Couple stuck in Tenerife due to coronavirus
Couple trapped in Tenerife hotel due to coronavirus
A COUPLE are among guests stuck in a Tenerife hotel on lockdown because of coronavirus.
Chris and Janet Betts were due to fly back to the UK on Tuesday last week but are now confined to H10 Costa Adeje Palace Hotel on the Spanish island.
They said they had been informed by health authorities on the island that they will not be able to leave the hotel for two weeks - generally accepted as the incubation period for those with the virus to show symptoms.
The couple, from Broughton Astley, were on a week-long break in the Canary Islands with friends.
The Spanish authorities isolated the hotel after an Italian doctor staying there was diagnosed with the virus.
After originally being told they were unable to leave their room on the fifth floor, the restrictions were eased yesterday afternoon to allow guests to use the hotel’s facilities, as long as they do not leave the grounds.
Chris said: “The first we knew about it was when we had a letter in several languages pushed under our door.
“At first I thought it was a joke but then, when I went down to reception, it was full of police and security so we knew it was serious.
“There are police on every corner. It’s total lockdown, so we are sitting tight in our rooms trying to pass the time.”
To start with, Chris said packed meals were being brought and left at the door, but with the restrictions relaxed it means guests can now eat in the restaurant. “At the weekend we were hit by a sandstorm here so it’s proving to be an eventful holiday,” said Chris.
“I said on Monday ‘I’m having a lovely time and I wish I could stay a bit longer.’ It’s a real case of ‘be careful what you wish for!’”
Chris, 73, and Janet, 70, say they both feel well and have none of the coronavirus symptoms.
He said: “Medical staff came round last night and took our temperature and gave us face masks, but we feel fine.
“We are not too worried because it looks like coronavirus is serious for the very old and those with underlying health conditions.
“I’ve got a few years in me but we’re in good health generally.”
Chris said boredom was the big challenge for them.
He said: “We’ve got the telly, and access to the internet and books. We can speak to some of the other guests by phone – we are here with friends from Sunderland - but it’s a bit boring.
“But you have to think how lucky you are because there are those people stuck on that cruise ship in Japan while we are here in a nice hotel room.
“We haven’t got too much to complain about. I’m running out of razor blades so I’ll probably have a bit of a seafarer’s beard by the time we get home!”
Chris said he wanted to get home as soon as possible so he could resume his part-time job as a Leicestershire County Council minibus driver, taking children with special needs to school.
He said: “I’ve been in touch with work. They have been very understanding. They know there is not much anybody can do about the situation. I just don’t want to let anyone down.”
Chris said he had a view of the area where deliveries are made to the hotel from his room.
He said: “You can see all the food coming in so we know we’re not going to starve. They sent 60 staff home yesterday afternoon, but there are still people here.
“We can see their families coming to the top of the street and delivering overnight bags with clothes to the police who then bring them here.
“It all feels really strange and we want to come home, but we understand why everything is happening so we are just sitting tight.”
The Italian doctor, who had travelled with his wife, tested positive on Monday and has been placed in isolation in hospital, local media reported, while the El Pais newspaper said about 1,000 guests were affected by the lockdown.
A statement from the hotel said it has “implemented all health and operational recommendations from the health authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of customers and employees”.
“Additionally, we are providing customers and hotel staff all the necessary care and attention so that they are taken care of in the best way possible.”
A Foreign Office spokesman said its staff was offering advice and support to Brits at the hotel.
Symptoms of coronavirus, or Covid-19, include a cough, fever and shortness of breath.