Whole Of Spain Now In Lockdown. The government has announced that Spain is now in lockdown and people may only travel for essential reasons from Monday at 8am.

Whole Of Spain Now In Lockdown

The news which has been expected for several days has now been confirmed.  The Spanish government has now placed the whole country in lockdown as attempts to slow the spread of the lethal coronavirus intensify.  The freedom of movement restrictions will be enforced from 8am on Monday 16th March.

This means that you must not leave your home except for the following reasons:

• Travel for food or medical supplies
• Travel to your workplace
• Visiting health centres of hospitals
• Assisting the elderly and vulnerable
• Visiting financial institutions and banks
• Personal emergencies

Fifteen Days Lockdown

The lockdown will remain in place for a minimum of 15 days.  Police are likely to stop and question anyone who they believe may not be abiding by the rules.  The government also has the right to draft in army support if civil unrest becomes an issue.

Chef Steven Saunders is concerned for his staff at The Little Geranium.

Bars And Restaurants Closed

The lockdown means that all bars and restaurants must close on Monday.  Steven Saunders from The Little Geranium in La Cala says “The impact on local businesses is enormous.  My staff are devastated and worried about their income.  There is so much uncertainty”.

Local bar owner Cath John feels it would be irresponsible to open at the moment

Cath John from CJ’s Karaoke Bar in Benalmadena has chosen to close on Saturday and Sunday.  She says “We are sad that we can’t entertain our loyal customers, but their safety and the safety of my team has to be the priority.  We don’t take this decision lightly, but it would be irresponsible of us to put money above safety”. 

Public Support

Last night was a busy night for many bars who chose to remain open on the Costa Del Sol.  The enforced lockdown today is being well received though, as expat Susan Jones in Torremolinos says that it’s better to be safe.  “I was shocked how many places chose to remain open last night, it’s better to be safe and close.  I understand the financial implications, but if we’re going to get ahead of this thing then we need to pull together.  Pig headed stubbornness doesn’t help in this situation, it’s very real and it’s happening to us now”.

Published: 14.03.2020