The measures being considered by the Spanish government to help contain the spread of coronavirus during the holiday period include limiting Christmas and New Year's dinners to single household groups, or a maximum of six people per gathering.

It is also considering a night curfew between 1am and 6am, which would prevent the traditional all-night-long New Year's Eve parties that are popular in Spain, especially among young people.

These two measures are included in the draft "proposed public health measures against Covid-19 for the celebration of the Christmas festivities" which this newspaper group has had access to.

The draft set of measures also mentions company lunches and dinners, which would also have a limit of six people with a strong recommendation to be held outside rather than inside establishments.

The government also believes that Three Kings parades should not be held, although the proposed measures don't ban them. Instead they recommend preventive measures and propose alternative static displays where access can be controlled.

Travel

Movement between autonomous regions is also advised against, although the draft proposals do not specify prohibiting travel.

Special mention is given to students going home for Christmas from university, who are encouraged to limit social interaction during the days prior to travel. "If they don't comply with preventive measures they pose a potential risk for members of the family unit, especially if they are vulnerable," says the draft.

The document stresses the basic preventive measures to be taken into account: use of face masks, hand-washing, prioritising ventilation in closed spaces and respecting safe distances.

The proposals would apply to the whole of Spain, although it's not yet known how the regional governments will respond.