Concern over Carnival parties could stop Tenerife going to Level 1

With the current data that Tenerife has, the island is set to enter alert Level 1 restrictions next week, which would further relax the restrictions imposed on the island for more than three months.

However, as the Carnival period approaches, which will not be officially celebrated, many island residents intend to enjoy it at home, but authorities are concerned about allowing more people in groups which will encourage parties and inevitably will lead to a rebound of the virus, cancelling out everything achieved so far.

The epidemiological indicators of Tenerife invite optimism. The Health report published yesterday with consolidated records from Monday, (8^th February), show that of the eight indicators used to decide the level of alert, the island has a medium risk level in four of them:
- the accumulated incidence rate over 7 days (IA7): 31.05 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
- the accumulated incidence rate over 14 days (IA14): 65.48
- the IA7 for over 65’s: 26.24
- the IA14 for over 65’s: 55.17

On top of this, three of the indicators present a low risk:
- the percentage of traceability (67.02%)
- hospital bed occupancy due to Covid (3.68%)
- ICU occupancy due to Covid (8.28%).

The final indicator is showing the minimum risk which is the positivity rate from PCR tests, which is currently 3.65%.

The Carnival, in its usual format, has been cancelled this year, but a virtual version is taking place on line for the election of Carnival Queen and bands and performers on an official online platform for everyone to enjoy. But, the health authorities are concerned that a reduction to Level 1 restrictions, which among other things allows more people in groups, curfew from midnight and possibly an increase of interior capacities, will encourage gatherings and parties and an increase in coronavirus cases.

The official announcement of any alert level changes is expected tomorrow afternoon, Thursday, after the weekly Governing Council meeting.