Update 3rd August: The restrictions will be prolonged until 23 August. From Friday 6 August, Formentera will be included in the nighttime restrictions from 01:00-06:00h.
From August 14 for large events (with more then 500 participants inside and 2,500 outside) all over 12 years old have to present a double vaccination certificate, a certificate that the disease has passed or a negative Covid test.
The islands of Ibiza and Formentera have been fully open for business for 6 weeks and, almost inevitably, the incidence of Covid-19 have increased. Numbers of active cases have risen from around 100 a month ago to 1500 today, with the Delta variant now accounting for around 80% of all new cases and, naturally, a major cause for concern. Similarly, hospitalisations have increased from 10, in our previous update in June, to 42 at time of writing, with 9 being admitted to intensive care. Very sadly, there has even been one more fatality, the first for 4 months.
To combat this latest spike in cases, the Govern Balear have introduced new restrictions, with effect from Thursday 22 July, the aim being directed squarely at large social gatherings and illegal parties.
These new measures will remain in place for at least the next two weeks.
Parties and events in private houses that you have to pay to enter are illegal and come with the risk of heavy fines for you, the party organiser and even the owner of the property, who may be unaware that an event is even taking place. Fines of €1000 can now be imposed for those simply attending the so called ‘botellones’ (drinking binges in the street or beach) or attending illegal parties at rented houses.
If an attendee at one of these gatherings is pending a PCR test, the fine rises to €2000 and if they are positive for Covid, it rises to €5000! Furthermore, if illegal parties take place in a rental house, the homeowner is obliged to notify the details of the tenants and promoters of the party or, otherwise, they will also be fined.
For the past two weeks already, establishments that sell alcohol outside the permitted hours (maximum 22:00), such as shops, petrol stations and bar take aways, can also be punished with fines of up to €5000.
In addition, the Govern Balear has requested the endorsement of the higher regional court to limit the meetings of non-cohabitants, both indoors and outdoors, between 1:00 and 6:00. As it is a fundamental right, the Govern must take this step and, once authorized, foresees that the measure will come into force next Saturday 24 July. As of 6th August this also applies on Formentera.
Our advice is to be sensible and enjoy your holiday in the safest environment possible. Stay within your hotel, villa or social bubble and don’t put yourself at risk of a heavy fine by only attending legitimate, licenced events.
On the positive side, 65% of the island population have received at least one shot of the Covid vaccine and 54% the full dosage. This number still isn’t high enough to produce an effect of herd immunity and the Health Authority are appealing for more people to step forward because the rate of administration has really dropped off and the vaccination centre is very quiet.
So, please, if you live on the islands, we urge you to take advantage of the medication on offer, so that we can protect each other, and all finally begin to move on with our lives.
Rules
The key information:
- Restaurants and bars Outside: 100% of terrace space can be opened, with a maximum of 8 persons per table. Maximum of 250 people. Inside: Up to 50% capacity. Up to 4 persons per table, with a maximum capacity of 150 persons. Closed by 01:00
- Sports events and competitions are able to invite spectators, but the numbers have been reduced again, with 50% capacity (up to a maximum of 2500) outside, or 50% capacity (up to a maximum of 500) inside.
- Social gatherings and private events such as birthdays remain unlimited although the event must conclude at 01.00 at the latest. (The Govern Balear does recommend being cautious in these meetings and to maintain all the general prevention measures established throughout the pandemic.)
- Weddings, baptisms, funerals and communions are limited to 120 persons outside and 50 (or maximum 50%) inside. The event must conclude at 01.00 at the latest.
- Beaches and children’s playgrounds Open all day, but they must be closed to the public from 22:00 to 06:00
Masks
Outside and inside, the use of masks is obligatory, whenever a social distance of 1.5 metres to non-cohabitants cannot be maintained, for everyone over 6 years old. Inside in public places like shops it is always compulsory, as well as on public transport. The only exception being the interior of restaurants and only whilst you are eating and drinking.
Travel
Most people traveling to the Balearic Islands, including from the Spanish mainland, have to fill out a health and locator form and must fulfil at least one requirement: negative antigen and/or PCR test, vaccination certificate, or confirmation of antibodies from a previous infection. Find the detailed requirements here.
If you require a PCR or antigen test, we recommend the convenient home service offered by Salutlabs. The Salutlabs courier will take the stress out of the testing and allow you enjoy more of your valuable holiday time.