Health and Safety
Here are some safety recommendations to ensure the good health of pilgrims along the Camino Inglés.
Recommendations for the Camino Inglés during the health crisis COVID-19
We must always follow the recommendations issued by the health authorities. In this section we have included those most useful for pilgrims and all those participating in the Camino Inglés during the health crisis, with the aim of reducing the risks of Covid-19 infection as much as possible. Compliance with all these recommendations will contribute to allowing the continuity of the Camino during this pandemic.
In this "new normality" phase, each autonomous region can establish its own rules regarding max. capacity, group activities, public transport, etc.
Action protocol for COVID-19 symptoms
If anyone who arrives in Galicia, having not been in the region 14 days prior to their arrival, experiences any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Breathing difficulties
- Loss of smell and taste
- Sore Throat
- Muscular pains
- Headache
- General fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
They must remain at home or in their accommodation and inform the Galician Health Service (SERGAS) as soon as possible on the following Phone 881 002 021
When arriving or returning to Galicia
Persons arriving in Galicia after having been, within the period of 14 calendar days prior to such arrival, in territories with a high incidence of COVID-19 compared to that existing in Galicia or for which there is no information or reliable data on the epidemiological situation existing in those territories, are subject to the following prevention measures:
Within max. 24hrs of their arrival in Galicia, these persons must provide their contact and accommodation details.
To this end, they should fill in the form available at https://coronavirus.sergas.gal/viaxeiros or provide such data by phone, calling 881 002 021.
List of territories with high incidence: (https://www.sergas.es/A-nosa-organizacion/Benvida-viaxeirxs)
Use of masks
Please remember that Royal Decree-Law 21/2020 of 9 June establishes the obligatory use of face masks for persons over 6 years of age in any place where it is not possible to maintain a safe distance of at least 2 metres between people, as well as on public transport.
Accommodation in hostels. Reduced capacity
During the health crisis, hostels on the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago de Compostela may have to modify their capacity to adapt to the different regulations, vary their opening dates or remain closed to the public. On the Camino Inglés there are both public and private hostels currently working with a reduced capacity. To book a public hostel you can consult the website www.alberguesxacobeo.galIn the accommodation section you can also find contacts for private hostel accommodation.
Reservation of hostels in the Xacobeo public network
One change brought about by the Covid19 "new normality" is the recommendation to book hostels or other accommodation in advance as some options on the Camino may be closed or have a reduced max. capacity. This will ensure that the place is in fact open and there is a bed for the pilgrim on arrival.
This year some of the lodgings on the Camino may not be open, and most will have limited beds, so we recommend that you make sure of the places where you want to spend the night first.
The Xunta de Galicia has created a website (www.alberguesxacobeo.gal) where you can check availability and make reservations for its public hostels. There is also a telephone number to do so: (+34) 881 250 888.
Visits to Santiago Cathedral
From 1 July, visits to the Cathedral of Santiago can be done, with a capacity limited to 200 people and following a pre-fixed route in a single direction and without embracing the Apostle. Visits can take place from 9am to 7pm, with last access at 6:45pm. During the week, access will be through the Platerías door, and at the weekend, through the Plaza de la Inmaculada. As the Cathedral is undergoing restoration work on the inside, the sepulchre of the Apostle will be open for veneration, but the chapel is closed.
Other safety measures include the obligatory use of masks, adequate social distancing, and the provision of hydroalcoholic gel for visitors.
To visit the Portico de la Gloria you will need to book an entrance ticket, which can be booked from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30am to 2:30pm.
Pilgrim's mass
Due to the works inside the Cathedral, the Pilgrim's Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 in the Chapel of the Pilgrim's Reception Centre in Calle Carretas and at 7:30pm in a provisional altar located at the west door of the Cathedral, which can be entered from the Plaza de Platerías. Seating and worship will be a limit of 75 people and you will have to take a number at the entrance.
Collecting the Compostela
The International Pilgrim Reception Centre, in Carretas Street, where the Compostela is handed out, will be open from 10:30am to 6:30pm.
During these hours you can visit the centre and request the Compostela after certifying that you have completed the Camino by showing your Pilgrim's Credential. However, the procedure for collecting the Compostela has undergone slight variations to ensure the safety of pilgrims and staff of the centre itself. Please take the following steps:
- Pre-registration. Before going to the Pilgrim's Office, you must register on the website www.oficinadelperegrino.com indicating all the data requested to certify the pilgrimage to Santiago (name, Camino completed, starting point...).
- Collect the ticket. Once at the Pilgrim's Office, security staff will give you the ticket with your turn.
- Check the queue. Check the QR code that appears on your ticket, which will tell you the approximate time you will be able to collect your Compostela. This way you will know at what time you have to show up, which will allow you to avoid long waits and crowds at the office.
- Collect your Compostela. Go to the Pilgrim's Office at the indicated time and pick up your Compostela.