We arrived 11 days ago at our destination campsite when Spain
was functioning normally in spite of the climbing number of Corona virus
cases,. By Friday the 13th that all changed: lockdown measures were
announced covering the whole of Spain and starting the following day, to last
for 15 Days.
We’re a week through the 15 days and this is how the
measures are working in our locality:
Los Madriles Campsite
Campers due to leave within the next week or so have all checked
out. Some who intended to stay have left or are in the process of packing up.
All hotels and some campsites will close by 24th March, but we have
an assurance by management that this
site will remain open as long as they can. New arrivals are not being accepted.
New restrictions today: all toilets and showers on the site will have to close
as will the swimming pool.
At this point, to return to the UK means a drive through Spain
and France to exit via Eurotunnel. Permits are required to undertake this
journey starting with a form from the campsite to say you are repatriating and
further forms down-loaded for travelling through France that need to be printed
out. You must use only motorways but it is uncertain if motorway services, other
than fuel pumps, are operating. It is unlikely
that any campsites will be available for bona fide home-goers so we would need
to overnight at motorway services.
This morning we thought we would stay, along with 8 of our
friends, on the basis that the journey back could be a nightmare, and we appear
to be well and safely accommodated here. However with, for example, the closure
of the facilities, the restrictions are getting ever tighter and are estimated
to last into the summer. Our group is now thinking perhaps the sensible option
is to return to the UK, maybe in convoy. We are allowed to travel for the
purpose of returning home.
General Travel and
Movement
Not allowed. Necessary journeys only. Beaches closed. No
recreational walking, biking or car outings. You can walk your dog (our
campsite bans dogs, so we can’t borrow a neighbour’s dog as an excuse for a
walk!)
Essential Shopping
One shopper only is allowed out whether on foot, bike or
car. Permitted shopping: food, medicines, car fuel, gas.
Enforcement
Police are very vigilant. Restrictions enforced by fines.
For example, two of our friends cycled down to the local village shop and were
stopped on the way back by the Guardia Civil. They were warned that only one of
them was permitted to make the shopping trip and next time they would be fined. The police in Spain still have that edge of unquestionable authority, perhaps a legacy from Franco's time.
There is much common sense enforcement by the supermarkets.
Mercadona only lets in a limited number at a time to maintain a minimum spacing
of 1 metre between customers. Free hand gel and gloves are available. Lidl’s
security man at the door insists customers entering use the gel provided and
dons a pair of plastic gloves. Customers are reassured by these measures and
readily comply.
The great news, certainly in this area, is that, apart from
slight shortages in the first few days, the shelves are full in all
departments. We have all the items reportedly stripped from UK shelves like
fresh and packaged meat, fresh veg, pasta, rice and toilet rolls, as well as
the rest of the supermarket range. This is remarkable considering Spain has
about 8 times more Corona cases than the UK and we are in lockdown.
Summary
We still feel safe here. Despite Spain’s high Corona virus numbers,
the incidence in Murcia Province is low compared to other regions. The food and
essential supplies seem good and the climate is pleasant. We have a great pitch
with a fine view and friend to socialise with by sitting outside on one or
other of our pitches. Our European Health Cards are still valid until the end
of this year.
Our two fears are firstly, the official closure of the
campsite and secondly, even if the site remains open, the tight restrictions
lasting for many more months. Sadly, it looks like we’ll be travelling home:
details later.
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