Useful information that citizens and those visiting Marbella need to know step by step

From 2nd May 2020 there were gradual changes to the quarantine restrictions that we were living under in Marbella.  The changes are released by the Spanish government in phases and each phase is open at this stage to change so we will inform our readers in a step-by-step way so that we remain factual and helpful.  We will keep updating statistics on our "Corona virus in Marbella updates" 
 

From June 21st 2020 Marbella entered the "New Normal"
 

What does this mean to Marbella residents?

The beginning of the "new normal" was a decision made by the Andalucían government not by the President so regulations that are set out in Marbella may differ from other parts of the country.  Spain is no longer in "state of alarm" and International travel has now resumed (please check your own countries regulations regarding quarantines on return).  In this respect however, it is important that you read local news before travelling and don't just rely on international media.

The rules that we mention below still strictly apply and we strongly advise making advance reservations before venturing out so you can be certain of the restrictions in place.  As we are all becoming very aware, the fines that the Police and Civil Guard can issue are significant so we urge the community to follow the guidelines and also to support the local businesses trying to abide by them as it's not easy and they need kindness and understanding right now.

New normal regulations

**NOTE THE ADJUSTMENTS IN BLUE SINCE THE ANNOUNCEMENT ON 8TH NOV WHICH ARE IN PLACE FOR 2 WEEKS

• Masks are obligatory in ALL public places for all persons over 6 years old irrelevant of the ability to social distance; this doesn't apply to when eating and drinking (obviously!), when exercising, when driving alone or with other members of your home or when sunbathing on the beach or around the pool.
• Washing your hands with Antibacterial gel is required before entering premises
• Social distancing of 1.5m from any third parties is the top priority in all places
• Restaurants and Bars can open no later than 6pm with a maximum of 6 persons at a table but remember they can still offer delivery services until 10pm!
• Non-essential businesses will also close at 6pm
• Essential businesses can remain open until 10pm eg. Supermarkets, Petrol Stations, Medical Centres, Vets, Hairdressers and Open-Air Sports facilities
• There is a curfew for all persons from 10pm - 7am
• Most venues are operating at a 75% capacity so reservations in advance are essential
• If you feel that you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 you are advised to isolate immediately and to alert your doctor or arrange to have a test
• Travel within the municipality that you reside in is permitted 
• Travel outside the municipality must only be made for essential purposes which is classed as work, education, to go to the airport or for a medical reason (Proof of your reason to travel should be with you i.e. work contract, flight tickets, appointment record)
• Take ID with you at all times

The information about the previous Phases of de-escalation can be found here for further interest and information and as a record of the past :-)
 

From June 8th 2020 Marbella will now pass into PHASE 3
 

What does this mean to Marbella residents?

The vast majority of regulations remain very similar to Phase 1&2; we are still being advised to work at home if and where possible and the hygiene measures and wearing of masks remain mandatory. However, the below is a summary of the changes that are useful to know.  Also note that the movement from Phase 3 to Phase 4 (our new normal) will be a decision made by the Andalucían government not by the President.  If you wish to read the full Official notice in Spanish as we have been doing upon their release you can do so here

• Up to 20 persons can now gather socially 
• We can now travel anywhere within Andalucía (see map in the gallery if you're not sure what area that covers)
• The time slots for exercise for all ages has been removed
• Restaurants can start to operate with higher capacities, still maintaining 2m social distancing
• Bars and clubs are opening with restricted capacities and dancefloors are not in use
• The Casinos are open with 50% capacity
• Group sports can take place with up to 20 persons as long as there is no contact involved
• Swimming pools within communities and public recreational areas can now open with a 30% capacity and with a very regular cleaning programme in place.  Social distancing and probably an appointment system will most likely be in place if you live in a larger community (check with the president of your own community to understand the regulations)
• The beaches of Marbella are also open; social distancing of 2m should be adhered to in and out of the water and we are asked not to share our towels or belongings with others and also to remove our own rubbish.  There will be an increased police presence on the beach to ensure everyone remains safe.  
• Educational centres (this has not included the children's normal schools) and driving schools are able top open with limited numbers
• Cinemas, Museums, zoos and theatres will be opening but with 50% capacity and communal areas will remain closed
• Outdoor concerts are permitted in with 50% capacity and up to a maximum of 800 persons
• Shopping centres and shops will also open with increased capacities of 50% and the communal and play areas within them can now be opened (also limited capacity)
• Communal areas of hotels will be open for use
• Sports matches in open air are permitted with 1/3 of the capacity of spectators allowed and social distancing being applied
• Weddings can now take place with up to 150 guests if open air and 75 guests if in a closed space as long as social distancing is possible (good luck with that one once the champagne reception starts!)
• Active Tourism such as hiking, sailing, fishing etc can take place now with up to 30 persons (again social distancing applies)

From June 1st 2020 Marbella passed into PHASE 2

What does this mean to Marbella residents?

The vast majority of regulations remain very similar to Phase 1; we are still being advised to work at home if and where possible and the hygiene measures and wearing of masks remain mandatory. However, the below is a summary of the changes that are useful to know.

• Up to 15 persons can now gather socially 
• We still must remain within the same province and casual walks need to be within 1km of home however this can now be done as a whole family or with up to 15 persons
• The time slots for exercise for children and under 70s have been relaxed however the time slot for the over 70s STILL APPLIES so if you're not over 70 you should not be exercising between 10-12midday or between 7-8pm
• NOTE THAT THE TIME SLOTS ONLY APPLY TO EXERCISE; OVER 70s CAN VISIT RESTAURANTS, SHOPS, HAIRDRESSERS ETC WITH APPOINTMENTS IN PLACE IN THE SAME WAY AS ALL OTHER AGE GROUPS
• Swimming pools within communities and public recreational areas can now open with a 30% capacity and with a very regular cleaning programme in place however the changing rooms will remain closed and a social distancing and appointment system will most likely be in place (check with the president of your own community to understand the regulations)
• The beaches of Marbella are also open; social distancing of 2m should be adhered to in and out of the water and we are asked not to share our towels or belongings with others and also to remove our own rubbish.  There will be an increased police presence on the beach to ensure everyone remains safe.  
• The interior areas of restaurants and bars will now be permitted to open but with 40% capacity so tables will be spaced further apart and as before, reservations are essential
• Educational centres (this has not included the children's normal schools) and driving schools are able top open with limited numbers
• Cinemas and theatres will be opening but with 30% capacity and communal areas will remain closed
• Outdoor concerts are permitted in with 30% capacity and up to a maximum of 400 persons
• Shopping centres will also open with 30% capacity (info about La Cañada will be updated on their profile page)
• Communal areas of hotels will be open for use
• Weddings can now take place with up to 100 guests if open air and 50 guests if in a closed space as long as social distancing is possible (good luck with that one once the champagne reception starts!)
• Funerals and Wakes can now take place with limited capacity
• Active Tourism such as hiking, sailing, fishing etc can take place with up to 20 persons (again social distancing applies)

From 18th May 2020 Marbella went into PHASE 1

What did that mean to Marbella residents?

• We could visit friends and family
• We are still advised to work from home if possible
• A maximum of 10 persons could gather together but these meetings must be either at a home or at the terrace of a restaurant/bar that is operating under the correct guidelines
• The meetings were to remain within the SAME province
• Restaurants/Bars started to open but only with tables on their open-air terraces and with 50% capacity and at least 2m between tables - check our events calendar for all the opening offers!
• We could visit Sports facilities by appointment but areas such as lockers and changing rooms will remain closed
• Many other small businesses such as boutiques, furniture stores etc were opened if they are under 400m2 at the discretion of the owners.
• Hotels and Tourist accommodation can re-open but with communal areas remaining closed
• Places of worship opened but with a limited capacity
• The timetables that have been in place during Phase 0 were still in force specifically for exercise, i.e. if you just want to go for a walk or enjoy your daily bike ride or run you will still need to go out at the time slots below.  Slightly confusingly these timetables don't apply if you are going to visit a restaurant, bar, go to a shop or gym etc that is now open for business. â€‹

 

From 2nd May 2020 Marbella entered Phase 0


Exercise Timetable to abide by in Phase 0

• Aged 14-70 you can leave your house from 6am-10am or from 8pm-11pm
• Aged 70+ or you are dependent on a carer you can leave your house from 10am-12 midday and 7pm-8pm
• Aged 14 and under you can leave your house from 12midday - 7pm

Exercise Timing to abide by in Phase 0

• The 14 and unders are limited to a one hour outing per day, all other age groups can leave their house once a day but for as long as they like and within their timetable options

Exercise Distances to abide by in Phase 0

• The 14 and unders remain limited to a 1km radius from their home for their activity time.
• Those that choose to just have a casual walk and not perform any type of sport also must remain within a 1km radius.
• If you are undertaking a sporting activity you do not have a restriction on distance however you must remain within your own municipality

Number of people to abide by during Exercise in Phase 0

• The 14 and unders still are only allowed to go out with just one adult
• Those that choose to go for a walk can do so with just one other person from the same home that they have been residing in during lockdown
• If you are practising sport then you have to be doing so alone eg. you can not go for a run with your husband, a cycle ride with your flatmate.

Certain businesses were finally permitted to open on the basis that they have an appointment system, are meeting with all the sanitary guidelines and can provide the appropriate protection for themselves and for their clients.  This means that if you plan to use them you MUST make a confirmed booking first with a specific timeslot to allow a one in one out policy, something that is easily done via a company profile page on My Guide Marbella.

In addition to the essential supermarkets, pharmacies and medical centres these businesses will now also include:

• Hairdressers
• Beauty Salons
• Dentists
• Massage and Physiotherapists
• Opticians
• One-to-one Personal training & fitness facilities
• Interior design shops

There are other sectors that we don't highlight necessarily here that were also permitted to be active which includes many other self-employed workers, those in administrative jobs, lawyers, accountants, consultants and the construction and property maintenance industry.  The vast majority, however, will still be opting to work from home.  You can find plenty of these services and more detailed here.

Restaurants were also now all permitted to offer a takeaway service if they wish to.  Up until this day, only delivery services were allowed whereas when we went into PHase 0 we could collect your fresh food from your favourite Marbella restaurant if they are choosing to offer the service.  We will keep the mini guide updated to help you with this!

Until then, Stay Home (when you are supposed to), Stay Safe and Stay Sane!