an unknown issue but we hope to bring more news on that soon.
Very small steps but at least we're moving in the right direction. Roll on Level 2 and we look forward to seeing you in the summer!
