Spain: Authorities maintain COVID-19-related measures as of Jan. 6 /update 32

Event

Authorities in Spain are maintaining measures imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Jan. 6. A nationwide state of emergency (SoE) is in effect until at least May 9 empowering the government to limit certain rights guaranteed under the nation's constitution. Accordingly, social gatherings are limited to six people nationwide and a 2300-0600 curfew is in effect nationwide. Regional governments have the authority to amend and impose additional restrictions; as a result curfew hours and limits on social gatherings vary between regions. Additionally, many regions have imposed local entry and exit restrictions at either regional or municipal levels, permitting travel out of the locality for essential regions only. A summary of restrictions by region is available on the Spanish Ministry of Health website.

Regional authorities have also implemented tighter restrictions on gatherings and businesses in their jurisdictions. Where businesses are permitted to remain open, they must implement strict hygiene and social distancing measures. Facemasks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces and outdoor areas where social distancing cannot be maintained nationwide; some regional authorities require facemasks in all indoor and outdoor public spaces.

Most arrivals from outside of the EEA, Switzerland, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Uruguay are prohibited. Exceptions are in place for EU nationals or residents, health care workers, goods and transport workers, other essential work, students, and for urgent family reasons. Authorities have suspended air and sea transport with the UK except for Spanish nationals and residents until at least Jan. 19 following the outbreak of a new strain of COVID-19 in the country.

All permitted travelers arriving via air are required to fill out the Health Control Form within the 48 hours prior to arrival. After filling out the form, travelers will receive a Quick Response Code (QR) that they must show at the port of entry. Travelers from countries designated as high risk by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) must possess a negative COVID-19 test taken within the 72 hours prior to arrival. The document must be in Spanish or English and can be submitted in either electronic or paper format. Passengers who attempt to travel without this requirement may be prohibited from boarding by the travel provider. Individuals who arrive in Spain without this requirement or displaying COVID-19 symptoms will be required to take a test on arrival. The ECDC updates its country risk assessments on a weekly basis.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.