Adapting to change…
The spikes in COVID-19 cases here in Spain have been, in the main proven to be a direct result of ‘youngsters’ gathering and partying. It was reported in the Spanish media that a group of over 100 Spanish students from Madrid had gathered in a private villa in Javea to celebrate their end of school year! This subsequently – and by no mean unexpectedly resulted in positive testing of COVID-19. What were the parents thinking? I have to ask. With no restrictions on movement within the country it is virtually impossible to monitor – only people ‘snitching’ to the police or authorities on witnessing such irresponsible behaviour will it stop. I say snitching but really it is almost a civic duty to do so. We all suffered during the harsh lockdown here and I for one do not want a return to such strict restrictions of movement again. However, if it is deemed necessary then so be it. I have invested in pretty masks rather than the blue single use disposable one – but must admit, probably like many of you, I certainly did not only use it once – I couldn’t afford to! The fact that it is a legal requirement to wear and with no financial assistance is a bitter pill to swallow for those that are struggling financially, especially if out of work due to the pandemic. I do find it rather odd though that the Valencian community bought in the facemask law on July 18 yet in Madrid, one of the epicentres, it only came into effect on Wednesday
of this week!
Knowing that nightclubs are a breeding ground for corona it is rather worrying that many have reopened here in Benidorm. Last weekend all but one – Café B in The Square were open. Although dancing is banned it does encourage mass gatherings and as everyone knows, when alcohol is thrown into the mix, social distancing will certainly be ignored.
It is obviously a very difficult decision for business owners to make – economy versus health. Staff being out of work – hopefully on ERTE but as we all know, many would have been working on the black, so they will be receiving nothing from the state. Even those on ‘autónomo’ (self-employed) are not necessarily receiving help and therefore many are desperately relying on foodbanks or help from friends and family. It is such a sad situation for those which have found themselves out of work through no fault of their own. The final nail in the coffin came last Saturday when BoJo made the very sudden and totally unexpected announcement that anyone coming from Spain will have to quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival to the UK. Holidaymakers on holiday here in Benidorm were left shellshocked, having arrived here with absolutely no indication that it was even in the pipeline. Even Transport Secretary Grant Shapps was caught up in his own department’s rule change whilst on holiday here in Spain.
There have been isolated increases in other parts of Spain but thankfully we here are mostly abiding by the rules, keeping social distances and wearing our masks. It is very much a quieter summer here this year and very different. Beaches are actually pleasant as not crowded like the norm. Despite being lambasted for the squares, I think many are enjoying having their own space. The only criticism is that you have to book for the Levante beach and the queuing system when trying to log on is ridiculous. Most are finding it impossible to book– why you can only book for the following day is a mystery. You then walk down and see most of the plots empty which is very frustrating. Personally, I prefer La Cala, where they still have plots but you don’t need to reserve.
Unsurprisingly booking from the UK have and will continue to tumble… but travel website Trivago has revealed that that there is a marked increase of enquiries and booking to Spain by the German’s …. obviously happy that they won’t be bumping into many Brits here! Maybe the bars and cafes should start ordering in Bratwursts, sauerkraut, Brezeln and Kartoffelkloesse and think of changing their names from J&J – John and Josephs to H&H instead – Hans and Heinz. Bavarian lager may become the new staple of calle Gerona replacing Guinness and Newcatle Brown! An upshot is that sales may increase for our sister paper, the Costa Blanca Nachrichten and we’ll be hearing Jürgen, Günter and Karl being shouted out on the beaches rather than Steve, Paul and Nick. www.benidormallyearround.com