On Saturday, the Spanish government made formal the state of alert. Freedom of movement is to be restricted, the order having established eight justifications for leaving home:
1. The purchase of food, pharmaceuticals and basic necessities.
2. Attendance at health centres.
3. Travel to places of work.
4. Return to places of habitual residence.
5. Assistance and care for the elderly, minors, dependents, people with disabilities or especially vulnerable people.
6. To go to financial entities (e.g. banks).
7. Due to force majeure or situations of necessity.
8. Any other activity of a justified analogous (comparable) nature.
Use of vehicles will also be permitted in order to go to petrol stations. Expressly prohibited is any outing for a "leisure" purpose. For the time being, attendance at places of worship will be allowed with the simple advice of avoiding crowds and keeping a distance of one metre between people.
All state and regional security forces as well as local police forces are to come under the authority of the ministry of interior. Police will be authorised to carry out checks and searches on people, goods, vehicles, premises and establishments that are necessary. Citizens have a duty to collaborate and not hinder the work of law enforcement officers in the exercise of their functions.
The government has adopted measures to guarantee food supplies. This includes the use of the army if necessary and the accompaniment of vehicles transporting food. There is provision for the rationing of food and for requisitioning factories and buildings, but not private homes.
All public transport is to be reduced, with airline, train, bus and boat operators told that they need to cut services by at least a half and that any plane, train, bus or other means of transport can only be a third full. The government's decree does not foresee closing the country's borders.
Employers will be obliged to allow employees to work remotely, i.e. from home.
Measures regarding the "circulation of people" will come into effect at 08.00 on 16 March. The state of alert will be effective for fifteen days but could be extended.
6 comments
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Sorry Simon, et al, but it's not the walking or running that's the problem, it's the use of communal facilities such as elevators, stairwells and bannisters, door handles, etc. That's why preventative decontamination measures for this and similar outbreaks focus on such areas. You (and I) just have to put up with the inconvenience , for the greater good.
However, Simon, given that many walkers/joggers will use communal corridors, elevators, stairways and door handles whilst leaving and entering buildings there is the potential for viral transfer. Sorry...
I have self isolated since last Wednesday when I returned from the UK. I do not have any symptoms. It is now Sunday. I ambored out of my mind. Running out of food and water. I would like to go for a walk along the sea front. I would like to get some food. But I understand panic buying has taken most of the supplies. Although I do not have any signs of the Virus, I feel that my sitiuation is going to cause my death anyway. Thank you China. LET CHINA SLEEP, FOR AS SHE HAS WOKEN UP, THE WORLD NOW KNOWS. AND IS SUFFERING. KEEP BUILDING COAL FIRED POWER STATIONS AND DESTROY THE PLANET.
What about walking the dog! She thinks it’s essential, as do I. Get the feeling they’ve not really thought this through.
And cycling in Tramontana I hope...😕
I get that we can’t go out and connect with anyone but surely we are allowed to walk and run as London as we are not in groups and don’t come in contact with people.