Valencia Region
Masks
From Saturday 26th June 2021 masks are no longer obligatory in open-air spaces (when a 1.5m safety distance can be maintained).
• The use of masks will continue to be mandatory, when it is not possible to maintain a distance of 1.5m, also in closed places for public use, shops, bars, etc and also on public transport.
• Note: you must remember to carry a mask at all times, in case you need to enter a building, use public transport or perhaps find yourselves in a crowded area where the 1.5m safety distance cannot be maintained.
• Masks must be worn by anyone over the age of 6
• It is not compulsory to wear a mask in a private car unless travelling with someone who is not part of your group or household.
• A face mask must be carried at all times even if it isn’t required, although people with certain medical conditions are exempt. Police can issue on the spot fines for anyone who doesn’t have a mask.
• Face masks and hand sanitising gel can be bought at most supermarkets and chemist shops (Farmacias).
Supermarkets
As with all establishments, supermarkets provide hand sanitising gel at the entrance.
• Most will also provide gloves which must be worn whilst selecting fruit and vegetables (please dispose of these gloves responsibly after use)
• Some supermarkets ask that the trolley is pushed ‘handle bars first’ through the check-out aisle as this creates more distance between customers.
• In order to minimise the volume of people inside a supermarket, it is requested that only 1 person from each group goes inside to shop.
Shopping in general
• There may be separate doors assigned for entering and exiting, with directional arrows and distance markers clearly visible on the floor in areas where queues tend to form.
• Local markets are operating as usual with social distancing in place and masks must be worn where 1.5m distance cannot be maintained.
• Lifts must not be shared with non-cohabitants, if the lift arrives occupied please let that person continue alone. If it’s your turn to take the lift, people behind you must not share the lift with you – most lifts have pictorial signs displayed explaining this.
Beaches
The beaches in the area are open and social distancing (1.5m) must be maintained whilst on the sand and in the water.
• Wearing your mask on the beach is not obligatory as long as you are alone or with others from your household and can maintain a distance of 1.5 metres, otherwise you are required to wear one. Exceptions are made for those beach activities that make wearing a mask difficult such as swimming in the sea, exercising on the sand or eating & drinking.
• 100EUR fines can be issued.
• There are lifeguards in place and the flag system is in operation.
• Sunbeds are not available and footbaths have been withdrawn for sanitation purposes.
• Railings, walkways, litter bins and public beach toilets will be disinfected regularly throughout each day.
• Beach Wardens will be monitoring the beaches and ensuring compliance with capacity and social distancing throughout the day.
• Children’s parks are open and disinfected on a regular basis. Again, social distancing must be maintained.
Calpe Beaches: Sensors have been installed to monitor occupation levels on the sand, which relay the information to a traffic light system displayed on posts and a specially designed App called Social Guardian. https://socialguardian.app/Calpe/. The App can be downloaded on to your mobile using one of the following links:
o iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/es/app/social-guardian/id1522676641
o Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.juma.socialguardian
• The Auxiliary Health Centre, at la Fossa Beach is open 10:00hrs – 18:00hrs. Please note it is obligatory to wear face masks, on entering the Centre.
Dining
The majority of restaurants and bars are open and tables, both inside and outside, are strategically spaced 2 metres apart.
• Wearing a mask is still compulsory both inside and out but obviously can be removed temporarily to consume drinks or food, but then put back on.
• It is recommended to make reservations for evening dining in advance.
Banks
• Cash, debit and credit cards are accepted in shops and supermarkets
• Banks are open but numbers allowed inside are limited. There is usually a queue outside and people are called in on an individual basis by a member of staff.
Transport
• The local bus service is limited and so it’s advisable to check the timetables before travelling. Masks must be worn on all public transport.
• Taxis are available as usual. Masks are compulsory whilst riding in a taxi.
Updated 28/06/2021
