Life in lockdown? It’s just like a war zone...
Ex-Huddersfield gymnast and former landlord of The Angel pub in Paddock, Brian Hayhurst, and his wife Elaine are ex-pats on lockdown at their home on the Costa del Sol, Spain. They have lived just outside Fuengirola for 20 years. Here they tell of what life is like when being caught on the streets could mean a big fine.
WE are now completely in lockdown with police laying down the law firmly. You can walk your dog briefly, but alone. Step onto the beach and receive an on the spot fine. Anyone daring to walk on the sea front is questioned, documents checked and sent home. We are recommended to carry ID at all times.
Travel in the car to a designated point is OK, but alone, unless delivering someone unable to drive and being taken to a clinic or hospital.
With Spain now the second most infected country in Europe they mean business and stand for no nonsense.
I decided on Sunday morning to bike down to a nearby supermarket for a paper. Within five minutes I was questioned by a Guardian Civil Guard who drew up alongside to question me.
They accepted my reply and told to return back home as soon as possible. It really does feel like a war zone with drones and loudspeaker announcements warning people to stay inside.
The suggestion in the UK that those over 70 should self-isolate for four months would be purgatory and the
300,000 who live here (predominantly pensioners) will find that restriction, like those in Britain, absolute misery. Being quarantined in this lovely country is unprecedented.
As from last Sunday all bars, clubs and restaurants must be closed for at least two weeks. We think the government closure might have deterred hundreds of fun seekers from the Madrid region from descending on the Costas where many have holiday homes.
For food outlets, small bars and the hundreds of entertainers this is indeed very serious as their income is reduced to zero.
And with many flights from the UK not allowed in, hotels are unusually quiet. The whole region which relies desperately upon tourism, may take months, maybe years, to recover.
So, with all parks, cafes and beaches closed off, where can families go?
Maybe a walk in the hills, or a stroll down the seafront.
There is a strong presence of police on the Costa del Sol who apparently will fine anyone stepping onto the beach or into a bar attempting a ‘lock
This is not an exaggerated reaction, it
is like a war zone