Covid19 Update – Mon 6 April

Covid19 figures for Ibiza & Formentera on 05/04/20 were as follows:

117 cases in total
96 Active Cases
40 in hospitals being monitored
16 in hospitals in intensive care
40 under surveillance at home
15 discharged
6 deceased

The latest fatalities were a 67 year old woman, a man of 97 and a 92 year old woman, all had underlying health issues.

In addition to these ‘active cases’ there are also 5 health workers at home being controlled by UVAC plus another 17 under ‘active surveillance’. These figures are updated daily at 1pm by Balearic Health Office.

After 1 week, the fixed point testing centre at Can Misses has obtained 8 positives and 163 negatives which means that 95.5% of the samples have been negative for Covid19. The centre uses the PCR technique and is aimed at essential healthcare professionals with symptoms compatible with the virus.

Nationally, Sunday’s total deaths of 674 was the lowest seen in 10 days continuing its downward trajectory however there has previously been an underreporting of figures on Sundays and Mondays so the total should be viewed with caution.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Saturday that the government will extend the State of Alarm until 26 April. The new extension will not apply to the previous emergency decree that suspended all non-essential jobs until Thursday April 9. This means that non public-facing sectors such as building can resume after Easter. The Spanish Cabinet will meet on Tuesday to approve the measure then it is likely to face a congressional vote on Thursday.

President of the Balearic Parliament Francina Armengol has asked Pedro Sánchez for help with a tourist reconstruction plan for the Balearic Islands when the current crisis ends. During the 4th video conference meeting between regional presidents, she reminded Madrid that “in our industry, you don’t press a button and it gets going.”

7 people were arrested in Ibiza over the weekend for civil disobedience. In Ibiza Town the Guardia Civil arrested a person for repeated resistance and disobedience after he had previously been denounced 4 times. In Sant Jordi, the Guardia Civil arrested a drunk man for threats and disruption to public order by causing damage to a recycling centre with an axe. The National Police arrested 5 other people in Ibiza, 4 for being on public roads without just cause and the 5th, a 31-year-old man, who was drunk and aggressive in his home. Ibiza Town authorities issued 60 fines on Saturday and 59 on Sunday.

53 people are now housed in the temporary homeless shelter set up by the island council at the Blancadona Sports Centre with the Red Cross saying they are “delighted” with the coexistence between users and staff.

Ibiza tourism leaders have said that the island may have to focus on Spanish tourists should Spain return to normal before other countries. Ibiza’s Director of Tourism, Juan Miguel Costa also warned against reading too much into reports that Jet2 will resume operations in mid June and Tui in early July. “These are declarations of intent rather than effective ideas” as it is “not easy to guess what will happen”. Different phases of the virus experienced in different countries means that Spanish airports may start to operate before others however he stressed the importance to be “prepared” for when borders reopen.

Balearic authorities have increased control and protection measures for victims of gender violence due to the continuing home confinement. The National Police, the Guardia Civil and the Local Police are carrying out permanent and preventive supervision of all reported cases. The 016 telephone number for victims of gender violence continues to operate normally 24 hours a day.

The Spanish Government has set up a telephone service to answer questions about the aid approved at state and regional level in the area of housing due to the Covid19 crisis. The service will be operational from 08:00 to 19:00 and the telephone number is 900 10 79 20.

Formentera has significantly reduced road passenger transport with only 5 taxis now in operation. The taxi rank at La Savina will continue to have a pick up service at boat arrival times while the rest of the island will have an on demand service through Radio Taxi, tel no. 971 322342.

Over the weekend kids entertainers Piruleto and Cachirulo toured the streets of Ibiza for 4 hours entertaining the masses on their balconies and putting a smile on many faces.

The situation is constantly evolving however the message is very clear – please stay at home 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 FLUID. THIS UPDATE IS WRITTEN FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ERRORS GIVEN IN GOOD FAITH