This new phase of the easing of lockdown plan, which entered into force on August 1, was approved by the Council of Ministers and takes into account the target of 85 percent of the population fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

No more restaurant and shop limits

Commercial establishments, restaurants, cafes and general commerce no longer have a maximum limit of customers or people per group.

The end of this restriction on occupancy also applies to family events such as weddings and baptisms.

Events back on the calendar

Cultural shows will no longer have capacity limitations from 1 October, but a digital certificate will be required for major cultural events, and the General Directorate of Health (DGS) will define what these events are.

The use of a mask in shows will be mandatory whenever there is no distance of two metres possible between people.

Bars and clubs reopen

Nightlife spaces, which have been closed since March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, can reopen as of 1 October.

On July 29, the Government announced that night entertainment spaces could reopen in full in October, when authorities predicted that 85 percent of the population would be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Limited mask use

From 1 October, the mandatory use of masks is limited to public transport, supermarkets, nursing homes and hospitals, concert halls and large events.

This decision is based on criteria for places with a high frequency of people, such as public transport, including risky places, such as homes and hospitals, and places with large gatherings of people for longer periods, such as concert spaces.

Digital certificate is no longer required in restaurants and hotels

Restaurant and hotel customers will no longer have to present a vaccination certificate or negative test for Covid-19, according to the new rules approved by the Council of Ministers.

The end of the vaccination certificate or virus screening test also covers group classes in gyms, but will now be required in clubs and bars, as well as at major sporting events.

The presentation of the document will also be mandatory for travel by sea or air and on visits to homes and health establishments, since hospital visits are resumed.

Remote working over

The Council of Ministers has also decided to end the recommendation of remote working and to eliminate testing in workplaces with more than 150 workers.

In August, a step had already been taken towards reducing the use of remote working, with the Government deciding that this was no longer mandatory in higher-risk municipalities, being only recommended throughout the continental territory.

End of limitation on alcohol sales

The limitation on the sale and consumption of alcohol ends and the time limits that had been imposed due to the pandemic also end.

Playgrounds without masks

The use of masks in school playgrounds is no longer mandatory and the Directorate-General of Health will update the norms of prophylactic isolation in educational establishments.