The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, presented yesterday the de-escalation plan that has to culminate in what they call the “new normal”. Four phases make up this plan, which may have different application dates depending on the province. Each phase will last at least two weeks, which is the incubation time of the coronavirus. This way it will be possible to assess whether everything is working well or if the process has to be slowed down due to possible risks of rebound.
Phase 0 begins on May 4. On May 11, if everything goes well, we are responsible and we comply with the rules, we will go to phase I in which important measures will be adopted that, hopefully, will improve our day to day. From there, you have to wait the two weeks of rigor to be able to move on to the next phase.
On the Government's website you can read the details of the conditions of each phase.
To make it easy for you, we have read it in its entirety and, in addition, we have consulted the most practical doubts about everything that can be done and what not with Joaquim Hernández, lawyer. To this day, this is what we can and cannot do.
When will I be able to see my family and friends?
In phase I, which in theory begins on May 11. We can have contact in small groups with family or friends, for example staying in an open space or visiting them at home. Always taking special care with vulnerable people.
And meet someone for a drink?
In phase I, the bar terraces may open with 30% of the capacity. You can meet someone if you respect the meter and a half of separation.
We will not be able to enter bars or restaurants (discotheques or cocktail bars are expressly excluded) until phase II (which if all goes well could start on May 25). It will always be done respecting the distance (it is not yet known if it will be the distance between tables or clients), with a maximum of 1/3 of the capacity.
In phase III (which hopefully can begin on June 8), restaurants (and their terraces) may be filled up to 50%, with the usual respect for the distance between tables. You can stand at the bar if there is a minimum separation of 1.5 meters between customers. Cocktail bars and nightclubs may open if the capacity is limited to one third.
When can you go shopping?
All stores that are not in a shopping center may open in phase I, on May 11, as long as they respect 30% of the capacity and can guarantee 2 meters of distance between customer and customer. In other words, if you are lucky enough to live near a Zara street, you can go. A preferential schedule will be established for people over 65 years of age.
And when will the shopping centers open?
Until phase II (in theory on May 25) they will not be able to open shopping centers, with a limited capacity of 40% and with 2 meters of distance between clients. The common and recreational areas will be closed. As you know, food stores within shopping centers have remained open throughout the lockdown. Those over 65 will also have a special schedule.
When can I go out to play sports?
Very soon, in theory this Saturday, May 2. We can go out to the street to exercise individually and respecting distances. Enter here if you are looking for ideas to get in shape.
When can I go out for a walk with the people I live with?
The same, on May 2 it seems that you can go for a walk with your partner, children or family with whom you live. In these days the conditions of these movements will be specified. They are talking about time slots, for example.
When will I be able to move to another city?
In phase I we can have small group meetings so it is understood that it can be in another city, within your same province. From phase II (May 25) you can move to your second residence, if you have one, if it is in the same province where you live.
Can I go by car?
From phase I it seems that you can go by car with the people you live with. If not, a maximum of two people can go in a car: one in front and one behind.
When can I go to the cinema or to a museum?
In phase I, on May 11, you can go to museums, as long as the distance and the ⅓ of the capacity are respected. In phase 2 (May 25) cinemas and theaters will open, also with a third of the capacity.
And to the beach?
We will have to wait until phase III (June 8 in theory). Always with the conditions of security and distance.
When can I go to the hairdresser?
If you ask for an appointment you can go from this May 4.
Until when will I have to telework?
It seems that teleworking as a priority remains until August 9. In phase III (June 8) the idea is to initiate face-to-face reincorporation protocols. For example, half the staff should go for a week. Measures of this type will be carried out until total reincorporation is reached.
When will I be able to move without being stopped by the police to explain?
In principle, since May 11 there is freedom of movement within your province. You can go to the house of friends, family, to the hairdresser, for a walk .. There may be controls to monitor that you are in your province.
If I have a relative in a nursing home, can I go see him or her?
No, none of the phases presented contemplates this case.
I have to do works at home, when can I start them?
If it is an urgent repair, you can do it. If not, in principle you cannot unless your apartment or house has an independent entrance and the operators do not have to go through common areas. This will continue until the alarm state ends or is expressly revoked.
