The island of Menorca has become the first Spanish region to progress to the ‘New Normal’ level of Covid-19 ratings in Spain.
News about its status came in a report from the Spanish ministry of health, which outlined low levels of Covid-19 on the island in the Balearics.
The ‘New Normal’ level is measured by eight parameters, including cumulative incidence rates; Covid cases among the over-65s people; positive tests; and the number of hospital beds for Covid-19 patients. Other levels are low, medium, high and very high.
However, the new status does not mean restrictions are eased on the island, as they are regulated on a regional and national basis. The use of face masks is a national requirement, but the Balearics government will lift its curfew on June 6.
The Menorca tourist board hailed the report and said it was “optimistic about the island potentially being included on the green list update” by the UK government later this week.
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Spain is currently on the amber list, meaning those arriving in the UK from Spanish destinations must isolate at home for 10 days. There has been speculation that certain island destinations may move onto the green list.
Susana Mora, president and minister of tourism in Menorca, said: “Menorca tourism bodies together with the private sector have been working intensely to welcome visitors safely and have a long and extended summer season that will boost the local economy.
“Our island is the go-to destination for those who are looking to spend time outdoors reconnecting with the sea and nature, after the lockdown.”
As of May 31, Menorca’s cumulative Covid-19 rate was 8.4 cases per 100,000 habitants over the previous seven days, and there are no cases among people over 65 years.
The Balearic Islands, together with Valencia, are the only Autonomous Communities that are keeping the 14-day incidence rate below 50, when the Spanish average is more than 100 cases per 100,000 habitants.
Almost 42% of Menorca’s population have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and almost 18% are now fully vaccinated.