COVID-19 (CORONA VIRUS) TRAVEL/LOCAL NEWS

(CLICK HERE  for Latest Statistics  in section below)

9th April 2021

Green Light for international Travel from the UK??https://www.gov.uk/government/news/global-travel-taskforce-sets-out-framework-to-safely-reopen-international-travel

Jet2 have announced today a suspension of flights until 23rd June.

8th April 2021

The Valencian President has announced a lifting of some of the restrictions from 12th April. The situation will be reviewed again in 15 days. 6 people can now sit at a table in bars and restaurants and meet in open spaces. Meetings in households can now take place providing only 2 households are involved. 

6th April 2021

Pedro Sanchez and the Spanish Government have announced that the State Of Alarm will end on May 9th. The various autonomous regions of Spain will then decide if and when any restrictions that are still in place at that time, can be lifted.

30th March 2021

The ban on international travel to Spain has been extended to 30th April. There are certain exceptions but tourism is not one of them and travellers should check Spanish entry requirements not solely rely on the requirements of the country they are travelling from. 

27th March 2021 

Local Border Closure

The Valencian government has brought forward the plans to close off our region to other parts of Spain, for the Easter period.

Access from other regions is now restricted until  April 12th at least.

Our region currently has the lowest Covid rates in the country, and even Europe.

International Travel Restrictions 

 Many media outlets, especially in the UK have been reporting that Spain has now" opened the borders" to UK tourists.
Unfortunately that is not the case.
The changes that come in after March 30th only allow people to enter, who's reasons to enter are deemed "essential", and not tourism.

Information supplied by the Spanish government and UK government:

Permitted reasons to enter Spain after 30 March 2021
From 6pm (GMT+1) on 30 March 2021 (5pm / GMT in the Canary Islands), passenger travel between the UK and Spain will resume, however entry restrictions and testing requirements will remain in force. Only Spanish citizens, those who are legally resident in Spain or those who can demonstrate through documentary evidence an essential need to enter Spain, will be allowed to enter the country. Permitted circumstances include:
Holders of a long-stay visa issued by a Member State or Schengen Associated State, who are travelling onto said country.
Health professionals, including health researchers, and elderly care professionals who are going to or returning from essential work.
Transport personnel, seafarers and aeronautical personnel.
Diplomatic, consular, international organizations, military, civil protection and members of humanitarian organizations.
Students who carry out their studies in the Member States or Schengen Associated States and who have the corresponding permit or visa and medical insurance, provided that they are travelling to the country where they are studying, and that entry occurs during the academic year or 15 days previous.
Highly skilled essential workers whose work cannot be postponed or carried out remotely, including participants in high-level sports events due to take place in Spain.
People traveling for imperative family reasons who can demonstrate an essential need to travel.
All of the circumstances above must be justified by documentary evidence. You should be aware that you may be questioned on arrival by Spanish border authorities to ensure you meet the entry requirements. Spanish border authorities will only grant entry if they are satisfied that your journey to Spain is essential and reserve the right to deny passage.

25th February 2021

Update:

Ximo Puig has announced the following six changes in the restrictions in the Valencian Community:

From March 1st, to be reviewed in 2 weeks

•Social gatherings are increased. 4 people can meet in public spaces.
The same restrictions remain inside homes (2).

•Weekend perimeter closure: the municipal perimeter of the 16 cities that were closed on weekends ends. It will be from the weekend of March 6 to 7, so it remains this weekend.

•Bars, Cafes, restaurants can open with  terraces only. up to 6pm. Max 4 people are allowed per table.

•Non-essential shops may open until 8pm. with 50% capacity.

•  Sports activities will be allowed outdoors for individuals, or in pairs but with no physical contact; gyms and sports courts will remain closed. 

•Parks and gardens are opened and places of worship expand their capacity up to 50%.

Regional perimeter closure of Valencia region remains in place.

Curfew remains 10pm - 6am

25th February 2021

 BREAKING NEWS: Ximo Puig, president of the Generalitat Valenciana, has confirmed that a progressive de-escalation will begin next week, including the re-opening of outside terraces of bars and restaurants until 6.00pm, maximum 4 people per table, and shops allowed to open until 8.00pm. The curfew remains 10.00pm.

Full report to follow ...

24th February 2021

The Spanish Government have extended the international travel ban until 16th March, Only allowing Spanish citizens and residents entry into the country or others under exceptional circumstances.  Though this has been condemned by the EU bureaucrats as being in contradiction of the Freedom of Movement policy, seems it doesn't matter that there is a pandemic as EU citizens can move wherever they like and not allow individual counties to control their own borders to prevent the spread of the virus. 

It has been reported by the media that the Government will extend the ban on tourist entry until after Easter but this is yet to be confirmed. There has also been unconfirmed reports of a vaccine passport being required for entry into Spain.

There is likely to be  a lifting of certain restrictions in the Valencia region with regard to the hospitality  industry,   and an announcement is expected later today.

12th February 2021

The Generalitat de Valenciana has extended the restrictions currently in place until 1st March. They state that the figures are improving but it is not yet time to remove the restrictions.

29th  January 2021 

The Generalitat de Valenciana has today extended and added to the measures to protect the health of its citizens. The new measures come into effect on 1st February and last until 15th February.

The restrictions on gatherings in the home only those that live together, in the street to 2 people and the perimeter confinement during the weekends of cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants is maintained.

Bars and restaurants are to remain closed (except for the provision of take-away and delivery services). 

It is now mandatory to wear a face mask on beaches and whilst doing sports within populated areas.

The curfew 22.00 to 06.00 is maintained.

20th January 2021

 A message from Jose Chulvi (Mayor of Javea/Xabia):

Good afternoon everyone.
Once again I am obliged to address you to seek your involvement and cooperation in facing the difficult challenge to Xàbia as in many areas of Valencia Province.
From a health point of view, we are living through the worst moments since the pandemic began.
The contagion numbers in Xàbia and in the neighbouring towns are terrible. The Regional Hospital is in a critical situation forcing it to suspend operations, face-to-face consultations and the ability to accompany sick persons. Behind these figures, there are very difficult personal situations being experienced.
What we saw in March and April on television has reached us here. There is a very real danger of infecting not only ourselves but infecting those we love most and overwhelming a health system, whose employees are exhausted and feeling impotent.
In the Valencian Community we are experiencing the most critical moment, since this Covid nightmare began. On Tuesday the Generalitat Valenciana announced new measures, which include the total closure of the hospitality sector, and restrictions on businesses in an attempt to halt the contagions. These are measures which will impact the economic life of hundreds of Xàbia residents.
But we also need the commitment of everyone so that this new effort that falls on the shoulders of small businesses is worthwhile and that the pace of contagion will be stopped. It would be unreasonable for us to allow impunity in private areas from that what is prohibited in bars and restaurants.
I suppose that most of you, like me, will have met someone who has become infected with Covid-19 and is aware of how it happened to them.
The vast majority of contagions occur within your nearest circle of contacts, from someone you know or family; sharing a table, sharing a car, sharing an office... Having the confidence that makes you take off your mask...
There's the danger. They've been telling us this for months and we have to admit that neither fines nor tricks will stop the virus. We must reduce to a maximum our socialisation rather than wait for everything to be prohibited.
Let's be adults, and not look for excuses or justifications and do what we need to do. We must not fail those who are fighting Covid-19 or those who have been suffering the economic, psychological and social effects of the pandemic, for almost a year.
Difficult weeks are coming and we all have to get involved to stop it happening.
Please stay home as much as possible, avoid close contact with people you don't live with – even if they don't look sick – put on your mask at all times and keep a safe distance.
Do it for yourselves, for the people you love. Do it for everyone.

19th January 2021

Additional  measures introduced by the Government of the Valencian Region which come into force from 00.01 on 21st January 2021 (initially for a period of 14 days).

Closure of ALL BARS AND RESTUARANTS (except for takeaway/delivery service)

Shops  to close at 6pm (except essential supplies  and farmacias)

Closure of all sporting establishments (except professional)

Curfew to remain at 10pm  (though request has been made to amend to 8pm)

Meetings limited to 6 people for social and family gatherings.

The borders of the Valencian Community are closed except for justifiable reasons.

6th January 2021

The Generalitat Valenciana has announced further measures to combat the increase of COVID-19 infections in the region which has threatened to spread out of control and overwhelm the health system. The new measures will come into force at 00:00hrs on Thursday 7th January and remain in place until Sunday 31st January at the earliest.

President Ximo Puig explained that the new measures are being brought in to “protect the population and preserve essential health services,” adding that the region is currently experiencing a “serious situation” as the virus spreads almost unabated. He confirmed, however, that schools will re-open on Thursday 7th January as normal. 

1. The border of the Valencian community remains closed.

2. Curfew now between 10pm & 6am.

3. Hospitality – bars & restaurants to close at 5pm & only four people per table.

4. No smoking on bar & restaurant terraces.

5. Businesses now permitted 30% of capacity & 50% for essential businesses.

6. Six people permitted for private social events between friends & family.

Further restrictions have been implemented in 26 other regions of the Valencian Community but Javea is not included. So for now only the above resdtrictions apply.

11th November 2020

From November 23rd, the Spanish government will ask passengers for a PCR negative test result made in the last 72 hours before arriving.

This measure will only be applied for those people coming from countries listed by the EU with a high risk of infection.

A map of risk areas will be provided soon by the European Centre for Disease Prevention.

Valencian Community -  Extension to restriction of movement

One week extension in the Valencian Community.

Sr. Ximo Puig has just announced that until November 20th the borders of the Valencian Community will remain closed.  All previous restrictions and exemptions are carried forward with the new extension.

30th October 2020

Valencian Community - Restriction of Movement.

President of the Valencian Community, Sr. Ximo Puig has announced that from today for 7 days the "borders" of the community will be closed to people from other communities.

Residents in this community will be able to move freely among the 3 provinces; Alicante, Valencia, and Castellón.

The restriction of movement could be extended if necessary.

This is not a total lockdown and people arriving at Alicante or Valencia Airports will still be able to travel to Javea and other areas within the Valencian Community. (curfew from 00.00 to 06.00 is still in force and travel between these time is only allowed under certain exceptions).

State Of Alarm 

With regard to the State of Alarm this has been ratified as lasting until 9th May 2021.  However there is a possibility that this may be rescinded by the courts as it is believed that the Government has acted outside it's powers. Under constitutional rules, the courts maintain that the State of Alarm can only be implemented for a period of 15 days at a time,  though this can continue to be extended by 15 day periods.

25th October 2020 

A new State of Alarm has been declared until midnight on 8th November 2020, with the intention of extending until 9th May 2021 if needed and ratified when voted on by congress this week.

Spain has not gone onto lock-down at this stage but the State of Alarm was necessary for the Autonomous regions to implement special measures to stem the spread of the virus. 

Some measures in the State of Alarm apply to the country nationally but the autonomous regions can implement additional or amend  rules providing they dont contradict those in the new Royal decree.

For the Valencia region the main rules that have been implemented  are:

1. Curfew from 00.00 to 06.00. (with certain exceptions eg night workers  urgent medical attention  etc)

2. Restrictions on travel between autonomous regions  (again with certain exceptions)

3. Maximum of 6 people in a group whether public or private, closed or outdoors.  Exception is in the case of cohabitants. 

14th August 2020

The Government and the Autonomous Communities have agreed on a series of prevention and containment measures for # COVID19. For its entry into force, the Autonomous Communities must approve the corresponding legal provisions.

To try and avoid further ‘brotes/spikes’ to occur and to contain existing ones, Health Minister Illa announced this afternoon that the health authorities in all the Autonomous Communities have unanimously decided on the implementation of the following measures, effective immediately .

Measures:
* Night clubs, discos etc. will remain closed
* Bars, restaurants etc. will close at 01.00 AM, no new customers allowed entrance after midnight. Customers at the bar need to keep a social distance of at least 1,5 m. Same distance between tables and customers. Groups consisting of 10 people maximum.
* Every cultural event will be evaluated according to a set series of criteria, to decide whether it can take place or not.
* More PCR tests being carried out at socio-sanitary centres, like residencies for elderly. E.g. for employees returning to work and new residents.
* Alcohol consumption in the street is strictly forbidden and authorities are to uphold the rule and apply strict sanctions.
* Smoking in the open air, terraces etc. and public road in general. Not allowed if not keeping at least a distance of 2 meter to other people. The same goes for vaping and water pipes.

Recommendations:
* As few contacts with people outside direct family group as possible. Any social gatherings to limit to max. of 10 people.

The Declaration of Coordinated Actions will remain in force until it is expressly revoked by the Minister of Health, with the prior agreement of the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System, with a prior hearing of all autonomous communities and cities.

8th August 2020 

Despite what the Media are reporting  their is absolutely no evidence to support their claim that Spain will be going into Lockdown now or at any time in the near future. The gutter press are falsely reporting this totally unfounded story in social media purely to obtain clicks to appease their advertisers and earn revenue for themselves. The only trusted source of information is the Government website, if there is any further update to the situation, it will be reported here after confirmation from Government sources and official translations.

27th July 2020

From 27 July, the FCO advise against all non-essential travel to Spain, including the Balearic and Canary Islands, based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks in the country.

This advice is based on evidence of increases in cases of COVID-19 across Spain.

The FCO is not advising those already travelling in Spain to leave at this time. Travellers should follow the advice of the local authorities on how best to protect themselves and others, including any measures that they bring in to control the virus.

If you are returning from Spain you will be required to self-isolate on your return to the UK, but the FCO is not advising you to cut short your visit. You should contact your tour operator or airline if you have any questions about your return journey.

26th July 2020

 Update to the UK advisory Travel Restrictions:

The President of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig , has asked the United Kingdom to exclude the Valencian province from the compulsory quarantines of fourteen days announced yesterday.  He has demanded special attention for the coast of the province of Alicante, where there is a lot of British tourism. In addition, the head of the Council has reminded  Boris Johnson that the incidence of the Corona virus in the Valencian Community is much lower than in Britain. "The decision does not seem justified with the objective data available right now," said Puig .
Thus , the President expressed concern about the quarantine and the effect it can have on the tourism sector, which was running at half speed following a summer campaign which started late and with far less influx of tourists. Puig said he had begun negotiations with the British ambassador to the state, Hugh  Elliot and the Spanish Ministry of Industry.

https://www.vilaweb.cat/noticies/puig-pais-valencia-fora-quarantena-regne-unit/

26th July 2020

UPDATE  FROM THE UK GOVERNMENT ON TRAVEL TO SPAIN AND BACK TO THE UK.

From 25 July, the FCO advises against all non-essential travel to mainland Spain based on the current assessment of COVID-19 (Corona Virus) risks. 

This advice is based on evidence of increases in cases of COVID-19 (Corona Virus) in several regions, but particularly in Aragon, Navarra and Catalonia (which include the cities of Zaragoza, Pamplona and Barcelona). 

The FCO is not advising those already travelling in Spain to leave at this time. Travellers should follow the advice of the local authorities on how best to protect themselves and others, including any measures that they bring in to control the virus. Quarantine will apply to those entering UK from Spain on or after 26 July. 

If you are returning from holidays in Spain (including from the Balearics and Canaries) on or after 26 July you will be required to quarantine on your return to the UK, but the FCO is not advising you to cut short your visit. You should contact your tour operator or airline if you have any questions about your return journey.

PHE are continuing to monitor the situation in the Balearic and Canary Islands closely. Travellers there should continue to check this advice regularly.

Source:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/citizensinspain 

(NOTE: The FCO are only advising against travel and holidays in Spain, its not mandatory.  Before travelling check insurance policies are still in force. The UK Government have issued the advisory notice against travel across  the whole of Spain even though Spain is twice the area of UK, has lower incidence rates and enforces stricter measures to control Covid-19 (Corona Virus). UK Government are unable to enforce the wearing of masks, so unlikely to enforce quarantine in any form)

The travel ban to UK tourists has been