Tue 24 March – Ibiza Covid19 Update

Here’s an overview of relevant information from the last 24 hours

There are now 35 confirmed cases of the virus in Ibiza. In addition it has been reported that a further 2 elderly residents from the Can Blai retirement home in Santa Eulalia have also tested positive so the numbers may rise today.

19 people are currently in Can Misses Hospital of which 6 are in a critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). 13 are being treated in isolation. A further 16 are being monitored in their homes by the UVAC mobile care units. These numbers include 4 health workers while another 28 health workers are under surveillance. There has been 1 death so far in Ibiza.

Ibiza and Formentera Health Service has launched a new psychological care program for medical professionals to help manage their emotional state during the current health crisis. Management said ‘the exceptional nature of this moment requires us to be offering support to those who need it’.

Carolina Escandell, the Social Welfare Minister for the island has asked for more protective material for the health workers and personnel who work at the Cas Serres hospital, the fire department, the centre for minors and the supervised flats of mistreated women. She said “the coverage right now is adequate but the lack of material is an issue that worries me a lot”.

State Security Forces continue to carry out controls at all ports and airports of the Balearic Islands in compliance with the State of Alarm. As a result a couple who had planned to travel last weekend from a high risk area in Italy to Ibiza were detected at the airport of origin and not allowed to board the plane for public health reasons.

Police and Guardia Civil are deploying checks at busy points throughout the Islands major towns to ensure only 1 occupant per vehicle (except in justified and emergency cases) and to confirm the reason for the journey. This caused a major traffic jam on the way out of San Antonio yesterday that was picked up by the press. On Sunday agents in Ibiza Town filed 104 complaints, 83 by the National Police and 21 from the Local Police.

Work vehicles are allowed 1 passenger plus driver only when transported materials requires 2 people for handling but always complying with self-protection measures. Vehicles whose sole purpose is to transfer workers are not allowed. In addition, a works control campaign has started to inspect the safety conditions of the workers with special attention to self-protection measures.

Ibiza Town Council has announced the postponement of the 2020 edition of Medieval Festival scheduled for 7-10 May but will look to hold it later in the year if possible. IMS – The International Music Summit – has officially announced that their 2020 edition is now cancelled and will roll over to 2021.

The Spanish Government is analysing how to provide aid to those who have problems paying their rent during the Covid19 crisis. José Luis Ábalos, Minister of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda said he hopes to have measures in place by next week. Ábalos also warned that more controls would be in place to prevent people moving to their 2nd homes over the Easter holiday period.

The authorities have specifically warned about fake news so local government websites and credible press/social media pages are the best places to gather important information, please pass on wherever possible.

The situation is evolving every day however the message is very clear – please stay at home wherever possible and keep a cool and calm head. By following these guidelines, together, we will beat this disease and get on with the rest of
our lives.

Best Regards – Stay Safe and Stay Home

With special thanks to Lesley Donald, Tricia Templeton and Julian Cobby

VERY IMPORTANT: INFORMATION TAKEN FROM CREDIBLE PRESS AND GOVERNMENT SOURCES HOWEVER THE SITUATION IS CHANGING VERY QUICKLY. THIS BLOG IS WRITTEN FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ERRORS GIVEN IN GOOD FAITH