As Formentera enters tier 3 of public health alert, COVID certificate to be required in restaurants, cultural establishments and indoor sports facilities

Today Ana Juan, President of the Consell de Formentera announced in a press conference that the island has entered tier 3 of public health alert — the same as the rest of the Balearic Islands. Endorsed by the Government Council, the change will take effect today on publication of one-off edition of the Official Gazette of the Balearic Islands (Butlletí Oficial de les Illes Balears, BOIB).

Among the chief features of tier 3, COVID certificates must now be presented inside all bars, cafeterias and restaurants, as well as for indoor cultural and sporting events like the cinema, swimming pool and the fitness centre.

President Juan stressed that in the last fortnight, Formentera's case count had "increased exponentially". Faced with these data, she said, "it is necessary to expand protective measures on the island". Juan asserted that "while the vast majority of cases are mild or asymptomatic, today four Formentera residents are in the ICU for COVID-19". The President pointed to the primacy of vaccination in stopping the pandemic and insisted that measures like the COVID certificate and self-tracing help further reduce spread of the virus. "We must continue to be responsible, and not let our guard down with protection, hygiene and ventilation".

Municipal sports schools and Festival of Children's Entertainment cancelled

The President also pointed out that the island has closed municipal sports schools until 17 January and cancelled the Festival of Children's Entertainment originally scheduled for this weekend. "Children are once again heading back to the classroom, and as much as possible, we intend to adhere to bubble groups. Since the start of the pandemic, classrooms have been safe places and we want to keep them that way", said Juan, who apologised for any inconvenience the postponements may cause. The cancellation of sports schools was done in collaboration with local clubs and next week the situation will be re-evaluated. Likewise, tomorrow's gathering of the Consell d'Entitats, where members were set to address measures to regulate vehicles brought and driven on the island, will be held online and at the originally scheduled time: 7.30pm for the first group and 8.00pm for the second.

Under tier 3 of public health alert, access requirements apply to the following establishments:

-Gyms and sports facilities.
-Cultural and sporting events in indoor spaces like cinemas, covered circuses, theatres, auditoriums, concert halls, heated pools.
-Seminars, conferences, assemblies, gatherings, business meetings and events.
-Seniors' clubs and spaces where activities are held specifically for the elderly.
-Gaming and betting establishments.
-Restaurants and dining establishments.
-Regional outdoor and indoor sports competitions and training for people aged 12 and up.

10 January 2021
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera