The whole of Spain goes onto lockdown
Lockdown means lockdown although some people seem to be struggling to get the gist of what it actually means and this morning police have been forced to cordon off the regional parks to stop picnickers from heading for the hills for a nice day out in the open air following several major issues yesterday in different parts of the country as the public failed to grasp the real meaning of lockdown and packed into picnic areas and parks.
Although on Friday the initial lockdown was for coastal regions of the Costa Cálida, by Friday afternoon the measures had spread to the whole of the Murcia Region, then on Saturday the Spanish national cabinet ratified the decision to imposed a State of Emergency on the whole of Spain.
This means that the whole country is in lockdown, the aim being to minimise the spread of the Covid-19 virus by limiting the number of possible contacts.
Today, Sunday, supermarkets have been closed, but will re-open tomorrow and we are urged to act calmly and not panic buy when they do; every contact increases the risk of contamination and some supermarkets are limiting the number of people allowed inside at any one time in order to minimise the risk of contact, so be patient.
The State of Emergency gives total power to the Minister of the Interior who has taken command of the police and armed forces who will be establishing control points, both stationery and fixed in order to ensure that we comply with the mobility restrictions and it is important that we all understand how restrictive these are.
Lockdown really means lockdown; no picnics!
Image: Cordoning off the Carrascoy Park today to prevent pic-nics.
What does lockdown mean?
The restriction will last for 15 days and will apply to the whole of Spanish territories
The decree prohibits residents of Spain from leaving their homes other than to buy medication, food, go to work, look after dependents or go to the bank.
The decree specifies that the public should remain inside their homes other than for eight specific activities:
Acquisition of food is permitted but ONE PERSON only at a time, no couples
Purchase of pharmaceuticals and basic necessities
Medical appointments or urgent visit to medical centre
Going to work in a job considered to be necessary
Returning to their habitual place of residence
Assistance and care of the elderly, minors, dependents, people with disabilities or especially vulnerable people
Going to the bank
By reason of force majeure or situation of need or “any other activity of an analogous nature which can be duly justified”.
The restrictions allow one person at a time to leave in order to undertake these tasks and does not permit families or couples to walk around in the streets, go for a cycle ride or a leisurely walk.
In practice, dogs may be taken out for a toilet break, but not for a prolonged walk.
Fortunately the internet is a great way to stay in touch without contracting coronavirus, so:
Follow Murcia Today on Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest updates locally for the Region of Murcia and the main information for the rest of Spain: https://www.facebook.com/MurciaToday/. Please note, Facebook is limiting the number of posts we are able to make in local groups, so all updates will be posted on this main page and may not be shared into many local groups. PLEASE help to support the flow and sharing of information by following this page and sharing the information into groups to which you have access.
Believe me, we’re also amongst the many businesses wondering how to survive this crisis!
What to do if you are in the Region of Murcia and believe you may have contracted the virus
The regional government has set up a special helpline to supply information to members of the public (900 121212), and also urges people to call the 112 emergency services line if they suspect that they may have contracted the virus rather than going straight to hospital or to a medical centre. Medical staff will be sent to your home to test for the virus.
The Region’s public hospitals have limited the number of visitors to just one per patient.
Sensible precautions
The advice being issued to members of the public by medical authorities all over the world coincides on the following points:
– Wash hands frequently with either soap and water or a sanitiser gel
– Catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues – and throw the tissues away immediately after use before immediately washing your hands!
– If you don’t have a tissue, use your sleeve – and wash the item of clothing used at the next opportunity
– AVOID touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
– AVOID close contact with people who are unwell
– Don´t panic!
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