MAKING SURE YOU STAY AT HOME and abiding by the government-mandated requirement to self-isolate is vital for the rapid recovery of the local and national economy.
We all have our part to play, and the only way we will see a return to the Spanish way of life that we love, is to stay at home and avoid any non-essential travel.
The extraordinary safety measures intended to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection are important for all of us, and we must fulfil our responsibilities to self-isolate.
If we fail, we could face an extended period of isolation and that will undoubtedly prove catastrophic for many of the local businesses – in particular the shops, bars, and restaurants that we enjoy and rely on to provide us with essential everyday services.
Of course, we will all need to venture out for a multitude of reasons over the forthcoming days, so we all must know when we are allowed to leave our homes, and for what purposes.
We must have a lawful and essential reason to leave our homes
Right now, residents and visitors to the Orihuela Costa may leave their homes for the following essential purposes only:
- To go to work, or to return to their habitual place of residence
- To go to a supermarket to purchase food, beverages, and personal care products
- To go to an optician or to visit an orthopaedic doctor
- To go to a pharmacy to purchase or collect medication
- To attend a hospital, health centre or doctors surgery
- To visit an insurance broker, a bank, or to use an ATM
- To care for elderly or dependent persons or those with limited mobility
- To walk or exercise a pet, to buy food for a pet, or to visit a vets surgery
Dogs can be walked without prohibition but must be walked individually (on your own), and respecting the one-metre safe distance from other pet owners.
Visits to tobacconists and dry cleaners are allowable (the latter for sanitary reasons).
Stay at home, but if you absolutely must go out, go alone
Be aware that some public spaces such as supermarkets have introduced new public safety measures mandating the application of hand sanitiser before entering the premises, the use of plastic gloves whilst shopping, and sustaining a sufficient safe space between you and other patrons.
Keep an eye on areas around the entrance before entering the premises and follow instructions given by members of staff. Maintain your distance at all times, especially if you have to queue at the checkout.
If you need to go shopping, to the bank, or anywhere else, go alone. Don't go as a couple, or as a family, or with friends, unless it is essential that others go with you.
For instance, you may wish to help an elderly relative attend an appointment at the health centre if they suffer from personal mobility issues or they can't drive, but if you are unable to demonstrate an essential purpose for your presence you should not be there.
Providing companionship is not a lawful reason to avoid a government-mandated requirement to self-isolate and stay at home, and those travelling with others without an essential reason could face heavy fines.
For reasons of public safety, unnecessary travel is not permitted
If in any doubt stay at home and continue to self-isolate. Avoid crowds at all costs, and maintain a distance of at least one metre from other people at all times if you do need to venture outside.
Remember that unnecessary travel such as visiting neighbours, family or friends, jogging, taking part in any form of exercise or sport within a public place, or riding a bicycle purely for recreational purposes, is strictly prohibited whilst the State of Emergency remains in force. Those found violating public safety measures face the possibility of serious consequences.
On a lighter note, Browns Cocktail and Gastro Bar in La Zenia are offering a special menu with free delivery from 16:00 until 22:00 pm every day in the Orihuela Costa area. You can find the current menu on their Facebook page and place your order via Facebook Messenger or call them on +34 966 393 699.
Meantime, if you or someone you know thinks they have any symptoms of coronavirus infection or any flu-like symptoms whatsoever, do not go to a medical centre, a doctor's surgery, or a hospital. Instead, call +34 900 300 555 for assistance.
Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.
Photo credit: LaZenia.com
Very professional site, helpful and very attractively presented.
Are the banks open and if they are what are the opening times
Regards Mr j hatch
Hi John, yes the banks are open but opening hours are dependent on each bank and whether they have staff that are safe to attend to the needs of the public. However, we know that the Caja Rural in La Zenia is open from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm. Please remember to go alone.
Just wondered how fines are issued during lockdown and by whom and if they are on -the-spot fines.
Hi Brenda, fines are issued for contravention of laws, particularly breaching the public safety measures currently in place. All police forces are working as one entity for the purposes of public safety and management of the CoVid-19 pandemic, so fines can be issued by any security force. I don´t know whether payment is required immediately, and I imagine this will be left to the discretion of the issuing officer. Best advice is to be aware of the current rules in place and stay at home. If you absolutely must go out for essential food or medical supplies, please go alone.
Hello as a couple we need to go to the supermarket as I am at high risk with copd I need my wife to go but she doesn’t drive can take her but me stay in the.car
Ho John, if you can get your shopping from a local store or supermarket (even if it´s a bit more expensive), I would recommend that you do that. If you have no local shops within reasonable walking distance, it is my understanding that you may provide mobility for your wife only for essential shopping trips. You absolutely must stay within the confines of your vehicle at all times and I suggest that you have proof of your condition with you, in addition to your driving licence and the documents you are usually required to carry. I hope this helps.
Hello I have a flight booked at alicante at 06.25. Can my partner take me as it very early and worried thank you
Hi Debbie, I would recommend that you go to the airport alone or by taxi. However, if you cannot drive, if you cannot get a taxi at the required time, or if you cannot leave your car at the airport because your partner would be without essential transport, and you have no choice but to drive with two people in the car, I would suggest that you ensure your partner has a photograph of your flight tickets or boarding pass (perhaps on a mobile phone) so that your partner has proof of essential travel for the journey home from the airport. (Sorry, I appreciate that´s a really long sentence). Personally, I would take a taxi if that was possible. A little expense but a lot less worry.
Beniconnect the cheapest to get to airport. €20
Are we allowed to go to Correos to collect post
Hi Tel, yes, you may collect post from your local Correos office, but please check their website for emergency opening times as these might have changed recently.
Thank you for your prompt response. The website is very informative with lots of useful information.