Spain: Authorities to tighten COVID-19 measures in several regions Dec. 23-Jan. 6 /update 31

Event

Authorities in Spain will tighten measures imposed to stem the spread coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in some regions Dec. 23-Jan. 6, 2021. Specifically, the following regions will be subject to entry and exit restrictions during this period: Madrid, Catalonia, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country, Navarra, La Rioja, Andalusia, Extremadura, Tenerife, and Melilla. Additionally, entry and exit restrictions will be maintained in Catalonia until Jan. 11, 2021 and in Valencia until Jan. 15, 2021. The specific restrictions vary widely from region to region, but in most cases trips outside the region are permitted for work, to visit close family, or to receive medical attention.

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.

A nationwide state of emergency (SoE) will remain in effect until at least May 9, 2021, which empowers the government to limit certain rights guaranteed under the nation's constitution, including freedom of movement. Accordingly, social gatherings are limited to six people nationwide, and a 2300-0600 curfew is in effect throughout Spain, excluding the Canary Islands. Regional governments have the authority to amend or lift the nightly curfew locally if their local epidemiological situations warrant. In Madrid, the curfew applies 0000-0600; in Catalonia, it applies 2200-0600; in Andalusia, it applies 2200-0700.

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 previous 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 it's country risk assessments on a weekly basis.

Most arrivals from outside of the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK, including Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Uruguay remain prohibited. All arrivals must undergo a temperature check, and authorities have introduced a mandatory Sanitary Control Form that all persons traveling to the country by air must complete. After filling out the form, travelers will receive a Quick Response (QR) code that they must show on arrival at the airport.

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.