A beach in Tenerife
(Picture: PA Archive)The Canary Islands has announced plans to scrap all its remaining Covid restrictions from Thursday.
President Angel Victor Torres confirmed the decision but warned “it is not the end of the pandemic” and the popular Spanish holiday islands will “remain vigilant”.
The move comes ahead of the Easter holiday period, in what will be a boost for British families hoping to head for the Canaries to get a blast of sun.
During the annual Canarian debate, Mr Torres said the move was a “step towards normality” and officials have “more tools” to deal with new variants.
However, he said if infections were to get worse again the Covid curbs could be reinstated.
The Canary islands - which includes Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria - have been on varying alert levels during the pandemic.
This has taken its toll on the islands’ tourism industry as restrictions saw curfews, lower occupation rates and rules on how many people could sit together at tables.
But scrapping the last remaining rules from Thursday will be a boost to the islands bars, restaurants and hotels.
It will see a return to 100 per cent capacity both indoors and outdoors venues.
Dancing can restart at nightclubs, discos and bars which will be a welcome move to many.
Entry requirements are still applicable to those wanting to travel to the Canary Islands.
Under the current rules for Spain, fully vaccinated travellers can visit for holidays.
Also those who are over the age of 12 and unvaccinated but have recent proof they have recently recovered from Covid-19 may also visit.
Mr Torres also praised the island’s “excellent” vaccination efforts.
He said: “In the Canary Islands, despite the disbelief of some, vaccination has been quick, orderly and effective and the response of citizens has been excellent.”
Some 84 per cent of the population has been vaccinated.
