STATE OF ALARM - WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN NOT DO

STATE OF ALARM - WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN NOT DO

The government is essentially locking down the country,it came into force Saturday 14th March at  midnight.  Security and even the Armed Forces, if necessary, will be in charge of compliance.

Important note. If you have to leave for one of the permitted activities listed below then please take ID with you as if stopped you will need to prove who you are. You can be fined for not providing it.

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST UPDATES ON THE SITUATION HERE, only news once confirmed will appear on this page

PHASE 1, WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN NOT DO

PHASE 2, WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN NOT DO

FROM THURSDAY 21ST MAY.
It is a legal requirement that people wear masks in the street, and enclosed spaces....when the required minimum safe distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained.

The ministerial order to extend their use will be published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) today. Once published, face masks will become obligatory in businesses and closed public spaces. There will also be further clarity on when they should be used on the street.

Face masks compulsory from Thursday 21st May - Questions and answers

From 4th May - Face masks are obligatory on public transport, if you do not wear a mask you will not be allowed to travel.

It  is also now permitted to have more than one person in a Taxi or in public transport vehicles ie transfer vehicle of up to nine seats, including the driver, two people can move for each row of seats, provided they wear masks and respect the maximum possible distance between the occupants. before if you went to the airport or in any taxi as hubby and wife = two taxi's..now it is just one.  READ THE FULL BOE OFFICIAL REPORT HERE  There has been a lot of confusion over this document but it is referring to private cabs , mini buses and coaches. NOT your car! changes to those rules do NOT take place until 11th May, updates will be provided once confirmed.

Key points of phase 0 (for the entire national territory except for Formentera, El Hierro, La Gomera and La Graciosa):

- Shops and premises of up to 400 square meters may open and serve customers by appointment and due sanitary and distancing measures.

- Permission to collect food from a bar / restaurant, in addition to that already established for home delivery.

- Permission for the training of professional athletes.

- File consultation.

- Mandatory use of a mask on public transport.

- These measures are added to those already established, such as walks and individual sports.

30th April - Health Minister announces details of Adult activity

The Spanish Health Minister Salvador Illa has today announced the details of Adult physical activity which is permitted from May 2nd. 

Adults may also go out on walks, either alone or with one other member of their household, as long as they remain within a one-kilometer radius of their home

OFFICIAL BOE DOCUMENT WITH ALL THE LATEST DETAILS

This order will take full effect from 00:00 on May 2, 2020 and will remain effective for the entire duration of the state of alarm and its possible extensions.

People over the age of 70 can go out at the same time as dependant people with caregivers to ensure they are not out at the same time as others. 

The One Kilometer radius applies to all walkers. Use this page to see what your 1km limit is  

Municipalities with less than 5,000 inhabitants do not apply time slots. These activities can be done from 6:00 to 23:00. "There is no risk of crowds" This does not apply to Benidorm as we have more than these numbers registered on the Padron which is how the Municipalities is defined. 

 *Municipality.. Meaning town... Padron numbers.. Polop is 4800 on padron... So they are lucky... Alfaz 24000 roughly?? So they have the hours restrictions 70.000 Benidorm same.... It's down to numbers  registered on Padron.

?You must NOT use communal sport areas for example; tennis courts, football pitches, etc. The use of these areas is NOT PERMITTED.

?No comment was given on golf courses. We would assume it counts as a communal sport area.

?You cannot take your car to go somewhere else, further away, for your walk or exercise. You must stay in your own municipality, without taking your car.

28th April - State of Alarm de-escalation plans - Each province will advance at a different rate depending on Covid Statistics, the below is an outline and exact dates and more detailed information for our area will be confirmed over the next couple of days.

PHASE 0: DEPARTURE OF MINORS AND WALKS 

On Monday May 4, the whole country will be in Phase 0, and some select businesses will be able to open their doors to the public. The Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez earlier today explained that businesses, such as bookshops, hardware stores, hairdressers, garages, etc, will be able to open if they can accept customers by appointment only, limiting one customer to one employee. Restaurants will also be able to take orders by phone or over the internet, but for collection only. The elderly and those in vulnerable situations will be given priority, and they will also benefit from a separate timetable to avoid the risk of Covid-19 contagion

FULL DETAILS OF ALL 4 PHASES CAN BE FOUND HERE

23rd April 

IMPORTANT OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT 

As from this SUNDAY, APRIL 26, children up to 14-years old will be able to go for walks and play on the street once a day, for one hour, within a distance of a maximum of one kilometer around their home.

Use this page to see what your 1km limit is 

21st April - PROPOSALS ie NOT CONFIRMED AT THIS STAGE.  UPDATES WILL FOLLOW as and when news is officially announced.

Spanish government does U-turn and will allow children aged 14 and under out for walks

Asked about what it means to take walks, Illa answered that "taking walks is taking walks" and said that in the coming days details about the distance and the maximum time will be offered , based on the recommendations of the experts.

"Taking a walk is taking a walk and not necessarily going to a specific establishment, which can also be accompanied by adults," he said.

Earlier in the day, the Cabinet had decided that minors would only be able to leave the house to go to the supermarket, pharmacy or bank with a parent or guardian.

Here are some of the most frequent questions about this new regulation and their answers: supplied by EuroWeeklyNews

From what date will this new regulation be allowed?

Although this date has fluctuated a fair bit since being announced, the Minister of Health, Salvador Illa has clarified that this new measure will enter into fruition from next Sunday, April 26.

Although President Sanchez and other ministry spokespeople had announced that this would begin on Monday, April 27, the person to confirm this date has been Salvador Illa who says it will begin a day earlier, on Sunday April 26.

What ages will be allowed out?

The final decision on what age will be the cut-off age for children being allowed out is 14 years old.

This has also changed from what Sanchez previously stated on the weekend as he said he would base this age on public health law which cut off the age at 12, however, after much backlash this has been risen to 14.

Alone or accompanied?

These minors may only go out with the company of one of their parents or an adult who lives with them and is their guardian.

In fact, police sources explained that this was already a viable option for children who could stay at home without the care of an adult and therefore had to accompany their mother or father out of the house. This most typically applies to single-parent homes.

The difference now is that all parents will be allowed to go out with their children, regardless of whether or not there is another adult at home.

What can they do out on the street?

Fernando Simon has already warned that they will not be allowed to go out and play, regardless if they are on their own or with their friends.

Initially, the government announced that they would be expected to accompany their parents on essential trips only which are already decreed by the State of Alarm, for example, going to the pharmacy, the doctor, the petrol station, walking the dog or going to the supermarket.

Since then they have amended this to include going out for short walks always when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

However, parks are out of the question and will remain closed. They are also prohibited from going to a friend’s house because this would go against the social distancing measures enacted by the government.

Can they ride a bike or a scooter whilst out?

This has not yet been clarified, although a press conference held by the government has explained that a guide is still being prepared and is expected to be published in the next few days which will present the information in a simple and easy to understand way.

Can they see other children or friends?

No. Montero has pointed out during their outings they must comply with all hygiene and protection measures, including social distancing.

Should they wear gloves and masks?

This is another aspect of the new regulation that the governmental guide must clarify.

Montero admitted that it is “quite complicated” for young children to make efficient use of masks and gloves, as they tend not to restrain their desire to touch their faces with their hands.

Illa has also said that in the upcoming days precise instructions will be given on how this can be carried out, and that they are currently working on clarifying them.

An additional problem would be finding gloves and masks which fit the size of younger children, especially considering that it is already difficult for adults to access this material

What about minors between 15 and 18 years old?

The new measures do not include minors between the ages of 15 and 18.

However, Montero has clarified that in principle, this is a segment of the population who is already allowed out without the company of an adult as they can go and do any of the activities permitted by the royal decree: walking the dog, buy bread, or go to the supermarket etc.

FINES which can be implemented during the state of alarm

April 11th - Back to Work on April 13 For Non-Essential Workers in Spain as Recoverable Paid Leave Ends

From Monday April 13, workers who were previously considered to be non-essential can go back to work.

THIS is due to the fact that the period of recoverable paid leave introduced by the government has officially ended. In short, this dictates that all workers and companies who were previously allowed to operate, as outlined under the first royal decree on March 14, can go back to work.

The decision to strictly close all non-essential businesses was taken in order to further reduce mobility across the nation and decrease the risk of infection between citizens, as this has flattened the curve of infection and relieved tension on the Intensive Care Units.

This period of time was purposefully held during the festive Easter holiday to ensure that only eight working days were lost. During this time employers were to guarantee the wages of their employees; however, these lost working days were meant to be recovered before December 31.

Although the curve of infections and deaths is currently progressing in a relatively positive way, there is still a risk of a further outbreak, therefore citizens must still act consciously with their actions to avoid the propagation of the virus.

Now that this time period has passed, workers who were physically going to work may return to their jobs under the previous quarantine restrictions laid out before March 29. This does not include workers who have been issued ERTEs or businesses told to shut since the beginning of the State of Alarm such as bars and leisure centres.

PLEASE NOTE THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY THE EUROWEEKLY NEWS and is also reported in various other Spanish News Papers.

However, those allowed to return to work include:

• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Offices who included in the essential workers decree and have no option to work from home
• Factories who specialise in retail trade or production lines, which were previously considered to be non-essential workers due to the services they provided
• Finally, it includes all of the workers who were previously considered as providers of essential services

This does not include:

• Businesses in the restaurant or hospitality sector who do not offer home delivery
• Leisure activities such as gyms, cinemas, etc.
• Any type of venue which hosts cultural or sports events.

April 5th Spain’s Costa Blanca police produce ‘essential’ shopping list that justifies outing during lockdown, please note this is just a guide.

CAN you get fined for going to the supermarket? YES If you are not going to buy ‘essentials,’ 

Food products

• Fresh meats
• Poultry
• Meat products
• Fish/fish products
• Eggs
• Milk and dairy produce
• Oil and other fats
• Cereals
• Pulses
• Flour
• Vegetables and vegetable derivatives
• Fruit and fruit derivatives
• Sugars and sweeteners
• Sauces, spices, condiments
• Coffee, teas and caffeine products
• Animal/vegetable conserves
• Pre-cooked food and slimming products
• Water and ice
• Non-alcoholic drinks
• Alcoholic drinks
• Additives

Example -  A was stopped on the street, claiming that he had gone to the supermarket to buy food. the police asked to see his receipt requiring him to show the ticket and  discovered that he had not acquired much-needed products but had bought sodas, chocolate, and a package of frankfurter sausages, he was fined the minimum amount, 601 euros.

Non-foods products

• Medicines and sanitary products
• Hygiene products
• Fertilisers
• Flowers/plants/seeds
• Pesticides
• Solvents, glues, paints, dyes
• Detergents/cleaning products
• Products for eyes/optics, photography, watches and music
• Domestic kitchen utensils, such as cutlery, knives, etc
• Electrical products
• Gas bottle/cylinder
• Books, newspapers, magazines.
• stationery/school materials

Services 

• Water, gas, electricity, heating, services
• Home repairs
• Health services, doctors, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, vets
• Home help for elderly/disabled
• Public transport services
• Communications: post office, telephone services and telecommunications
• Cleaning and/or rubbish collection
• Banks and finance services
• Insurance services
• Urgent maintenance repairs
• Public information/communications

28th March - 

Sánchez has announced the cessation of all non-essential activities from Monday, March 30 and until Thursday, April 9

The Government has announced the cessation of all non-essential activities , from Monday, March 30 to April 9 , in order to reduce the chances of contagion of the coronavirus . In addition, the Executive of Sánchez will approve this, in an extraordinary Council of Ministers , a paid permit for activity workers to stay at home for two weeks

This was announced in a telematic appearance by the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez , who explained that during the days of this paid leave the workers "will receive their wages normally."

This is the list of services considered "essential activities", to be completed with the official list of the Government

- Medical, health and pharmacy
activities - Food production activities
- Transport of food merchandise
- Certain passenger and merchandise transport
- Distribution of gas and water
- Generation and distribution of electrical energy
- Food, beverage, products and goods establishments
basic necessity - establishments for hygienic products, pharmacies, opticians and shops for orthopedic products
- establishments for press and stationery
- tobacconists
- dry cleaners and laundries
- establishments for pet food
- oil refining, distribution of fuels and gas stations
- Telecommunications and technological equipment stores
- Ports and airports
- Media
- State security forces and bodies

What activities should stop?

During the next two weeks the construction works will remain paralyzed and only the factories whose production has been adapted to the manufacture of sanitary material will open, or they will be dedicated to supplying food or basic necessities.

FAKE stories going round on social media, please check facts before posting and causing unnecessary alarm

- The supermarkets AREN´T closing.

- Supermarkets are NOT limiting people to two of each item and six pieces of meat.

- Ibuprofen does NOT aggravate the virus. Ibuprofen and paracetamol are OK to take. Always listen to the advice of your doctor.

- There is NO 3pm curfew being put in place.

- Valencia is NOT being sprayed with chemicals from the air.

- Drinking water every 15 minutes or gargling with salt water does NOT stop you contracting the virus.

- Kids will NOT have to go to school in the summer to make up for lost time.

- You do NOT need to produce a receipt from the supermarket to avoid a fine when leaving the house.

updates

THIS PAGE WILL BE KEPT UP TO DATE TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY.

Further detailed clarification from the Guardia Civil about details of the present Emergency Control measures:-

- Can perfume shops open?
Yes, only if its a drugstore, and only for the sale of personal hygiene care and cleaning products. ACT 10 RD 463/2020

-Can hardware stores open?
Not to the general public. But if the store has a license to sell to bulk buyers they will only attend to bulk buyers. They are not in the group of commercial obligated to close. ACT 10 RD 463/2020

- Whats happening to the supermarkets that are selling everything?
The shops which are allowed to open should only sell strictly necessary products so the public can buy personal products and first need products.

- Can supermarkets sell products that arent first needs products?
To avoid unfair competition, it is forbidden the sale of items of the commercials that of obligated to close: clothes, stationery, appliance store, hardware, toys, furniture, bazar etc. Only the sale of foods ( bread, fruit, vegetable, meat, fish, drink), hygiene products, newspapers, petrol stations, tobacconists, internet/telephone/TV shop, pet stores, laundry store.

- What's happening with the shopping centres with a lot of different shops?
If the centre has a bakery, fruit/vegetable shop, butchers, fish mungers, supermarket, pharmacy, opticians, orthopedic products, hygiene products, hairdressers, stationary, petrol station, tobacconist, internet/telephone/TV providers, pet shop, laundry store. These shops can open, they should make that there is straight access to these shops.

- What's happening with market-like stalls?
Stalls that sell the permitted products (food, bread, sweets, vegetables, meat, fish, drinks, hygiene products, stationary, pet food, etc.) The town hall must collaborate to avoid mass groups as the same in supermarkets.

The relevant competent authorities can adopt any additional means to limit the circulation of collective modes of transport that are deemed necessary and proportionate to preserve public health.

Those services for which the ticket specifies a seated place or carriage, the transport operators will take the necessary measures to ensure the maximum separation possible between passengers.

- Can notaries and property registries open?
Yes, they can offer a service to the public.

- Can insurance brokers open?
Yes, they are part of the financial services sector. However, at all times a minimum distance between clients must be observed.

- Can I leave my doors and persianas closed but attend to clients using an entryphone or window?
Yes, as long as the establishment is among the list of those excluded from closure in Article 10. Business premises should be closed to the public to avoid contact, so this would be an acceptable form of offering service. Crowds should not be allowed to build up outside, with people maintaining a meter of distance between them.

If the establishment is not among those permitted to open and dealing with the public would go against the prohibition of the Royal Decree 463/2020, then it must not open.

- Shops selling hairdressing products can open?
Not to the public, only to professionals.

- Can shops offering takeaway food remain open?
Yes, they are not included in the annex to the Royal Decree, which relates to installations and activities for which opening to the public is suspended in accordance with the provisions of Article 10. These are food suppliers subject to the conditions set out in Article 10, Paragraph 1.

Can Bars and restaurants sell food to be collected from the premises and for home delivery?
Only for home delivery. The collection on-site is not permitted.

- Are vehicle mechanics allowed to open?
Yes, to guarantee the movement of people that are obligated to use a vehicle (ambulances, police, health personal, workers in general)

- Are paint shops allowed to open?
Not for the public. They are not among the establishments excepted from closure by article 10 of the Royal Decree 463/2020
They can open as wholesalers for professionals

- Are photography shops allowed to open?
Not for the public. They are not among the establishments excepted from closure by article 10 of the Royal Decree 463/2020

- Are work uniform shops allowed open?
Not to the public. Yes for professionals because the royal decree does not prohibit work, therefore companies/ businesses are still obligated to comply with labour safety regulations, and if this means renewing any protective equipment, they have to acquire it.

- Are shops that supply material for vehicles allowed to open?
Not to the public. But yes to professional (mechanic garages) since the possibility of repairing vehicles of the people who use them for work must be maintained

- Are plumbing supply shops open?
Not to the public. Yes for Professionals

- Are construction product shops allowed to open?
Not to the public. Yes for Professionals

- Are shops that sell stoves, fireplaces, air conditioning allowed to open?
Retail establishments, that is, those that sell to the public, are not among the establishments excepted from closure by article 10 of the Royal Decree 463/2020. So they must remain closed.
Wholesalers for sale to professionals, Yes.

Competent Authorities may adopt any additional measures that are necessary and appropriate to preserve public health in order to limit the movements of collective means of transport.

For those transport services where tickets offer a seat or a cabin, the company will take the necessary measures to provide passengers with the maximum separation between them.

- Can notaries (notarías) and property registers (registros de la propiedad) open?
Yes, as they are public services.

- Can insurance brokerage offices (correduría de seguros) open?
Yes, they are equivalent to banks, but the distance between customers is to be kept.

- Can I serve my customers with blinds or lowered doors by using a microphone or a window?
Yes, whenever my business is excluded from closure as per article 10.
The intention is to close stores and other places to prevent crowds, so this is a valid way to give service. In the street, a minimum distance of one meter must be kept.
(If a business is one of those not allowed for opening and public attention, this is not an option. It must remain closed)

- Can stores sell supplies for hairstylists be open?
Not to the general public, only for professionals.

- Can businesses that only sell food to takeaway be open (locales de comida para llevar)?
(These are places that normally ONLY serve food to take away AND you can´t eat in their premises. This is the difference between them and a bar or a restaurant.)
Yes, as they are equivalent to groceries or other food shops.

- Can bars and restaurants serve takeaway and deliver?
Only deliver to the home. Takeaway in bars and restaurants is not allowed.

- Can bars and cafeterías sell coffee to take away?
No, only bottled or canned drinks, which are not made on-demand.

Updates 17th March 

Sanchez Will Explain the Measures taken in Spain’s State of Alarm in Congress But Only in Front of the Parliamentary Spokespeople

The President of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, has explain this morning, before Congress, the measures that this State of Alarm will take to overcome the medical emergency caused by the coronavirus. These are exceptional measures, which will have to be taken to overcome exceptional circumstances. During this Plenary Session in the Lower House only the party leaders of the government who have to intervene in the matter will be present, some of which are already infected by the coronavirus.

According to parliamentary sources, the Plenary Session begins at 9:00am and will end whenever is necessary. Then each group will 15-minute interventions, after a reply from the president and repetitions of each group which will last 5 minutes. They will also discuss the economic measures that can be approved to help soften the blow of the crisis. Read more HERE

ALL OTHER INFORMATION ON THE SITUATION CAN BE FOUND ON THIS PAGE WHICH IS UPDATED REGULARLY 

UP TO DATE FLIGHT INFORMATION 

ALL TOURISTS MUST STAY IN THEIR ROOMS AND AWAIT NEWS OF REPATRIATION 

Members of the Spanish public face fines or even prison if they disobey lockdown rules

Police in Spain will set up checkpoints in the street to ensure state of alarm is observed

One of the main measures that will be put into place is “fixed and mobile” police checkpoints on roads, in public areas and on public transport to “ensure” that the public complies with the complete lockdown that was put in place across the country by the Spanish Cabinet on Saturday night.

Members of the public could receive fines starting at €100 for disobeying the conditions of the state of alert, or could even face a year in prison should they “resist or seriously disobey the authorities or officers when they are carrying out their functions.” That’s according to a document that has been circulated among the security forces and that details the legal measures in force during the state of alarm.

The Interior Ministry added that the police will also “guarantee that citizens can access their places of work and basic services where necessary, as well as permitting the movement of personnel from firms dedicated to providing essential services or the supply and distribution of essential goods and services.”

Freedom of movement will be severely restricted with citizens required to stay at home for the next 15 days.

Everything except supermarkets and pharmacies is closed and from Monday people will not be allowed to leave their homes except to get supplies or for exceptional reason

Everyone will be expected to stay within their homes and police will be given the powers to stop and question people found outside and in vehicles using public roads.

Public transport will not be shut down, (at this stage) although it will be reduced by fifty percent, presumably because it still provides the only way to move around for key workers.

The Royal Decree issued says citizens will only be able to use public roads for the following reasons:

Acquisition of food, pharmaceuticals and basic necessities.
Restaurants and bars will be closed. But "home delivery services of food" from them is allowed. - General retail shop activity is forbidden.
Visits to health centres.
Travel to the workplace to perform work or business-related activities.
Return to the place of habitual residence.
Assistance and care for the elderly, minors, dependents, people with disabilities or especially vulnerable people.
Visits to financial entities.
Due to force or need.
Any other activity of an analogous nature duly justified.
Walking your pets - Dog owners can walk their dogs but individually. You can be fined up to €600 for not following these restrictions.
Going to the following places: Tobacco Shops, Veterinary, Hairdressers, Petrol Stations, and Technology (computer/phone) Shops
The circulation of private vehicles on public roads will only be allowed to carry out the aforementioned activities, or to refuel at petrol stations.

In simple terms - 

People will only be allowed on the streets and to circulate in private cars under the following circumstances:

To buy essentials from supermarkets or pharmacies

Everything will close except for food shops and pharmacies so you will be allowed to leave the house only to visit to those establishments to buy essentials. Strict measures will be in place at shops to prevent crowding and ensure that consumers and employees remain at least one metre apart from each other to reduce the risk of contagion.

Please respect all the supermarket workers and protect them by .

Keeping a 1 metre distance at all times .

Cough in your arm

Only 1 person from your home go to buy essentials.

Pay by card if you can to avoid contact with workers.

Elderly and people at risk avoid going if possible 

To go to work

Companies have been told to order their employees to work from home when possible but there are obviously some jobs which are essential, such as those who work in healthcare or care for the elderly or if you are employed in one of those places which are needed to be kept open, such as public transport, supermarkets or pharmacies.

To return to your primary place of residence

If for some reason you are not at your home when the state of alert officially begins, you won’t have to stay where you are but will be allowed to travel back to your primary residence.

To visit needy relatives or vulnerable people

If you are responsible for someone who may live alone and need help, either because they are elderly, disabled or considered vulnerable in some way, you will be allowed to visit them and take them supplies.

To visit the doctor or hospital

Seeking medical treatment is a valid reason to leave the house but phone ahead to check the appointment is still happening as non-essential treatment at hospitals has in most cases been postponed. Do not leave the house to go to the hospital if you have symptoms of the coronavirus but stay home in quarantine and if the symptoms become severe then contact your regional hotline.

INFORMATION ON HOME ISOLATION

To visit financial institutions

We are assuming this is to visit a cash point and take out money because high street banks won’t be opening their doors and operating as normal.

Due to force majeure or need and to carry out unspecified activity that can be justified as a valid reason

No further information has yet been given as to what beyond those activities above might be considered "a force majeure" or "valid reason".

Can I socialize with my friends?

Um no, the whole point is that people need to stay home and socially distance to try and slow down spread of COVID-19.

All bars, restaurants, cultural spaces have been shut down across Spain and you'll be stopped if you are spotted sitting in a park chatting with friends. The message is very clearly "Stay home and stay isolated".

Tourists in Valencia checking their phones in the sun after the measures were announced on Saturday. Photo: AFP

How long will this last?

The state of alert will be in place for 15 days but could be extended with permission of Spain's parliament.

Should I be stockpiling?

In areas where supermarkets have been overwhelmed with people and have seen shelves emptied as panic buying set in, such as Madrid, police have been called in to limit numbers entering the supermarket and to prevent bulk buying of essential goods.

Authorities insist there is no need to stockpile beyond buying enough to last the household for a week at a time, because the supplies are not threatened.

Police stops and army on standby

It also mentions all of Spain’s police forces will have the power to stop vehicles on public roads to check their purpose of being there and adds that drivers will be able to refuel at service stations.

The Decree adds that the army may be drafted in if deemed necessary.

If I am on holiday in Spain can I fly home?

The state of alert does not mean that Spain’s borders will automatically be closed but expect a host of cancellations from airlines as the number of passengers drastically drops.

Holiday companies such as Jet2 have cancelled all holidays to Spain from Saturday but if you are already in Spain on holiday expect provisions to be made for your return. You will need to contact your airline or holiday company and find out what arrangements will be made.

Expect disruptions.

Can I go for a walk in the park?

The short answer is no. Children's playgrounds have been cordoned off and people are being told not to go outside to parks.

But those with dogs are expected to be allowed to walk them if they maintain basic social distancing rules such as maintaining a safe distance between other dogwalkers.

ALL TOURISTS MUST STAY IN THEIR ROOMS AND AWAIT NEWS OF REPATRIATION 

HOSBEC RULES IE WHAT THE HOTELS ARE ADHERING TO

Please comply scrupulously with our instructions regarding the Resolution on the closure of bars, restaurants and cafes.

We reproduce them again below:

INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION TO THE HOTEL INDUSTRY OF THE DECREE OF CLOSURE OF BARS, RESTAURANTS AND CAFETERIES AND OTHER ACTIVITIES.

Hotels that have clients staying must guarantee certain fundamental rights to them, among which are the right to food and drink during their time of stay.

We cannot forget that, during your hotel stay, it is your habitual residence and the only means to guarantee your food in the breakfast, lunch and dinner services is through the hotel's dining rooms / restaurants.

So RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS EATERS remain at ered EXCLUSIVELY FOR SERVICING CUSTOMERS STAYING in the above given sense, and taking into account all safety recommendations regarding concentrations of people in their facilities.

All use of catering facilities and services other than the above must be suspended by virtue of regulatory compliance (banquets, celebrations, cocktails and the like)

Regarding BARS, two situations must be distinguished:

• BARS WITH MUNICIPAL LICENSE DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF THE HOTEL : THEY WILLREMAIN CLOSED PERMANENTLY SINCE 00:00 TONIGHT.
• BARS THAT WORK WITH THE LICENSE OF THE HOTEL: They may remain OPEN for the hydration service of the clients, in the hours and restrictive conditions determined by each establishment, but NO RESIDENT CLIENTS WILL BE SERVED AND CONCENTRATIONS OF CUSTOMERS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE ENCLOSURE FROM THE BAR / CAFETERIA.

SPAS, HOTEL GYM POOLS, MINICLUBS, GOLF COURSES AND THE LIKE : They are affected by the closing order, as with the rest of the establishments in this sector, as of last midnight.

ANY PLACE OR ENCLOSURE OF HOTEL OR ESTABLISHMENT THAT MAY PROMOTE MEETING OR CONCENTRATION OF CLIENTS MUST REMAIN CLOSED AND EVICTED.

CUSTOMERS MUST REMAIN PREFERRED IN THEIR ROOMS WHILE WAITING FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON REPATRIATION OR RETURN TO THEIR PLACES OF ORIGIN.

Failure to comply with these restrictive measures can lead to serious administrative sanctions and even the possibility of assessing a crime of disobedience to authority and against public health .