COVID-19 (CORONA VIRUS) TRAVEL/LOCAL NEWS

(CLICK HERE  for Latest Statistics  in section below)

20th January 2021

 A message from Jose Chulvi (Mayor of 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)