The Government of the Generalitat de Catalunya has announced changes in the measures aimed at containing the spread of covid-19.
The main new features of these measures dictated by the PROCICAT affecting the sports sector are three: firstly, the return of free movement throughout Catalonia without limitations by bubbles of coexistence; secondly, the increase in the opening-up of sports equipment, pavilions, gyms, and sports facilities in closed spaces, from 30% to 50%; and, finally, the extension of the public’s capacity in federated sports competitions to be held in closed locations, from 30% to 50%.
Here are the main new changes, which along with the restrictions in place since 7 January mean the situation for the sports sector in Barcelona is currently as follows:
– Opening of sports equipment, pavilions, gyms, and sports facilities in enclosed spaces, with 50% drill, mandatory masquerade use, access control, appointment and good ventilation. In closed-space equipment that attests to enhanced ventilation conditions, group activities of more than 6 people are allowed with the capping limit of 50% and the use of masquerade. If enhanced ventilation is not guaranteed, the limit of groups of 6 persons including monitor must be maintained. This limitation does not affect federated sports activities or school sport (sports council license), where it can be trained in the regular stable groups and participate in the permitted competitions, always subject to the corresponding sectoral plan.
– The re-opening of the changing rooms to gymnasia and sports centers is allowed provided the interpersonal distance of 2.5m2 is guaranteed.
– Open-air sports facilities remain open with 50% of their user capacity, as do outdoor swimming pools (50%).
-The use of unsupervised sports facilities is prohibited, including open-air public sports courts and pitches.
– Public support is allowed for sporting competitions with a maximum of 50% outdoor and a maximum of 1000 people, and 50% in closed spaces, a maximum of 1000 people, and provided that the conditions for ventilation and air quality are met and the control measures for agglomerations are guaranteed.
– Retrieved from competitions that give access to state-level categories.
– Physical and sporting activities are allowed throughout the territory of Catalonia.
– It equates federated sport and sports councils. They will be able to train with more than 6 people and participate in the allowed competitions. Federated sport can compete in the same competitions that were allowed until now while school sport cannot compete.
– The resumption of federated sporting competitions is permitted.
– Extracurricular and school sports activities are authorized and regulated, as well as those in the field of educational leisure aimed at children in pre-school and primary education.
What do you need to know?
Here is a series of points relating to sports activity during this period. Let’s take a look:
– Sports facilities.
Sports facilities can open to the public from 6 am to 9 pm. As an exception, sports facilities used by professionals or which host professional, national or international competitions can remain open. The same exception applies to activity by sportspeople classed as high level or high performance.
– Using changing room:
Gymnasium dressers and sports centers can be used, provided that the interpersonal distance of 2.5 m2 is guaranteed to the space of dressers and showers, only by users of the sports equipment, gym or swimming pool.
– Indoor pools:
Thermal bathing areas and water spaces in the same facilities can be used.
– Outdoor sports (clarification):
The use of face masks is not necessary for outdoor sports in open-air facilities, but safety distances between participants must be guaranteed. By extension, outdoor sports activities also include activities or practices linked to physical activity (e.g. hiking), as well as nautical and aerial activities.
– Curfew:
Sports activities and travel during curfew hours is permitted for professional sportspeople involved in training or professional competitions at a professional, national or international level. At the same time, sports facilities can stay open beyond curfew hours if they are hosting training or sports competitions at a professional, national or international level.