Ibiza Covid19 Update – Tue 14/04/20

Covid19 figures for Ibiza & Formentera on 13/04/20 were as follows (via Periodico de Ibiza)

144 cases in total
92 Active Cases
45 in hospitals being monitored
13 in hospitals in intensive care
31 under surveillance at home

There are 3 health workers at home being controlled by UVAC plus another 9 under ‘active surveillance’. These figures are updated daily at 1pm by Balearic Health Office

The latest fatality in Ibiza was a 90 year old woman with underlying health issues from the Reina Sofia nursing home.

The spike in cases over the weekend was due to 11 cases from the Reina Sofia nursing home plus an elderly patient from Formentera who was transfered to Can Misses Hospital via Helicopter.

The Balearic Health Office has said that around 700 tests have already been carried out at Ibiza’s nursing and residential care homes and they will carry on testing in the event of a new outbreak. Reina Sofía has had tests carried out on 128 residents and 71 employees, Cas Serres has tested 123 residents and 180 employees (with 1 employee testing positive) whilst Can Blai in Santa Eulalia has tested 83 residents and 100 employees.

An official study prepared by the Balearic Government has said that the most likely economic scenario is to expect no tourists in May, June or July with August running at 25% capacity followed by September and October at 50% capacity compared to previous years. The Government is confident that the situation will fully return to normal for 2021. Read full article here via Diario de Ibiza

Ibiza’s non-essential workers can now return to work after a 2 week ‘hibernation’ of the economy despite concerns from some health experts and the opposition of some politicians. President of the Balearic parliament Francina Armengol said “we would prefer non-essential jobs to remain inactive but we have to respect the government’s decision”. Catalunya is radically opposed to the idea and Madrid has concerns about a potential new spike in infections. The debate among the scientific community is centred around seeking to balance the public health risk whilst maintaining minimal economic activity.

One of the main problems now facing the local construction industry is lack of materials as during the lockdown only essential goods can be transported from the mainland to the Balearics. Construction work is not allowed to be carried out on occupied properties.

Local authorities are continuing to check that those traveling in vehicles for work reasons have the right paperwork to justify their journey. IMPORTANT: If in doubt please check with your gestoria or financial/legal adviser.

In a bid to ensure the change does not lead to a new rise in infections the Spanish government has published a guide for workers and businesses with recommendations on how to reduce the risk of contagion – click here for more details via El Pais

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez told Congress last week that he is “convinced” that he will have to ask for a further 2 week extension of the current lockdown taking it to 10 May. No details were given about changes to confinement conditions under any new extension although the Spanish government has hinted that it’s considering a gradual deescalation of the measures currently in place subject to any relevant infections data.

The Balearic Islands has received 256,000 face masks from central government specifically for those who still need to use public transport to get to work. Mallorca will receive 202,000 units, Ibiza will get 30,000, Menorca 22,000 and Formentera 2,000. Distribution points will be set up at main bus stations in Ibiza Town, Santa Eulalia and San Antonio – and also the ferry terminal in Formentera at La Savina.

During the first 4 weeks of lockdown San Antonio Local Police filed a total of 358 complaints and controlled 6852 vehicles/people during 281 controlled roadblocks.

A new public bus timetable has come into effect today – click here for more details via Periodico de Ibiza

Last weekends ‘Ibiza needs Ibiza beats’, the virtual music festival featuring David Guetta as Jack Back, Luciano, Pete Tong, Paco Osuna, Sebastián Gamboa, Anna Tur and Manu González and promoted by UD Ibiza football club and the International Music Summit raised over 6500 EUR for Ibiza’s Red Cross to help in it’s fight against Covid19.

Spanish 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 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