Most restrictions on capacity for Covid-19 now lifted

Given the positive evolution of the epidemiological data, as of Friday, 15 October, most restrictions and limits on capacity in place to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Catalonia have now been lifted. Capacity is back to 100% at cultural venues, outdoor sports facilities, restaurants, universities, fairs and congresses. The maximum numbers for people attending events and the number of people at tables in restaurants has also been eliminated, as has the distance between them. (Information updated on 15 October 2021).

15/10/2021 11:11 h

Ajuntament de Barcelona

Despite most capacity restrictions being lifted, the recommendation is still for groups of people not to number more than ten (except members of the same household) at family social gatherings, in public or in private.

Face masks are also still mandatory at indoor spaces used by the public, where distances of 1.5 metres between people cannot be maintained, in cars with people from other households, on public or private transport and at mass outdoor events where attendees are either standing or where there is not enough distance between seats.

Nightlife

Nightlife venues, music bars and discs have been able to re-open since 8 October (outdoor and indoor spaces). Those wishing to access these venues must be fully vaccinated or provide a negative test for Covid-19, to be accredited with the Covid passport downloadable from La Meva Salut. Capacity inside establishments is limited to 70% and face masks are obligatory.

  • Opening times for music bars: until 2.30 am on weekdays and 3 am at weekends and the eve of public holidays.
  • Opening times for discos: until 5 am on weekdays and 6 am at weekends and the eve of public holidays.

Bars and restaurants

As from 15 October, bars and restaurants can function at 100% capacity with no limits to usual opening times (they can open until 2.30 am from Sunday to Thursday and until 3 am on Friday nights, Saturday nights and the eve of public holidays). Tables no longer need to be separated with safety distances and the limit on the number of ten diners at each table no longer applies.

In terms of terraces in the city of Barcelona, pre-pandemic opening times are now back in place: midnight from Sunday to Thursday, and 1 am on Friday nights, Saturday nights and the eve of public holidays.

Cultural facilities

As from 15 October, capacity at theatres, cinemas, auditoriums and circuses is back to 100%. Full capacity is also allowed at archives, libraries, museums, community centres, exhibition venues and art galleries.

Sports events

As from 15 October, capacity is increased to 100% for outdoor sports events and 80% for indoor spaces such as sports halls.

Shopping centres, shops and commerce

As from 15 October, capacity is increased to 100% for shopping centres, shops and commerce, as well as permanent markets and market fairs.

Gyms

As from 15 October, capacity is increased from 70% to 80% for swimming pools and gyms.

Play-based leisure

As from 15 October, capacity is increased to 100% for parks, fairgrounds and other ludic and play-based activities.

Teaching

As from 15 October, 100% capacity is restored for university classrooms, which had begun the 2021-2022 academic year with 70% on-site capacity.

Restrictions and protocols at schools remain in place, with bubble groups and face masks mandatory as from primary school.

Check all the measures approved on 14 October in the Official Gazette of the Government of Catalonia.