Madrid starts opening up as COVID cases go down

The decision was announced last week and is in line with the trend in other Spanish regions

Nearly one week ago, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the President of Madrid Region, announced that starting on Monday 20 September, the current social restrictions in place will start loosening given the favourable trends in COVID cases. It seems that the fifth wave in Spain is on its way out so, for the time being, Madrileños can look forward to autumn that is as close to normal as possible.

85% of the region´s residents have received the full vaccine

Taking into account the high rate of fully vaccinated people, which was set to exceed 85% already last week and the decreasing number of new cases (113 per 100,000 inhabitants for the previous two weeks), the authorities felt it was safe to relax the restrictions somewhat.

However, the mandatory wearing of masks indoors remains (except at the time of food and beverage consumption) and so does the requirement to maintain 1.5 metres of distance.

The hotel and restaurant industry regain their 'working hours' freedom, with an outdoor occupancy of 100% and increasing the number of diners per table on the terraces from 8 to 10. Inside, the occupancy goes from 50% to 75% of the capacity and a maximum of 6 people per table.

No curfew in nightlife except for municipal regulations, with the same digits for occupancy permits. The limitations on the use of the dance floor and the bar are maintained.

The cultural sectors can have it even better, depending on whether cinemas and theatres choose to allow food and beverage consumption during shows. If the latter is not allowed, then they can enjoy 100% occupancy, otherwise, it will be 75%.

The same indoor capacity increase goes for indoor sports facilities, banquet halls, amusement parks, zoos, casinos and gambling establishments. Outdoor sports events will now not require the wearing of a mask.