The first international flight will arrive on the island on Sunday from Germany. In the last few days there have been arrivals from mainland Spain, Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
State of Alarm – Day 97 – 19th June
There remains the 14 active cases, amongst the illegal immigrants, in the quarantine building in the Puerto del Rosario harbour.
The President of the Canarian Government has today announced the rules for the new normal starting at midnight this Sunday.https://www.canarias7.es/…/canarias-aprueba-su-decreto-de-n… A summary here:
This was announced this afternoon by the President in his appearance before the media after the approval of the decree that will regulate the new normality in the islands in the Government Council. It will come into force at 00.00 on Sunday, a new stage in which the head of the Canarian Executive insists that “you cannot let your guard down and you must continue to respect and comply” with safety regulations, that is, distances interpersonal and the mandatory use of the mask.
The Canarian decree indicates that the community enters the ‘new normality’ in view of the evolution of the health crisis’ in the territory, thereby rendering ineffective in the archipelago all the measures derived from the declaration of the state of alarm on March 14 and so it is established that the autonomous community “is fully the competent authority to manage this phase of de-escalation, according to Torres.
The President listed the content of the approved decree that is specified in limitations on the capacity of events with a maximum of 1,000 people in open spaces and 300 in closed spaces, although, in an exceptional and individualized manner, it may be requested from the general direction of Public Health authorizations and permits to develop events with a greater number of people.
In educational centers, the Ministry of Education will prepare the protocol for returning to classes in September, and in the case of the university sphere, the universities themselves will be in charge of returning to classes in person.
The restaurants will not have a maximum capacity although they must respect the distances, they will not use a paper menu and diners will not be able to sit down without having previously cleaned the furniture.
In tourist spaces, capacity will not be limited either.
Regarding active tourism, they can be carried out by the companies without restrictions.
Shopping centers and stores may open not exceeding 75% of the allowed capacity, but establishments that already had the exception such as tobacconists, pharmacies, hairdressers, supermarkets …
In the cinema and theater the capacity disappears but the seats must be preassigned and with the appropriate separation between people.
In Museums and exhibition halls, libraries and halls the capacity disappears although emphasis is placed on monitoring compliance with security regulations.
In the public service, telematic use will be promoted and telework will be promoted.
Sports practice will be individual or in pairs without a time slot or margin in groups of no more than 30 people in open spaces and 25 people in closed spaces as long as they do not exceed 2/3 of their capacity, a maximum of 25 people in federated sports meetings.
Regarding sporting events, a protocol is established so that people are seated with distance between them and not exceeding 70% of the capacity.
Religious acts, no more than 70% of the capacity.
Wake and burial, with 50 people in open spaces, 20 in closed and only 5 in cremation room.
Wedding celebrations are held with a maximum of 250 people outdoors and 150 indoors. The beaches are the responsibility of the municipalities and must have a capacity depending on the surface of the beach.
Disinfection measures. Card payment is promoted, reminders will be made with prevention campaigns emphasizing hand cleaning.
State of Alarm – Day 89 – 11th June
There remains the one active case on the island.
I had a walk around Caleta this morning and a few more businesses have opened since last week. As you would expect it is still quiet everywhere with no tourists.
Today, the Spanish Cabinet approved a decree for the “new normality,” setting out the coronavirus safety measures that will be in place once the state of alarm comes to an end on June 21.
At a government press conference on Tuesday, Health Minister Salvador Illa announced that the decree will be in place until the government declares “that the crisis is over,” or in other words, until the health epidemic is under control or there is an effective treatment or vaccine against Covid-19. The decree includes the obligatory use of face masks in closed public spaces where a 1.5-meter safe distance cannot be observed, and also fines of up to €100 for people who are not wearing them. The decree also leaves open the possibility of regulating their use in the open air. However, the application of the restrictions and the measures will fall to the regional authorities under Phase 3.
The legislation sets out hygiene and prevention measures to reduce the risk of contagion in the workplace, schools, hotels and stores, and specifies the requirements for airlines and other transport companies to hold the details of all passengers for a month including where they sat so that they can be identified in the case of a positive coronavirus case being confirmed.
The decree will also require the regions to offer guarantees of hospital bed capacity and the ability to carry out PCR tests to detect coronavirus cases. According to a draft of the text, the health system “must have in place, or have access to, or have the capacity to, install between 1.5 and two intensive care beds for every 10,000 inhabitants, and between 37 and 40 beds for the seriously ill for every 10,000 inhabitants, in a maximum time frame of five days.
State of Alarm – Day 84 – 6th June
There is still the one active case on the island that was reported yesterday.
Today completes 12 weeks of being in the State of Alarm.
State of Alarm – Day 75 – 28th May
The island remains clear.
The one person who came off the active cases yesterday had been in hospital for 3 months.
The situation remains the same on the island with the one active case.
State of Alarm – Day 68 – 21st May
The situation remains the same on the island with no new cases reported in the last 24 hours and two active cases.
The State of Alarm has been extended by the Spanish Government for a further 2 weeks which takes us up until 7 June. The Canarian Government have applied for the islands to move into Phase 2 of the de-escalation plan from next Monday.
State of Alarm – Day 67 – 20th May
No new cases have been reported on the island in the last 24 hours and there remains two active cases.
As from tomorrow face masks will have to be worn in the “public street, in open-air spaces and any closed space that is for public use or that is open to the public, where it is not possible to maintain [an interpersonal] distance” of two meters. There are some exceptions – people with respiratory problems, or those who cannot wear masks for other health reasons or due to a disability, are exempt from wearing them. The order makes exceptions for cases where wearing a mask is incompatible with carrying out activities, due to the nature of the activity.
Later today the Spanish Congress will be voting on whether to extend the State of Alarm for a further two weeks until 7th June. It is then expected there will be a further two week extension.
No new cases have been reported on the island in the last 24 hours, so there remains 2 active cases – one in hospital and one at home.
State of Alarm – Day 57 – 10th May
The situation remains the same on the island. No new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours, and one person remains in hospital. No new cases have been reported in the last 17 days.
A summary of what can be done when we move into Phase 1 tomorrow, in addition to what has been allowed in Phase 0:
– meet with up to 10 people, inside or outside, but maintaining a 2m distance
– Use a car of up to 9 seats by the inhabitants of the same home.
– Use a restaurant’s open terrace at 50% of it’s capacity.
There MUST be a minimum distance of two metres between the tables.The tables will have to be disinfected between one client and the next, and beer mats, menus, and napkin holders cannot be used.
– Go to a shop of less than 400 square metres without an appointment. The maximum capacity for shops will be 30%, it will be necessary to maintain a minimum safety distance of two metres and a schedule of preferential attention for the elderly must be established.The premises will have to be disinfected twice a day.
– Wakes and funerals for a limited number of family members in public or private facilities: fifteen people outdoors or ten in closed spaces.
– Outdoor street markets with conditions of distance between stalls and delimitation of the street market for proper control of capacity by security forces. Initial limitation to 25% of the usual stalls, and maximum influx of a third of the capacity.
– places of worship will open, although only up to a third of their capacity will be allowed.
– Educational and university centres will open ONLY for disinfection, conditioning, and administrative and preparatory work for teachers and auxiliary personnel.
– Opening of hotels WITHOUT use of common areas.
– Libraries will offer the loan service, also reading inside with limited capacity.
– Cultural shows can take place with up to 30 people in closed spaces, and 200 in open spaces, as long as they are seated and maintain the necessary distance.
– Museums will open their doors to allow a third of the maximum entrance, and with agglomeration control in rooms.
– Audiovisual production and filming of movies and series are allowed to resume.
– Active and nature tourism for limited groups of up to 10 people.
– Non-professional sport: in open-air sports facilities without an audience, only to practice sports in which there is no contact such as athletics or tennis.
In sports centres, individual sports activities by appointment, that do not involve physical contact or the use of changing rooms.
State of Alarm – Day 56 – 9th May
Approval has just been given for the whole of the Canary Islands to move into Phase 1 of the de-escalation plan. I presume that actual details will be released over the weekend.
A translation:
Minister Illa finally gave the islands the go-ahead to move to Phase 1 next Monday. Canary Islands health, and especially the situation of the archipelago in relation to COVID 19, leads to the next phase of de-escalation.
In the case of restaurants, the possibility of using 50% of the capacity on the terraces and with some conditioning factors in the treatment of customers is considered.
State of Alarm – Day 49 – 2nd May
No new cases have been reported on the island in the last 24 hours. There remains 4 active cases.
Pedro Sanchez will, on Wednesday in Congress, ask for a further 15 days extension to the State of Alarm
I went for a walk this morning on the first day of the easing of restrictions for walking and exercise. I walked for 4km in total, down and up the hill in Caleta between 08.30 and 09.45, and also went to the chemists.
30th April – Walking and Exercise Allowed Within Limits
Speaking at a news conference on Thursday afternoon, Health Minister Salvador Illa said that starting on Saturday, adults may go out for individual exercise once a day, without making contact with third parties, and within their own municipality of residence. All kinds of sports are allowed as long as they are practiced individually.
Adults may also go out on one-hour walks, either alone or with one other member of their household, as long as they remain within a one-kilometer radius of their home
Both of these activities must take place between 6am and 10 am, or between 8pm and 11pm.
As for outings with children, which have been allowed since Sunday of last week, these will now have to take place between 12 noon and 7pm.
People who need to go out with a caregiver and seniors over 70 years of age have their own time slots of 10 am to noon and 7pm to 8pm.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez held a press conference this evening to explain the government’s plans for the de-escalation of coronavirus confinement measures in Spain.
In English it is called a ‘Plan for the Transition Toward a New Normality’ and was approved today by the Government. He said it took into account the lessons from other places and then adapting them to the diversity and reality of Spain. He said that the plan was to protect the health and lives of Spaniards. The Plan will be gradual, asymmetrical (according to the regions) and co-ordinated.
He said there will be no mobility between provinces or islands until normality returns.
The Plan is in 4 stages:
Phase 0 – the phase for the preparation of de-escalation (which we are in now). This phase would involve the reopening of businesses that can take bookings. For example, restaurants that can offer food to take away.
Phase 1 – this will allow in each defined territory the partial re-opening of small businesses under strict safety measures. This does not include shopping centers where big crowds could gather. Hotels and tourist apartments are included, but not those with common areas. He also said that there would be a timetable for over-65’s to shop in retail outlets, and that the use of masks on public transport would be highly recommended. Churches would also be able to open but only to a capacity of 30%.
Phase 2 – this would allow restaurants to open their dining areas. Schools would re-open for children aged under six if their parents have to go to work, and so that students can complete their university application processes and exams. Cultural events will be possible with fewer than 50 people in interior spaces, and for open air events, there will have to be less than 400 people , and they will have to be seated. Cinemas and theatres could also re-open with a third of their capacity.
Phase 3 – is the advanced phase.
It is predicted that each phase will last at least 2 weeks, and if all goes well, then the phases will last a total of 8 weeks.
Pedro Sanchez said that, “By the end of June, as a country we will be in the new normality if the evolution of the epidemic is under control in all territories,” he said. “This weekend individual physical activity will be allowed, as will walks. On May 4, all territories will enter phase 0, and given the low number of infections and if the progress allows for it, Formentera, the Balearics, Gomera, El Hierro and Graciosa in the Canary Islands will enter Phase 1 a few days later.
“On May 11, all of the provinces that meet the requisites will enter Phase 1, and the Health Ministry will evaluate the markers on a two-weekly basis.
“There is no closed and uniform calendar, and we will advance in each place as quickly as the epidemic permits,” he said. “When we conclude the de-escalation we can say that each province has reached a situation of new normality until a vaccine arrives.”
State of Alarm – Day 45 – 28th April
State of Alarm – Day 35 – 18th April
Updates on the ongoing Corona virus situation:
Some good news as there have been no new cases reported in the last 24 hours and one more person has recovered. This leaves 14 active cases on the island.
I heard the BBC radio news this morning and it annoyed me when they said that Spain was relaxing the lock down for a lot of workers. In reality they have only allowed workers back to work who have been under restriction for the past two weeks. There is still a strict lockdown in place.
Another day in the house for me, and my back is just about better now.
State of Alarm – Day 27 – April 10th
No new cases have been reported on the island in the last 24 hours, which means there are 18 active cases.
The Spanish Government have approved the extension of the State of Alarm until April 26, so the lockdown continues. The Prime Minister thinks it will continue until May 10.
A tanker lorry and men in protection came past my house this morning and sprayed disinfectant along the front of the houses. My back continues to improve – it’s been 14 days since I damaged it.
State of Alarm – Day 17 – March 31
The number of active cases remains at 23 with no new cases reported at 12.30 today.
The poster below outlines the restrictions that are in place here.
On a personal note, I have been in the house and garden all day. My back is feeling slightly better. I’m hoping there will be some good news later from the Spanish Government to give some help to the self employed.
State of Alarm – Day 12 – March 26
The lock down restrictions have been extended until April 12. The decision was approved by the Spanish Congress last night.
State of Alarm – Day 11 – March 25
There are 20 active cases on the island. 3 have recovered.
The Caleta Dorada and Fuertesol Apartments have been authorised to stay open by the government to be used by essential workers who need accomodation and tourists who were unable to get off the island when land, sea and air borders were closed.
I’ve done some painting outside today and hopefully do some Whatsapp classes to teach English to Spanish students this evening.
https://www.noticiasfuerteventura.com/fu…6Q6hy5PalM
State of Alarm – Day 10 – March 24
The number of current cases on Fuerteventura has gone up to 22, with 1 person recovered.
For people who have properties here the Ayuntamiento of Antigua have announced that the IBI (house tax) which was due by the end of June, will now not be payable until the end of September.
I’ve been around the house again today doing various small jobs. Tomorrow I start doing English classes to my students on Whatsapp – it’ll be trial and error at first but it’s the way forward at the present time.
State of Alarm – Day 9 – March 23
The number of people with the virus remains at 17.
Staying in the house is becoming the norm. I’m finding jobs to do and exercising on the Wii Fit. I’m lucky to have a garden to go out in, but many people are confined to their apartments
Due to the large number of infections and deaths on mainland Spain, there are now restrictions on who can enter the country by air and sea. This follows on from last week’s closure of land borders.
State of Alarm – Day 6 – March 20
As yet, no new cases have been reported on the island.
Another quiet day. 3 kind friends dropped some basic supplies of for us as they had been out to the supermarket.
I’m still finding things to do and trying to keep to routines.
I’ve read on Facebook that the councils on the island are disinfecting public areas, as shown in the photo.
The way things are going it would seem that the world will be a very different place when we get through this crisis.
State of Alarm – Day 5 – March 19
State of Alarm – Day 4 – March 18
I have stayed in all day except for spending 90 minutes in the sun this afternoon. I’m getting jobs done in the house, but I’m taking my time.
As yet, no more cases have been reported today. 6 people have the virus.
All hotels will have to close in the next 7 days until anyone on holiday can fly back to their home nation. Just a few planes have come in today.
There will now be only 1 plane a day coming in from Madrid, 3 from Gran Canaria and 1 from Tenerife North.
Schools should be arranging for students to do work at home.19 people have been fined for breaking the lock down rules on the island.
State of Alarm – Day Three – March 17
No new cases have been reported today.
I’ve stayed in for the 3rd day – it’s not been sunny, so that helps.
I’ve read other peoples’s reports of visits to the supermarket. You are allowed to go there by car(only one person in a car). The supermarkets have slightly reduced hours as they are now closing at 8pm. Security guards are on duty. There are limits on the number of people allowed in at one time. Staff are wearing masks and gloves. The 1 metre distancing is in operation with lines on the floor marked out at the check out. Payment by card is recommended.
Police are present at some roundabouts and are checking occupants and their purpose for travelling. A cerificate is needed to show you are travelling to and from work if your business is still open. The police will want to see receipts of purchase from supermarkets and chemists, or a prescription if you are going to the chemist.
State of Alarm – Day Two – March 16
There are now 6 active cases on Fuerteventura.
A quiet day on the island. I’ve been following local information on websites and Facebook.
The Fuerteventura Cabildo (island council) have put into place their Emergency Plan.
Spain is closing it’s borders from midnight tonight so only Spanish citizens, Spanish residents and cross border workers can enter the country.
As holidaymakers return to their country of origin, hotels are beginning to close. Other workers are being laid off.
The police are enforcing the lock down procedures.
State of Alarm – Day One – March 15
Everyone has been told to stay at home except to go to the supermarket, the chemists or to a petrol station which are allowed to open. All non-essential driving is forbidden. The police have power to issue fines to anyone moving about without good reason.
I’ve stayed in all day except for going out into my garden.
There were videos on Facebook of tourists still wandering around Caleta this morning, but all hotels have been told to inform guests that they are confined to the hotel, except for the above. All shops,bars and restaurants are closed, although some can do home delivery only. Swimming pools and the beaches are out of bounds.
There are currently two cases of Covid-19 on the island that were reported as new today. They are University students who returned home from Madrid when their University was closed.
Anyone showing symptoms are told to stay at home and call this number: 900 112 061
March 15 – The lock down has started. The police have powers to fine people who break the rules that are being put in place. All public places are closed – swimming pools, beaches and playgrounds.
It was announced this morning that there are now 3 cases of Coronavirus on Fuerteventura, and a total of 101 active cases in the Canary Islands as a whole.
March 14 – The Spanish Government have declared a State of Alarm. From immediate effect, only essential journeys can be made. Only food stores, chemists and petrol stations will be open. The advice is to stay inside.
Jet2 stopped all flights to the Canary Islands, and Spain, this morning.
March 13 – It was announced that the only case of the virus had now proven to be clear and would be leaving isolation on the 15th.
The Yelmo Cinema announced it was closing. All markets are cancelled.
March 12 – The Canarian Government closes all schools for 15 days
March 11 – On the advice of the Canarian Government, all events were cancelled. This ended all the Carnival events that were still taking place in Corralejo, Gran Tarajal and Morro Jable.
All school excursions from the Canary Islands to European destinations were called off.
Early March – The first case of the virus was detected. It was a young Spanish woman who had visited Northern Italy at the end of February.
