The CISNS approves raising the capacity limits for sporting events to 85% in open spaces and 75% in enclosed spaces

In its meeting this morning, the extraordinary Plenary session of the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System (CISNS) approved raising the capacities for sports competitions of the National Professional Football League, the Basketball Clubs Association League (ACB), as well as other sporting events.

This means the maximum capacity increases from 75% to 85% for open-air events and a maximum of up to 75% from 50% for indoor events, while respecting the non-pharmacological measures of protection against COVID-19.

In addition, the plenary of the CISNS approved the change in the use of face masks outdoors. Minister Darias will present the Royal Decree to the Council of Ministers tomorrow which will make masks in outdoor spaces no longer compulsory, something that will come into effect next Thursday following publication of the measure in the Official State Gazette. In addition, the CISNS approved recommending the use of them in crowded places.

Developments in the European Commission

At this morning's session, the Minister for Health shared the important progress made by Spain in terms of regulations regarding the Digital COVID Certificate within the European Commission with the CISNS.

In this regard, it should be noted that a proposal to amend Regulation (EU) 2021/953 has been published with the aim, among others, of allowing EU Digital COVID Certificates (DCCs) to be issued to people participating in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials (as in the case of the Spanish vaccine Hipra) and that these certificates be accepted by other Member States so as not to apply restrictions on free movement.

In this vein, the Ministry of Health has proposed the issuing of EU-DCC based on antigen tests and not only on PCR tests as at present. These developments will need to follow their regulatory course in order to be consolidated.

Non official translation