The Basque Government has announced measures for those localities that exceed the rate of 150 cases per 100,000 inhabitants that will come into effect from this Wednesday. The objective is to avoid mass gatherings or to strengthen the measures to be carried out safely, and it will be up to the municipal authorities to assess whether the event complies with the guarantees.

Three points

The first measure, the next one. “Temporary suspension or deferral of all activities that cannot guarantee compliance with the preventive measures provided for in the Order of 6 October 2021 by municipal authorities, regardless of the scope of those activities”. They ask to place special interest in those who are related to the consumption of food and drink, “which facilitates the use of the mask”.

The second measure states that if it is decided to organize the event while maintaining the preventive measures, it is appropriate to strengthen the measures, both in the indoor and outdoor spaces. That is to say, to extend the public space where concentrations are planned, to establish corridors, to delimit areas for the sale and consumption of food and drinks, and, if possible, to organise activities abroad.

Finally, the Department of Health will send the epidemiological bulletin twice a week (Monday and Thursday) to learn about the situation of the municipalities.

Compulsory COVID-19 passport?

At the same time, the Department of Health will ask the High Court of Justice of the Basque Country this week to authorise the application for the COVID-19 certificate for certain activities. Consideration is being given to asking people over 12 years of age in night-time leisure establishments, establishments or places where music and dance activities are carried out (concerts, for example) and in restaurants where large authorised groups may coincide.