In the month since our last update, Omicron has taken over as the dominant variant of the coronavirus, and Ibiza and Formentera are caught in the grip of a ‘Sixth wave’ of the pandemic - rapidly taking us back to Level 3 of the Govern Balear’s state of alert.
Like many other regions, there has been a sharp surge in COVID-19 cases on these islands. And, although hospital admissions have increased, the number of those needing intensive care has remained ‘stable’, so far...
Today there are almost 2000 active cases detected on Ibiza and Formentera and the number is growing between 5 to 10% per day. Fortunately, the vast majority (98.8%) of those testing positive are reporting mild symptoms or completely asymptomatic.
The National and Balearic Governments do not seem to be over-reacting to this surge and are taking a cautious approach. Both bodies have just introduced a set of sensible measures to remind us of our responsibilities to each other until this wave passes.
COVID passports
In order to avoid reintroducing more social restrictions, the Govern Balear has decided to make vaccination passports, negative COVID test results and recovery certificates mandatory in all interior venues and many exterior ones, regardless of capacity, with effect from Wednesday 29 December.
This rule will affect any venues where there are concentrations of people including all hospitality venues, such as bars, restaurants, cinemas, sports centres/stadia, and clubs and especially any large events planned to celebrate the New Year. Please make sure you have you documents ready to avoid disappointments.
This provision will also apply to spaces with restaurant services located in tourist accommodation, so it is essential to plan for this eventuality when booking your holiday.
Mask mandate
Masks must now be worn again in all public places, by everyone over 6 years of age, even if social distancing norms (1.5 metres between people) are being observed. Failure to comply risks the penalty of a €100 fine.
If you’re in a car with people who you don’t live with, all passengers will be expected to wear a mask.
The government has stressed that this is only a temporary measure and there are some exceptions:
Face masks are not considered necessary outdoors 'during individual sports' such as running or cycling or 'during activities that are not sporting in nature, but are carried out in natural spaces', such as sitting on the beach or hiking in the countryside - as long as social distancing can be maintained.
It is not necessary to wear masks in bars or restaurants when eating or drinking, although it is advisable to wear one inside when not consuming, especially if social distancing measures can’t be observed.
Those who are intending to attend many of the planned NYE parties are reminded of the necessity to wear masks at all times. DC10 have reminded their New Year's Day clients that “there is only a party if there is health” and will strictly apply the COVID rules.
Quarantine
Spain’s Public Health Commission has also reduced the isolation period for people currently infected from 10 to 7 days.
The new seven-day quarantine period applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated people who test positive for COVID-19 in Spain.
Close contacts who are fully vaccinated will still be able to avoid going into isolation before getting tested, whereas unvaccinated close contacts will have to abide by the seven-day quarantine period.
On a cautiously positive note, there are some indications that the virus may be losing its potency at last. If cases continue to increase, while hospitalisations do not, it could be a cause for optimism. With 82% of the Balearic population fully vaccinated, and booster jabs being administered to everyone over 50, we hope to be writing fewer of these updates in the future.
Wishing you a very happy and healthy 2022.