To quarantine or not… that is the question

The European Commission wants European countries – that includes us here in Spain, to adopt a standardised system for imposing quarantine on travellers. The threshold would be more than 50 cases per 100,000 people which would mean those countries are added to a red list. Currently Spain tops the list with 270 per 100K and Poland is at the bottom, registering 19.2 – the UK comes in at 51.1. Countries with an infection rate between 25 and 50 would be classed as amber and those with less than 25 per 100,000 would be on the green list.

Travellers heading back to the UK from Spain are ‘ meant’ to self- isolate for 14 days upon arrival. They are told that they must fill out locator forms online prior to arriving back in the UK and according to the Government website face a £ 100 fine or even “refused entry if you do not”. Now I personally know several people that have returned within the last month from here and not one of them has been asked for this holy grail upon arrival – all at different UK airports. About half have chosen to self- isolate for the required 14- day period whilst others have carried on with their normal daily routines. Who is correct… what would you do? Absolutely none were contacted by anyone to check if they were self- isolating either so makes a complete mockery of the entire system. At the moment there is no required quarantine period here but obviously that could change.

Spain is the only European country where it is mandatory to wear a mask all the time… yet the infection rates are the highest! Surely you’d believe it should be the opposite which obviously leads many to question the theory of all this mask business. Evidently we all do, as it has been decreed the law otherwise face a hefty fine if found not wearing one. Passengers on flights to and from Spain must all wear one for the duration, except if and when eating or drinking. Last week the British press reported how a passenger on an EasyJet flight from Manchester to Tenerife made a tube of Pringles last for four hours by eating one every two and a half minutes to keep his mask off. His antics received mixed reviews from readers, with some congratulating on an ingenious idea him whilst others commented that they were glad they weren’t on the same plane as him! I’m with the later reaction on the matter.

Reading reactions from would be holidaymakers, it is definitely putting them off coming here. Many ask if they have to wear a mask just walking around and bombarded with yes, yes, yes… “but you get used to it”. Personally I’m not so sure if it was the other way round if I would want to go on my hard earned holiday and have to wear one. Airlines are virtually flying at a quarter or best half capacity at the moment – that is hardly a sustainable business model going into the winter season. Flights to Blighty are being advertised for as little at € 5 which is very tempting, however I have yet to see anyone book. Normally I’d jump at the chance – a return trip including priority for under € 20, what’s not to like. Except these are not normal times and I will put any travel plans on hold for the time being.

So many are having to reinvent themselves to survive. Thank heavens for the silver surfer generation, in receipt of their pensions and not needing to worry… well except for the abysmal exchange rate which is seeing their income dwindle slightly each month. But it is thanks to them that many bars and restaurants remain open. Certainly in the likes of Albir and Altea, not quite so heavily reliant on tourism, you are a godsend. I’d say that virtually all are open – and busy, which is great to see and even new establishments opening.

Next week should have seen the annual Moors & Christians parades taking place in Altea – a huge deal for the town, attracting thousands of visitors. In my opinion it is one of the best and so big that the two parades take place on separate nights. Sadly, another consequence of this pandemic and no doubt, all Christmas celebrations, including the Three Kings will also follow suit. But let’s all look on the bright side ( if we can muster that)…. we will come out better and stronger – and probably several kilos heavier too. I think virtually everyone I know put weight on over the lockdown – and instead of having a beach ready body we now have a cold weather insulated body waiting! But in years to come, we will look back on 2020 and become our forefathers, recalling how we survived the awful crisis… because we will.

Local businesswoman Abby Wilson, owner of Abby's Expats Mini Mart in the centre of Alfaz del Pi presented the La Nucía Animal shelter - located beside the Alberca Industrial estate with a supply of dog and cat food. The kind gesture was made possible thanks to the generosity of customers, donating loose change and bringing in their coppers. Abby has donated to many other local animal charities in the area over the years, some of which are reliant on such efforts as they receive no funding.

Despite enduring difficult trading conditions herself, with the shop only currently open three days a week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am until 2pm, it is inspiring to see locals still reaching out to help those less fortunate.

A massive well done to Abby, pictured with her daughter Lexi delivering the food last week.