Police Warn Citizens To Stay At Home.  Several arrests have already been made as local police grow frustrated with people ignoring the lockdown.

Police Warn Citizens To Stay At Home

“Stay at home or we will arrest you” is the message from police today.  There are reports of several arrests already today after people have continued to ignore the instruction to stay at home.

A police spokesman said “This lockdown is the law.  It is not optional, it does not only apply to Spanish people, it does not exclude people on holiday.  It is for everybody and we are enforcing it.  If you’re reason for leaving home is not genuine, you can expect to be arrested and fined.”

“We have cancelled leave for all police officers, brought in extra foot and road patrols, and we are using helicopters.  This situation is serious.  We will not tolerate ignorant people who think they are above this” he continued.

Supermarkets will remain open during the lockdown.

Businesses Still Open

Almost every business on the Costa Del Sol is now closed, though there are some exceptions.  Supermarkets, petrol stations, pharmacies, tobacconists, communications businesses, media businesses, some financial institutions, hair dressers, and dry cleaners are all able to continue operating.  Restaurants are permitted to operate food delivery services, though they are not allowed to open their premises to the public.

Reasons To Leave Home

You are allowed to leave your home for the following reasons:

• To work at a business which is permitted to remain open
• To buy food or medical supplies
• To attend a medical centre
• To attend a bank
• To assist an elderly person
• To exercise your dog close to your home (but not for long walks)

Trains and busses will be running reduced services.

Public Transport And ITV

Air travel is now greatly reduced with limited services running from Malaga Airport.  You can see the latest schedules here.  Other public transport services are also still running though only around 50% of services or operating.   ITV centres are all closed, if your car needs an ITV renewal there will be a grace period during the lockdown.

False Rumours

Some false rumours have been circulating on the internet about the lockdown on the Costa Del Sol.  You will not be arrested for having a passenger in your car if their reason for travel is legitimate.  There are no plans to drop disinfectant from helicopters over Costa Del Sol towns overnight.

Published: 15.03.2020