THIS IS BENAL-LIFE.COM
August 14th 2020
The Minister of Health, Salvador Illa, announces this morning in a press conference the ban on smoking throughout Spain: “Smoking is prohibited throughout Spain as long as a safety distance cannot be maintained.”
“We have decided to adopt coordinated measures for the benefit of all the autonomous communities. The first measure is that it is decreed that discos, nightclubs and similar are closed throughout the territory of Spain.”
In hospitality, the minimum distance of 1.5 metres at the bar must be guaranteed and at the tables and a maximum limit of 10 people at each table.
The closing time will be at 1:00 in the morning.
Customers must not be accepted into the establishment from 00:00 hours.
July 14th 2020: MASKS – The new rules make face masks compulsory in public even when a social distance of 1.5 meters between people can be observed. although exceptions are made for eating and drinking, at beaches and swimming pools, and when exercising.
Until now, the Spanish government’s “new normality” decree said that face coverings must be worn in public only when it is not possible to maintain the established distance. But the recent outbreaks have led some regional authorities to make the masks mandatory at all times.
If you yourself have recently been in a high-risk area
or come into contact with someone who has
and you exhibit the relevant symptoms…
Do not go directly to the hospital
or health centre.
Instead contact Salud Responde via
the Coronavirus hotline.
THE Coronaviruses are viruses which circulate between animals but can also affect humans. The newest strain of Coronavirus was identified in China at the end of 2019 and has never been witnessed in humans before. The most common symptoms of this illness (COVID-19) are:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE: 900 400 061
- Ways to protect ourselves from the virus
- Wash your hands with frequency
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- When coughing, cover your mouth with a disposable tissue or cough into your forearm or into your flexed elbow
- If you have respiratory symptoms avoid close contact with others
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SPAIN’S 15-day official state of alert due to the major coronavirus crisis means the government has imposed extraordinary restrictions country- wide on movement and daily life to protect public health and safety, contain the spread of Covid-19 and to reinforce the public health system.
UPDATE the Government has announced that the State of Alarm has been extended for a further 15 days until April 11th (Although we can probably expect further extention’s)
UPDATE Saturday April 4th the Government has announced that the State of Alarm has been extended for a further 15 days until April 26th (Although we can probably expect further extention’s. UPDATE Saturday April 11th – Extention looks to be May 10th) Although because of what seems to be a plateau some resrtrictions will be released before then
UPDATE There is a lot of conflicting information about the use of FACE MASKS. The advice from the Spanish government is that you are not required to wear a face mask unless you are showing signs of having contracted the virus OR you are caring for someone who is vulnerable
UPDATE:
April 23, 2020.- The BOE today published a resolution promoted by the Ministry of Health that sets the maximum amount of sale to the public of surgical masks and gels and hydroalcoholic solutions so that citizens can access in non-abusive economic conditions. to these health protection health products.
Starting tomorrow, surgical masks will have a maximum RRP of 0.96 euros. For its part, the price of gels and hydroalcoholic solutions temporarily authorized by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) will depend on the milliliters purchased.
If you buy a container of up to 150 ml., It will cost 0.021 € / ml; 150 ml. up to 300 ml., € 0.018 / ml; and if a quantity of 300 ml is purchased. up to 1,000 ml., will cost € 0.015 / ml. These are prices with VAT included or, where appropriate, the corresponding equivalent surcharge tax.
As published in the Resolution of April 22, 2020, the maximum RRP of hygienic masks and healthy skin antiseptics authorized by the AEMPS will be determined at the next meeting of the Interministerial Commission on Drug Prices (CIPM), the collegiate body of the Ministry of Health of which several ministries and the autonomous communities are part, “in order to obtain more information on manufacturing costs”.
UPDATE: The Spanish government imposes a 14-day quarantine in everyone entering Spain.
From this Friday, May 15th all people entering the country will have to remain in quarantine.They will remain at home and it is only be allowed going out to buy food, medicines, going to the pharmacy or the Hospital, or other justified reasons.
UPDATE: FRIDAY MAY 16TH The Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has announced that he will ask Congress for a fifth extension of the state of alarm, but in this case it will be one month and not two weeks.
The current extension of the state of alarm runs until May 24th, so if approved in Congress, it would last until June 24th.
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ENTERING #PHASE1 EXPANDED NOTE THIS NEVER CAME ABOUT SO IGNORE IT
The #spanish Government has published new measures for phase 1, making those that have been applied until now firstly more flexible and expanding some of them that would correspond to phase 2 for certain territories, including Andalusia and Extremadura.
Here is the link to the original BOE:
https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2020/05/16/pdfs/BOE-A-2020-5088.pdf
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These rules will come into force at 00:00 hours on May 18, 2020 and will remain effective throughout the duration of the alarm state and any possible extensions
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Hygiene measures. All the activities allowed in this Phase 1 (extended) must adopt the necessary actions to comply with the hygiene and prevention measures for the working personnel, such as the consumer and the client, having them permanently at their disposal in the workplace or in the establishment. soap and water or hydroalcoholic gels or disinfectants. The safety distance of approximately two meters will be guaranteed or it will be ensured that adequate protective equipment is available according to the level of risks (masks, gloves, protective screens, etc.). Daily ventilation of the facilities must be carried out
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When the use of the toilets by clients or visitors is allowed, its maximum occupancy will be one person, except in those cases of people who may require assistance, in which case use will also be allowed by their companion
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Work schedules. The time recording system with fingerprint will be replaced by any other system that guarantees adequate hygienic measures. Work centers and shops will ensure that 30% of their space is occupied and that minimum safety distances are respected. For example of a member of staff at a supermarket monitoring who goes in
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Lifts. The use of the elevator or cargo lift will be limited to the essential minimum. The maximum occupation of them will be one person, unless it is possible to guarantee the separation of two meters between them, or in those cases of people who may require assistance, in which case they will also be allowed to be used by their companion
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Mobility. You will be able to move around the province, and if it’s a justifiable and necessary reason the rest of Spain. People aged up to 70 years of age will be able to carry out physical activity in any time slot except for the between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., which is reserved for those aged over 70 and people at risk.
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The autonomous communities may agree on these time slots starting up to two hours before and ending up to two hours later, as long as the total duration thereof is not increased
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Safe distance. Maintaining a minimum safe distance of at least two meters, or the use of masks or similar and hand hygiene is mandatory. groups should be a maximum of fifteen people, except in the case of people living together
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Funerals may be carried out with a maximum limit, at any time, of twenty-five people in open spaces or fifteen people in closed spaces, whether or not they live together. Participation in the entourage for burial or cremation is restricted to a maximum of twenty-five people, including family and friends, in addition to, where appropriate, the minister of worship or a person assimilated from the respective confession for the practice of funeral rites farewell to the deceased. In any case, the safety and hygiene measures regarding the maintenance of a minimum safe distance of two meters, hand hygiene and the use of masks is mandatory
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Places of worship. Attendance at places of worship at 50% of their capacity will be allowed
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Wedding ceremonies. Marriage ceremonies will be able to be carried out in closed spaces (50% of its capacity and a maximum of 50 people) and outdoors with a maximum of 100 people in open spaces. The celebrations that could take place after the ceremony and that involve some type of hotel and restaurant service, will have to comply with the specific regulations of hotel establishments and restaurants
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Small stores, shops and businesses. If they are not located in shopping centers, all retail establishments and commercial establishments and professional services activities without surface limit may be reopened to the public, provided that they meet all the following requirements:
a) That the total capacity in establishments and commercial premises be reduced to 40%. In the case of having several floors, the presence of customers on each of them must keep this same proportion. In any case, a minimum distance of two meters between clients must be guaranteed. In premises where it is not possible to maintain this distance, only 1 customer is allowed in at a time.
b) A service schedule be established with a priority service for those over 65 years of age. (No details of how much time an elderly person will get were published).
c) They additionally comply with social distance and hygiene measures.
They can set up collection services at the establishment of products purchased by phone or internet, as long as they guarantee a staggered collection that avoids crowds. You can also establish a preferential home delivery system for certain groups
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Street markets. The limitation to one third of the usual or authorized positions will be guaranteed, limiting the influx of clients so as to ensure the maintenance of the social distance of two meters
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Shopping centers and parks may proceed to reopening provided that all the following conditions are met:
a) limit their total capacity to 30% in their common areas.
b) That the capacity in each of the commercial establishments located in them be limited to 40%.
c) Clients will not be allowed to be in the common areas except for the mere transit between commercial establishments or to go to the bars and restaurants located in said commercial center.
d) The use of recreational areas such as children’s areas, toy libraries or rest areas is prohibited, and must be closed.
The distance between the seller and the customer will be at least one meter when there are protection or barrier elements, or approximately two meters without these elements
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In the case of services that do not allow the maintenance of the interpersonal safety distance, such as hairdressing salons, beauty centers or physical therapy, the appropriate protective equipment must be used and the two-meter distance must be maintained between the clients.
The time someone can be in the establishments and premises will be only what is strictly necessary so that they can make their purchases or receive the provision of the service
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In clothing stores, changing rooms should be used by a single person, after use they will be cleaned and disinfected. When a customer tries on a garment that he subsequently does not purchase, the garment must be sanitized before it is provided to other clients. This measure also applies to returns
The use of family toilets and baby changing rooms will be restricted to a single family.
Security personnel will ensure that the minimum interpersonal distance of two meters is maintained.
In the parking area, in addition to the continuous disinfection of the usual contact points, hand gel must be made available to the client, payment by electronic means will be encouraged
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Bars and restaurants
will be able to open for consumption in the premises as long as it does not exceed 40%, forty percent of its capacity.
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Nightclub bars and nightclubs cannot open (Not just terraces)
Consumption within the premises may only be done sitting at a table, or table groupings, and preferably by prior reservation. Self-service at the bar by the customer is not allowed
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Take away will be allowed
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Self service products are allowed provided client can take it himself, provided that the products are protected with a screen, and are packaged individually
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The provision of the service in the outdoor terraces of bar and restaurant establishments must ensure a distance of 2 meters between the tables or groups of tables. The table must be according to the number of people to have the minimum interpersonal distance
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Single-use tablecloths or materials and solutions that guarantee hygiene and disinfection will be used
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Dispensers of suitable hydroalcoholic gels or disinfectants must be made available to the public at the entrance to the premises and in the bathrooms
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The use of commonly used printed menus will be avoided, instead the use of own electronic devices, blackboards, posters or some other technology for example whatsapp
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Disposable single-use products will be used (oil, vinegar, napkins, etc.)
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An entry and exit itinerary will be established on the premises to prevent contact between clients
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The use of the toilets by clients will comply with hygiene and disinfection standards. The waiter must guarantee the safety distance between them and the client and apply the necessary hygiene and prevention procedures to avoid the risk of contagion
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Visits to care homes and the like
Only exceptional cases (end of life or medical recommendation) are allowed. It will be by appointment and will be limited to one visitor per resident. The use of protective equipment is mandatory. It will not be possible to visit in which there are confirmed cases of #COVID-19, or in which a resident is in #quarantine
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Hotels and tourist accommodation.
Can be opened to the public in the common areas of hotels and tourist accommodation as long as it does not exceed 1/3 of its capacity and they will have to comply with the same capacity and distance conditions provided for bars and restaurants
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Animation activities or group classes should be designed and planned with a maximum capacity of 20 people and enforcing the minimum safety distance between the participants. Otherwise, masks must be used. Animation activities or group classes will preferably take place outdoors and the exchange of objects will be avoided
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For swimming pools and spas, the establishment will determine the guidelines and recommendations for their use, in accordance with the prevention and hygiene regulations established by the health authorities
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Libraries. Consultation activities may be carried out in the room with 1/3 of the authorized capacity. Children’s rooms will not open
Exposition halls e.g art galleries and museums . They may open in 1/3 of the authorised capacity. There will be no formal openings, there will be no cloakroom service and no left-luggage service.
Tourist attractions like e.g. a castle they can open at 1/3 of the authorised capacity and only for visits, not for events or openings. The cloakroom service and the left luggage service cannot be provided.
Cinemas, theaters and auditoriums may open as long as they have pre-assigned seats and do not exceed 1/3 of the authorised capacity and can not have more than 50 people inside. In the case of outdoor activities, the public must remain seated, keeping the necessary distance and may not exceed 1/3 of the authorised capacity, or have more than 400 people attending. Online or telephone sales of the tickets are recommended
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Sport activity. The athletes integrated into clubs participating in non-professional leagues will be able to carry out basic training sessions, individually. It can be developed in gyms or clubs that are open to the public.
Total or pre-competition training in professional leagues. Professional sports clubs may develop training. The referees may access the facilities for their specific training. The training sessions cannot be attended by the media.
Indoor sports facilities. They can be accessed by anyone who wants to do a sports practice by appointment, it will be done individually or those practices that can be carried out by a maximum of two people, always without physical contact. The 30% limit has to be followed
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Swimming pools for sports use. Outdoor or indoor pools may be opened for sports activities. They can be accessed by anyone by appointment. – The changing rooms may be used
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Recreational pools. Access to them by prior appointment by any person is allowed. The maximum capacity allowed will be 30% of the capacity of the installation, as long as it is possible to follow the safety distance between users of two meters
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Use of the beaches. The walk or sunbathing on beaches will be carried out with the usual security and hygiene measures. The practice of sports, professional or recreational activities is allowed, provided they can be carried out individually and without physical contact
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Active and nature tourism activities may be carried out for groups of up to twenty people
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Holding of congresses, meetings, business meetings and conferences. Conference halls, conference rooms, multipurpose rooms and other similar establishments and facilities will be opened
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Federated Athletes, people in a federation. They will be able to train individually, in open air spaces, twice a day, between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. and within the limits of the province in which they have their residence. They will be able to freely access those natural spaces in which they must carry out their sports activity. However, if the sport practiced involves animals, you can practice outdoors, individually, in the place where they stay, by appointment, and during the same period of time
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Hunting. It is allowed in all its modalities as long as the safety distance and the hygiene and prevention measures set by the health authorities are respected
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Sport and recreational fishing. The practice of sport and recreational fishing in all its modalities is allowed as long as the safety distance and the hygiene and prevention measures set by the health authorities are respected
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Discounts and Offers. Commercial or promotional actions carried out by commercial establishments must be accompanied by measures aimed at ensuring that no agglomerations are generated that prevent the maintenance of the safety distance
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Apologies for such a list it was 33 pages I have managed to reduce it. If you have any legal queries in Spain from a residencia to a property purchase we can help. We have offices in Malaga and Fuengirola and a full online service. We have native English speaking lawyers and we are on the list of lawyers produced by the British Consulate in Spain.
Marisa Moreno Lawyer and Consul for Denmark in Andalusia & Extremadura, www.justlaw.es
YOU DO NOT NEED TO WEAR GLOVES TO PROTECT YOURSELF FORM CATCHING THE VIRUS
A nurse for 33 years says I’m here to tell you that wearing latex or surgical gloves out in public can in fact create a false sense of security.
You do not get the virus through you hands. you get it by touching your face or it entering through your mucous membranes if you have touched a surface that has the live virus on it. So whether you have bare hands or gloves, if you touch your face after touching an infected surface, the glove makes no difference and just depletes the stock of gloves for those who actually need them which are health care workers or in other professions.
Health care workers put on gloves and then see one patient or client and then at the end of the care given to that patient or doing a procedure with that patient, the gloves are disposed of and then hands are washed.
Wash your hands often is what to do. If you don’t have gloves on you are MUCH more likely to feel compelled to wash or sanitise every chance you get. The virus may in fact live longer on a pair of gloves than on the skin.
• Staying at home and exceptions
Everyone is expected to stay inside their homes unless they have a valid reason for going out.
People are allowed to circulate on public streets to buy food, pharmaceuticals and essential goods, for assistance at medical centres and to get to and from their workplace.
UPDATE Thursday April 23rd 2020 TAKING CHILDREN OUT OF THE HOUSE. for details click here
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The circulation of private vehicles for the above and to fill up at service stations is allowed.
Activities have to be carried out individually, with the exception of accompanying people with a disability or for another justifiable reason.
• Education
All public and private schools, universities and education centres have been closed, but online educational activities or distance learn- ing continue where possible.
• Open and shut ALL BARS AND RESTAURANTS ARE CLOSED
All businesses have had to close with the exception of those selling food and drink and essential items, pharmaceuticals, medication, and hygiene products, the press, vehicle fuel, technological and telecommunications equipment, animal food, and launderettes.
The doors are closed to all museums, libraries, monuments, entertainment venues, sports facilities and leisure outlets.
• Civil and religious ceremonies
Any civil or religious ceremony has to be in accordance with the measures on avoiding gatherings of people, and with the guarantee, people are at least one-metre apart from each other.
• Public transport
Public transport is still running to enable people to get to work if they have to and to access basic services. Operators are required to take measures to ensure passengers are well separated and to clean vehicles daily in accordance with Health Ministry recommendations.
• Maintaining a safe social distance
At all times a minimum distance of 2 metres must be maintained between people, as time has passed this is reportedly being strictly enforced and fines have been issued for not conforming.
• Enforcement and fines
Law enforcement and State Security forces are ensuring compliance with extraordinary restrictions. People who do not obey the rules could face fines of up to €600,000 or even a one-year prison sentence in the most serious of cases.
RENEWAL OF PRESCRIPTIONS
As from the 16th of March, if you need a prescription you can do it without going to the health centre.
Call Salud Responde on 955 545 060, where they will ask you if you are calling for a prescription.
At some point during the day your doctor will add the prescription to your health card.
This will avoid unnecessary trips to the doctors and free up appointments for other stuff.
In the next few days you will also be able to do this using the ‘Salud Responde’ app.
• DOG WALKING
Only one person can take a dog out BUT just for it to do what dogs need to doo (yes I know) AND it must go no further than 50 metres from your home
• FOOD SHOPPING
Only one person can go to do the shopping. Smaller shops will only allow 1 or 2 people in the shop at once. In all food shops you must wear gloves (which they will provide) when handling foodstuffs. A minimum distance of 2 metres must be maintained between people, as time has passed this is reportedly being strictly enforced and fines have been issued for not conforming.
• MOTORING
ITV and Driving Licenses have been put on hold for 6 months
CIVIL GUARD – NATIONAL POLICE – STATE OF ALARM
GUIDELINES FOR THE APPLICATION OF ROYAL DECREE Updated 19/3/2020
- PEDESTRIANS 1 PERSON, unless accompanying minors, elderly, disabled or vulnerable persons for JUSTIFIED reasons (medical appointment, pharmacy, care, etc.) REQUEST DOCUMENTARY JUSTIFICATION for presence on public highway (tickets, prescriptions, etc.), obtain Identification in case of doubt and / or if issuing a fine in the event of repeated or manifestly FALSE or MISLEADING conduct.
- VEHICLES 1 OCCUPANT unless accompanied for a JUSTIFIED reason. The passenger must sit in the REAR SEAT AND BOTH PERSONS MUST WEAR MASKS. ( This advice has to be queried as the Minister for Health has said that masks are not required)
- WORKMEN’S VEHICLES NO LIMIT ON NUMBER OF PASSENGERS. ALL MUST WEAR MASKS, the employer is liable
- SECOND HOMES It is NOT permitted to travel to second residences. If the person is already there, it is treated as their habitual residence and the same restrictions apply.
- VISITATION RIGHTS AUTHORISED. Minors may be taken to the home of the other parent. Safety measures must be applied
- AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK PERMITTED journeys to tend to land, livestock, GREENHOUSES, CULTIVATED FIELDS, ETC
- SELF-EMPLOYED PERSONS PERMITTED journeys for WORK (plumbers, couriers, electricians, carpenters, salespersons, etc.) With safety measures
- VEHICLE WORKSHOPS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WITH SAFETY MEASURES For REPAIRS only The SALE OF PARTS, VEHICLES, ACCESSORIES ETC. IS PROHIBITED
- FAST FOOD PIZZERIAS, HAMBURGER RESTAURANTS, ETC CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC AND MAY ONLY MAKE HOME DELIVERIES
- READY MEAL VENDORS OPEN, With the same restrictions as food shops. WITH SAFETY MEASURES.
- SERVICE STATIONS OPEN Shops CAFETERIA and WC CLOSED except for the USE of truck drivers, bus drivers, ambulances, law enforcement officers, etc
- VALUE STORES HARDWARE STORES, BAZAARS CLOSED Open only for the sale of authorized items: (FOOD, DRINKS, HARDWARE STORES, TELEPHONY, HYGIENE PRODUCTS, TOBACCO, PET FOOD, STATIONERY) If their OPENING PERMIT allows and only for the sale of these items. Employees AND CUSTOMERS MUST APPLY SAFETY MEASURES (distance in queues, etc.)
- CONSTRUCTION AUTHORISED. WITH SAFETY MEASURES FOR WORKERS UPDATE AS FROM MONDAY MARCH 30TH AUTHORISATION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK HAS BEEN CANCELLED UNTIL APTIL 10TH
- SANITARYWARE AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AUTHORISED Sale to professionals, self-employed and wholesalers SALE TO THE PUBLIC PROHIBITED
- RESTAURANTS CLOSED. Home deliveries are authorised under the same conditions as FAST FOOD
- OPEN (with safety measures) SUPERMARKETS, FOOD SHOPS, PHARMACIES, MEDICAL CENTERS, OPTICIANS, ORTHOPAEDIC MATERIALS, HYGIENE AND CLEANING PRODUCTS, NEWSPAPERS AND STATIONERY, TOBACCONISTS, PHONE SHOPS, PET SHOPS (food only), DRY CLEANERS, ensure that LAUNDERETTES
BENALMADENA COUNCIL GUARANTEES FEEDING AND CARE OF ANIMALS IN PARQUE DE LA PALOMA
The Councillor for Parks and Gardens, has guaranteed that the animals in the La Paloma park “continue to be attended with as normal and provide them with food, and the responsible vet ”. Whilst there is a state of alarm, in which the park has been closed to the public.
The councillor reminds the public that feeding animals from outside the park, or depositing food on public roads for the same purpose is prohibited.
A particulary obstinate and stupid British woman determined to do what she wants to do because she is on holiday. Saved (dragged out) by a policeman, taken away and charged and reportedly fined 1000 euros.
Musical police five local officers from Mallorca, led by Pedro Adrover, who is also the singer of the band Ses Bubotes, sang and danced to the traditional children’s song in every street of the municipality of Algaida for three hours, to ensure that every child got to see the performance.
Remember this is Calle Larios, decorated so beautifully at Christmas. MAKE SURE YOUR SOUND IS UP AND LISTEN TO THE SCARY POLICE.
For more movie clips from the lock in CLICK HERE
PCR tests
Microbiologists in Spanish hospitals have been using a diagnostic test called Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify coronavirus cases. The semi-automatic testing kits are not, however, available at all health centers. The PCR identifies whether the genetic code of the virus, which was published by Chinese scientists in mid-January, is present in a patient’s sample. In an ideal situation, where one test is analyzed at a time, it would take a laboratory four-and-a-half hours to receive a result. But because many samples are being analyzed at once, the process takes between six and six-and-a-half hours.
In large hospitals in Madrid, between 200 and 400 test results are being processed every day, according to Rafael Cantón, the head of microbiology at the Ramón y Cajal hospital. “We would like to test everyone but with the diagnostic capability and number of kits we have, that is not possible. It’s not viable,” he said.
Many of the PCR diagnostic kits are made in other countries but there are biotechnology companies with production plants in Spain. CerTest, for instance, is located in San Mateo de Gállego, in the northeastern province of Zaragoza. The company makes 40,000 tests a day, but Spain has only done 30,000 since the beginning of the crisis. “As much as we would like to, there are no supplies of the other components that are needed, like the extraction kits,” said Nelson Fernandes, the director general of CerTest, who explained that these kits are not made in Spain. Other items such as swabs and the liquid used to transport the sample have also begun to run out.
Coronavirus emergency telephone number for Andalucia
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