For the first time today, Consell de Formentera President Ana Juan took part in a meeting to discuss developments related to the pandemic Balearic First Minister Francina Armengol, heads of the other island councils, the president of the Balearic Federation of Local Entities and the mayor of Palma.

Discussion centred on loosened restrictions following encouraging public health data and the mass vaccination effort. In terms of the island's level of risk, Formentera is now in tier 1 of public health alert, said Juan, "and though the situation today is good, collective effort will be required to ensure we don't lose ground". "To those who haven't yet done so, please, get vaccinated", she added, appealing to islanders to "do it for [their] neighbours" and because "it's the responsible thing to do".

The Governing Council approved a series of crisis response measures to take force upon publication tomorrow, 26 October, in the Balearic Gazette (Butlletí Oficial de les Illes Balears, BOIB). Each island's public health situation will be reviewed every fortnight. Thus, some of the tier-1 limitations in place to date on Mallorca, Eivissa and Formentera will remain, while practically all will be lifted on Menorca, which currently occupies tier zero, deemed a "controlled risk".

In general, businesses and establishments serving the public can return to 100% capacity. Dancing that may take place (where not expressly prohibited) must be done with masks and in specially designated areas separate from zones where food and drinks are consumed.

One of the few restrictions to remain unchanged relates to tobacco and similar products. Smoking is still banned at businesses with outdoor seating areas and public spaces when it is not possible for individuals to stay two metres apart. In order to prevent further outbreaks, outdoor drinking ("botellones") is prohibited in all public spaces.

Chief protective measures

Restaurants. Restaurants may resume normal hours of operation, as long as a distance of 1.5 metres can be kept.
Evening entertainment. Cafés with musical entertainment and cocktail bars may operate at 75% capacity. Indoors and out, guests who eat or drink must be seated at a table and there must be a distance of at least 1.5 metres between tables. Masks must be worn when not consuming and dancing is not permitted indoors or out.

26 October 2021
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera

The Formentera Office of Culture is pleased to report that the Sant Ferran library connection (Punt de Lectura) will move into a room at the town's freshly minted Espai Cultural, located in the buildings which formerly housed the Sant Ferran public school.

Story time

The Punt de Lectura will host its inaugural function —a storytelling session— from 5.00pm on Wednesday 27 October. An environmentally-themed children's theatre production set in the Pine Islands, "El tresor del mar" deals with the problem of plastics in the sea. Tomeu Fava recounts a story in which spectators meet a rotating cast of sea creatures with whom they can sing, dance and have a great time. At the same time, the audience will find out who these creatures are and what is happening to them because of plastic. The theatrical show reminds us that our sea is a treasure we must care for. Seating will be limited, and no advance booking is necessary.

2 November opening

From Tuesday 2 November, the Punt de Lectura will begin observing regular hours, opening 4.30pm to 7.30pm from Monday to Friday, and Libraries of Formentera will run a programme of dynamic activities geared toward children and adults alike.

As Councillor of Culture Susana Labrador affirmed, "With the launch of the new Sant Ferran cultural space, it's plain to see just how badly needed this was". The building has already become home to cultural and educational activities: it is an extension site for the Conservatory and the site of Catalan courses offered by the island's Language Advisory Service. Other activities –Teresa Matilla's creation and painting course, for example, and workshops in wood-carving by Aaron Keydar– will soon follow, gradually taking place, said Labrador, alongside programming which is organised by local associations and by the Consell itself.

In the last plenary assembly, decision-makers secured backing for framework rules guiding how islanders will use the Espai Cultural. After a period of public consultation and on final approval, local groups will also be able to make use of the facilities, with priority for activities which are cultural or educational in nature. "The Consell's aim is to create a living cultural space in Sant Ferran for both the Consell and the island's associations", explained Labrador.

Finally, the culture chief confided that "even as set-up of the Espai Cultural continues, work is underway to get definitive plans in place for development of the Sant Ferran Cultural and Arts Centre".

25 October 2021
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera