14 April - 20 April 2020 by Costa Blanca People

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14TH - 20TH APRIL 2020 - EDITION 834

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Your Essential Weekly Read

Not quite back to normal yet The extended restrictions are lifted this week, but what does this mean? Can our lives return to normal yet? No – not quite. Despite fake news and misinformation circulating on social media, the lockdown is not yet over. The latest extension approved by Congress brings the lockdown until April 26th. The tighter restrictions, introduced two weeks ago in an effort to halt all nonessential activity, are lifted but by no means does this mean that members of the public can resume business as usual. Depending on where you live, the non-essential sectors are allowed to resume activity on either Monday or Tuesday of this week (in many towns, Monday is a bank holiday). Many employees can now return to work and if you are expected back to work this week, your employer will have communicated that with you. For the majority of the population, the original limitations as set out in the original State of Alarm decree issued on March 14th still stand. Persons working in healthcare, security forces, telecommunications, customs, the supply and distribution of food and basic necessities and in the supply of electricity and fuel can continue to work. Auxiliary services an also continue to operate, including industrial components, cleaning, surveillance and security, mechanical maintenance and breakdown services, the transportation of goods and persons necessary for the aforementioned activities as well as rubbish collection and water supply services. Public transport can also continue but is still subject to restrictive measures and a reduced timetable. From this week, additional masks will be

distributed to members of the workforce who use public transport. Essential court and justice services can also continue to operate where necessary. Bars and restaurants are not allowed to open to the public but some can provide home delivery of food. Discos, cultural and leisure facilities, sports facilities, amusement parks and auditoriums are not yet allowed to open. Festivals, parades and other such gatherings in public places, either out in the open or in enclosed venues are not yet allowed to take place. Food shops, pharmacies, medical centres, opticians, orthopaedic clinics, newspaper shops, tobacconists, petrol stations, pet food suppliers, technology suppliers, internet suppliers and laundries are allowed to open. Hairdressing salons are not allowed to open, but a mobile service is allowed only to guarantee the care and hygiene of the most vulnerable members of the population. Warnings of a rise The Spanish government has come out in defence of its decision to allow some members of the workforce to return to the coalface this week. Warnings from the WHO caution that any relaxation of the current confinement measures could lead to another spike in infections. Spain’s Minister for Health, Salvador Illa, said that the tighter lockdown was only ever intended to be a temporary measure to take the pressure off the health service. He said “We still have very, very drastic restrictions in place,” and that all decisions taken so far have been taken “on the basis of consensus.”

Salvador Illa, Spain´s Minister for Health

Illa also revealed that the lockdown could go on for a few more weeks at least. “As the prime minister has already said, it’s very probable that these measures will be in force beyond 26 April,” he said. “Spain is not deescalating; we remain in lockdown.” Illa continued, “The information we have at the moment confirms a slowing down of the disease and the growth in new cases is much lower than it was last week, or two weeks ago, or a month ago. He did caution that the lockdown needs to continue, saying, “We know

this is a big sacrifice for everyone, but it’s one that has to be made. If the epidemic carries on going in the same direction, we may be able to alter the response,

but it will always be done prudently, cautiously, and on the basis of the scientific evidence we have.”

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CostaBlancaPeople 14th - 20th April 2020

Man travelled to Torrevieja to ‘spread infection’

Holiday companies announce flight restart Airlines have released fresh information on when they are looking to be up and running again. Despite the UK foreign office recommending people don't go abroad "indefinitely" in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus, many are hoping lockdown restrictions will be lifted in time to have a Spanish summer holiday. To offer a glimmer of hope TUI, Jet2 and Ryanair have announced a dates for a resumption of services. Please bear in mind, as things develop both at home and overseas these dates might change.

A man was arrested after he shared videos of himself on social networks claiming he, and thousands of others from Madrid, had travelled to Torrevieja to spread coronavirus. The man recorded himself hurling insults at the people of Torrevieja, claiming he had managed to evade police checkpoints along with 4000 other infected Madridians. The 62 year old claimed in a

lengthy video rant that 4000 Madridians had travelled to Torrevieja to spread the virus. In the self filmed video shared on social media, he claimed to have arrived to Torrevieja over Easter (despite, it later transpired, his actual arrival in January). The man appears in the video with a makeshift disguise and the video, containing a number of insults to the people of Torrevieja, spread like wildfire.

He said that he and his fellow ‘Madrileños’ had decimated the stock at local supermarkets in order that the people of Torrevieja would starve. The man sparked a number of complaints to police and he was swiftly located and arrested. As he had claimed in his video that he was infected with Covid-19, he was tested after his arrest and detained in the Torrevieja Guardia Civil Barracks.

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TUI Tui has announced that it plans to start flying again on 17th June. A spokeswoman from Tui said: "We are constantly monitoring the situation and will start taking people on holiday again as soon as we are able to do so." Posting an update on Twitter, TUI told customers not to contact them, but to head to their website for the latest information. "Customers can amend all holidays up to 30th June for free, even if you are due to travel between 17th April and 14th May."

Jet2 Jet2 said it also would not be restarting any flight until June. A spokseman said: “In view of the ongoing uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have taken the decision to recommence our flights and holidays programme on 17th June. "We are keeping this decision under constant review, in line with guidance from Governments and the relevant authorities." Ryanair Ryanair has grounded 90 percent of its flights, but will continue to operate on a limited schedule. Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary confirmed a normal schedule of commercial flights won't return until 17th June. Until then, the airline is

waiving the change fee for any flights booked up to the end of May, which can be changed to date up until the end of August. Easyjet Budget airline easyJet said it has no fixed date to start flying again. A spokesman said: "At this stage there can be no certainty of the date for restarting commercial flights and we are evaluating continuously based on changing regulations and customer demand. "For customers whose flights are not cancelled but would like to move to a later date they can amend their flight online with no change fee and we have brought forward our winter schedule onsale so customers have more choice to move their flights, up to 28th February 2021," the spokesman added.

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Keeping the Costa clean The Councillor for Street Cleaning, Dámaso Aparicio, announced the temporary suspension of the service for the collection of household items across the city, coast and districts of Orihuela in compliance with the measures decreed by the Government during the State of Alarm generated by the Covid-19. The essential garbage collection service continues to be provided and additional precautions are being taken to clean and disinfect litter bins daily and rigorously. In compliance with the measures decreed during the State of Alarm, the Councillor has asked the citizens to “refrain from leaving belongings on public roads during the quarantine and to stay at home. It is important to avoid unnecessary trips and go out only to cover basic needs such as food purchases or to dispose of general

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food and household waste. ” The Department has also been exercising extreme caution in the face of the current state of alarm, in collaboration with the Departments of Emergencies and Infrastructure by disinfecting areas where numbers of people may still have to pass such as medical centres, supermarkets and food delivery outlets. The local government is calling on the local community to be extra careful about what is left in the streets including protective gloves and pet droppings – which are still being left by shoppers or those walking pets. The Councillor said: “Disposable gloves can be thrown in any rubbish bin or directly in the household waste at home - but please, not on the floor. The same applies to pet droppings, which must be collected by the owners.

Orihuela City creates Covid19 Information Office The Mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñana, and the Councillor for Emergencies, Víctor Valverde, have announced that the Orihuela City Council has created the “Office of Information, Aid and Subsidies for COVID-19”, in order to “make available to the people a service where they can consult all the information referring to the help that the different administrations can offer, whether at the local, provincial, autonomous or state

level,” explained the Mayor. This service, which has been in operation since Wednesday, 8th April, consists of "bringing the entire administration closer to the people of Orihuela who have been affected by this health crisis and who need help either of a social nature, or of a business nature as self-employed, merchants and SMEs, or any other area that needs a subsidy, explained the Councillor for Emergencies, Víctor Valverde.

To allow for direct communication during the lockdown period an email has been set up for public use at: ayudacovid19@orihuela.es, as well as a WhatsApp line on 696 42 87 13, while the telephone number 96 607 61 is also available and callers on this number should ask for extension 1142. The opening hours for the "Office of Information, Aid and Subsidies for COVID-19" are from 9am to 2pm Monday to Friday.

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CostaBlancaPeople 14th - 20th April 2020

May 2020 Fair cancelled It is news that the public has been expecting, but the mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, has officially announced that due to the health crisis of Covid-19 the town hall has taken the decision to cancel the May Fair. The popular event was due to be held from May 6th to May 10th and although a postponement to the end of May was considered, as the state of alarm has been extended and the legal deadlines to renew providers’ contracts is running out, it was agreed to cancel the event entirely and instead,

hold off until 2021. The Department of Fiestas of Torrevieja Town Hall expressed its sincere thanks to all who were due to participate in the 2020 May Fair - the dance academies, choirs, horsemen and women and, of course, to the ‘caseteros’ who run the iconic green and white striped casetas offering food, drink and dancing during the fair. It is hoped that these same groups can again work together to make the 2021 May Fair one to remember.

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Elche man ‘worst in Spain’ for skipping quarantine A duty judge in Elche has ordered prison for an Elche man, describing the decision as the ‘only solution’. The man, thought to be aged 45, has been caught skipping quarantine 32 times having been stopped by police and unable to offer any justification for leaving his home. Deputy Director General of the National Police, José García Molina, mentioned the case on his morning briefing on TV and the story spread around the country in minutes. The man is a habitual drug user, and thus – according to the security forces – more likely to repeatedly breach the rules of lockdown. He lives in a deprived area of Elche and made national news this week, having been identified on TV as the worst man in Spain for skipping quarantine since the national State of Emergency has been underway. When speaking about the case, García Molina referred to the thankless

but essential police work underway by the security forces who are working to identify thousands of people who continue to roam the streets. The man in question has been reprimanded up to 32 times, 18 times by the Local Police and 14 by the National Police. It is believed that most of the times the man skipped quarantine, he was going in search of drugs in the downtown area of Elche where he was known (prior to lockdown) for standing in the doorways of supermarkets and shops, begging change from passersby. According to local sources, the man was staying at a homeless centre (specifically set up during the pandemic) despite having a regular residence in Elche. Eventually, he was arrested and sent to prison in order that he stops being a danger to himself and others. He already has a police record.

José García Molina

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Locals donate snorkel Spain launches coronavirus masks to fight the virus drug trial for health workers The kind, generous and selfless nature of the expat community is shining through, despite the strict terms of the national lockdown. Local residents in Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja have answered the call of a campaign launched by the Proteccion Civil to collect snorkel masks which can then be used as breathing aids for Coronavirus patients. Local business woman Nicola, who owns Paradise Pools and Gardens, heard about the campaign and was keen to help. Nicola said: “Given our area of expertise a campaign to collect snorkel masks hit home for us and we were keen to help in any way we could. We hoped that some of our clients would have these masks lying around and would be happy to donate them.” So encouraged by Nicola local residents have been handing over their masks to help battle coronavirus on a local level.

Nicola’s business has permission to operate in line with lockdown restrictions and having been made aware of the campaign she took the opportunity to ask clients to donate any masks they had by leaving them at the side of their pools so Nicola’s team could collect them. Amps Electrical is also doing the same with its clients. The masks are then collected from Nicola by Guadia Civil officers, in their own personal time we might add, thanks to the N332 group, and taken to be fully

sanitized before being handed over to Torrevieja hospital. The masks are then adapted into breathing and ventilating equipment to help patients suffering from Coronavirus. So far the initiative has donated around 25 masks but more are desperately needed. If you have any fully fitting snorkel masks – like the ones in the picture – and would like to donate them please get in touch with Nicola on 698224559, The N332 Group or your local Proteccion Civil unit.

Health workers represent around 15 percent of all confirmed coronavirus cases in Spain – 19,400 professionals have tested positive since the beginning of the outbreak. Of this figure, 10 percent have been hospitalised, while 20 percent have been discharged after recovering from the disease. Given these risks, Spain’s Health Minister Salvador Illa announced that the country will soon begin a clinical trial on how to stop health workers from contracting the coronavirus. The investigation, dubbed the Clinical Trial for the Prevention of Coronavirus Infection in Health Workers (Epicos), is the largest in Europe in this sector, according to Illa. The trial will study 4,000 health workers, from porters to doctors, at 62 hospitals in 13 regions in Spain. The Epicos initiative is part of a new wave of drug trials and studies that are already underway or awaiting approval. In the last month, the Spanish Medicines Agency has received 120 proposals for trials, said César Hernández, head of the regulatory agency’s department for human medicines. Of these, 21 are already approved and

underway. The Epicos investigation will evaluate to what extent existing medicines, which have so far had promising results against Covid19 but have not been trialled on a large scale, can protect health workers from contagion. Some volunteers will be given hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties; other will take drugs used against HIV (a combination of

emtricitabine and tenofovir); while a third group will be given a placebo. The investigation, which will be overseen by the Spanish Medicines Agency, will release its first results in four weeks’ time. Although the trial is aimed at health workers, the findings from the investigation will be applicable to the entire population and could, for example, be used to treat patients and their carers.

CostaBlancaPeople 14th - 20th April 2020

5 THINGS TO AVOID, WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME Rebecca Serwotka Rebecca Serwotka - Your favourite local property expert, of Inmobiliaria Real Estate Agents in Ciudad Quesada & published author of “Moving Forward - 25 Essential Rules For Buying & Selling Real Estate Without Going Crazy.” Request your FREE copy today!Featured on Best Buy Spain - Property TV.

If your property is currently on the market or you’ll be ready to start the process once isolation is over, before you start showing your home, take note of these 5 things to avoid: 1. One subject that is always avoidable, is talking about the price of the home. Making a comment like, “we know we’re on the high side, but we’re not in any hurry to sell,” will most certainly turn a potential buyer off. 2. Features and upgrades are not all welcomed in the same way, so don’t be eager to talk about them as soon as your buyer walks through your door. What you believe to be an upgrade, may not be classed as one at all, in your buyer’s eyes! 3. Nosey neighbours! If you don’t know who your nosey neighbour is, then you must be it! I like to think of this as being a positive, but again, it can turn buyers off, especially if they think someone could be watching their every move. So don’t feel it necessary to point out where the “curious” neighbours reside!

4. Another avoidable subject is location. Not every home is in a highly desirable area, so don’t highlight this fact. Not every buyer will like your location. Just because you like being close to the shops, or bars and restaurants, doesn’t mean everyone else will. 5. Go easy on the buyer. Don’t overpower them. Let them have a leisurely look around, instead of creating a whirlwind as you whisk them through room after room. You don’t want your buyer running away from your home faster than the running of the bulls in Pamplona! Ideally is to let your Real Estate Agent do the showing for you! Selling? Enjoy the journey!

Need help selling your property? Contact me today on 966 718 392 to set up an immediate “virtual appointment,” with live video chat. See our advert in the centre pages of this newspaper! www.homes4u.es

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Police target Easter tourists Video footage of traffic jams of people trying to flout national lockdown restrictions and escape Madrid for Easter filled local communities in the Southern Costa Blanca with dread because once again it was the coast that most of them wanted to head to. However, police across the country were ready to turn them back at every opportunity and in line with these

national measures Police across the Costa Blanca also increased the number of road blocks to catch those who believe the lockdown rules don’t apply to them. Benidorm battened down its hatches by controlling all major access routes into the popular holiday resort from Thursday onwards. The town’s Mayor Toni Pérez, in a tele-video press

conference, announced that the city is only be accessible through the "points established as mandatory accesses routes and that correspond to the five main entrances to Benidorm: Vila Joiosa, Juan Pablo II, Beniardà, European Community and Valencian Community avenues – all of which are security controlled.” These checks were in evidence locally as well as Guardamar, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Pilar and the Mar Menor all put additional checks in place. However, despite the deployment of security measures Police, Civil Guard and Army every day to maintain the confinement of the population during the State of Alarm, the arrival of visitors to the coastal cities of Vega Baja was seen in the days leading up to Easter. A spokesman for the Local Police said: “These cases put at risk the sacrifices made by the rest of the population locked up at home for weeks.” People were warned to make sure to take ID with them if going out on essential errands as Local Police on the coast were on the lookout for ‘lockdown flouters’ breaking the rules and travelling. Local residents have been reporting new arrivals to the Police and naming and shaming on social media. Cars parking up in front of what are known to be second homes,

Increase in road blocks to catch Easter tourists

or windows being opened up in holiday-home properties are just some of the tell tale signs. Some travellers from areas like Madrid arrived in the middle of the night to avoid the extra security checks that has been in force.

Spot fines committing these serious offences is punishable by fines ranging from €600 to €30,000, according to article 36.6 of the decree bought in recently in a bid to cap the spread of the coronavirus.

Avoid injury during home workouts Amid all the social distancing and lockdown restrictions due to COVID-19, your workouts probably look a little different and are done in the living room, kitchen, or bedroom. But as at-home workouts become all the rage (or at least the necessity), it becomes even more important to take the proper safety measures to avoid workout injuries. Take the following steps to keep your body injury-free while working out at home. Clear the space. Make sure you have the room to exercise. Check that you’re in the clear by putting your arms up and out to the sides and doing a 360-degree spin and make sure you check the floor for kids’ toys, books, weights, and anything else

that could get in the way and cause you to trip and fall or hurt yourself. Move the furniture if you need to, so you have the room to jump around, especially if you’re doing a HIIT class. Know your body. There are so many free workouts available, which is great, but each individual has different goals, priorities, and different fitness levels, so if you find a free workout and it doesn’t feel good on your body, then that’s a sign to skip it. Also, if you’re new to exercise start with something you know or a first timer-friendly workout and then go from there. Something else to keep in mind:

know you can’t bank exercise. That means, if you hit it hard for the next few weeks or months, but then stop completely, you’ll go back to baseline. Switch it up. It’s easy to work out every day, especially now that everyone's locked up inside and can’t get to our favourite classes that might kick our butts more than the bodyweight routines many people are doing at home. But if you're trying to exercise every single day, try not to repeat the same movements. Also aim for five to six days a week of exercise and at least one or two for rest and recovery. On those recovery days, take a bath, do some foam rolling, or just enjoy those Netflix binges.

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GBP / EUR UPDATE

GBP Sterling found itself in no-man’s land, hanging back in this shortened pre-holiday week. The news that PM Boris Johnson was in the intensive care unit of St Thomas’s Hospital with coronavirus has left the government slightly adrift. With the lockdown continuing indefinitely, it is in contrast to other countries, such as Austria and Germany, who are starting to anticipate that the Covid-19 pandemic might soon have ran its course and life will return to normal. Left behind by the safe havens and commodity dollars, sterling saw an average loss of 0.8%, level with the US dollar and losing appreciable ground to the Australian and NZ dollars. The pound lost a fifth of a euro cent. General disenchantment was already looming over sterling before the news on the PM. Midweek stats from the construction sector purchasing managers’ index showed business expectations slumping to the “weakest since October 2008”. It was already on the back foot from Sunday’s threat from Health Secretary Matt Hancock suggesting the government could tighten restrictions if people fail to comply with social distancing. Greater Manchester Police today announced they had to break up 660 parties last weekend. Confusion over coronavirus testing is also casting a shadow over sterling, where Germany is testing 50,000 people a day. The UK is aiming for 100,000 a day by the end of the month. The other big news this week asides from Johnson’s health was the UK government borrowing billions from the Bank of England. While controversial for a central bank to do this, it is a temporary overdraft and gives the government a cash buffer to borrow and raise unprecedented amounts to tackle the impact of

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coronavirus on the economy. The financial crisis in 2008 was the last time this was enacted.

EUR Anticipation surrounded the Eurogroup meeting this week, where they discussed a “coordinated response to the economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic.” So far, the euro has been treading water with the inability of the EU member states to agree on a collective fiscal stimulus scheme, along the lines of those put in place by the UK and the US, among others. The meeting, or teleconference to be exact, failed to come up with a solution, with Italy and the Netherlands having staunchly differing opinions. Another attempt is expected after the 16 hour video conference. The leaders cannot agree on a way to provide emergency finances to the countries hardest hit, such as Italy. The euro still picked up a fifth of a US cent in any case. Italy’s PM Giuseppe Conte has said that the European Union risks failing as a project because of the coronavirus crisis. Talking to the BBC, he said the EU must act adequately and coordinated, rising to "the biggest test since the Second World War". Causing more damage was the Banque de France’s forecast that the French economy shrank by around 6% in the first quarter. The services sector purchasing managers’ index was no better. While the UK’s was 34.5 and marked a record fall in activity, it was better than Germany’s 31.7, Euroland’s 26.4 and Italy’s 17.4 – a stark reminder of how difficult life has become for the services sector across Europe. On a scale of 0-100, where 50 represents stagnation and zero means, frankly annihilation, Italy’s score is a cause of concern.

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WHO praises Spain’s ‘heroic response’ A World Health Organisation inspection in Spain has concluded that it acted 'heroically' and that it did, in fact, move quickly after the Coronavirus spread like wildfire within days. Head of epidemiology and health emergency at the WHO, Canada's Dr Bruce Aylward, headed up the mission to check on Spain's response to the spread of Covid-19 and has assured that measures taken have led to the trend 'moving towards hope'. “Spain's response has been truly heroic, and the efforts of those on the front line extraordinarily innovative,” Dr Aylward said in a press conference, having spent eight days in the country. His visit included inspections in medical centres in Madrid and the province of Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha – the first being the worst-hit area in the country, and the second also having some of the highest numbers of cases. Multiplications of contagions have reduced from two days at the beginning of March to eight days by a week into April, says Dr Aylward. This means that the time it takes for a person infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus to pass it on to multiple other people now

EXPAT BRIEFINGS www.expatbriefings.com “Expert Financial Advice for Expats”

NOW ONLINE Dr Bruce Aylward, World Health Organization

averages eight days, whereas, just three weeks ago, this would have happened in a quarter of the time. Imposing the national lockdown meant the average transmission time went almost immediately from two days to five. Dr Aylward stresses the 'startling speed' with which the Coronavirus spread throughout Spain – on 22nd February, only two or three new cases were being diagnosed daily, and outside Madrid, those regions affected were only in double figures with the numbers of patients infected. But two weeks

later, practically every region had cases on record. With many of these imported from Italy, the number of Coronavirus positives in Spain multiplied 20 times over in seven days in March, 'which reflects the speed at which this illness can explode in given circumstances', according to Dr Aylward. It was this rapid extension that led Spain to declare a State of Alarm and order the entire population to stay at home, shutting down all businesses except those of 'primary necessity', such as supermarkets.

Expat Briefings go Online Now more than ever is the time when we all need answers, but with public gatherings stopped and everyone on lockdown speaking to experts is more difficult than ever. However, Expat Briefings has the perfect solution. It is continuing its popular meetings virtually through an online conference call. Expat Briefings are local events held at bars and restaurants across the southern Costa Blanca, Costa Calida and Murcia regions. These free and informal seminars providefinancial and practical advice for expats living in Spain and have built up a considerable reputation over the last 3 years, advising and helping more than 2000 people. Organised by Richard Samuels, a qualified financial adviser and one of the main speakers at the events, Expat Briefings aresponsored by a leading legal and accountancy practice and Spain´s largest funeral plan service provider. This meansthe advice given is of the highest quality and the team can also offerprofessional assistance with manyof the issues discussed at the meetings. It is the quality of advice and access to leading experts that have made Expat Briefings so popular. The topics covered aim to provide guidance for people

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new to Spain and those looking to become permanently resident. They include areas such as ´The Rules on Residency`,´The Spanish Tax System`and ‘How the funeral system works’. However, the discussions are purposely informal to allow people to ask the experts individual questions at the end of the session.

Meeting demand Given the current restrictions the traditional format for the briefings has had to be rethought. With bars and restaurants closed and people confined to their homes, the meetings have been put on hold. However, with more and more people enquiring about the service the team is now going to host interactive events online. Expat Briefings will now take the form of an online conference call with multiple attendees.People will need to register beforehand and provide an e-mail address so they can be‘invited’ to join the scheduled call at the appropriate time. Each call will be limited to 12 people to ensure they keep the informal nature and allow everyone to be able to ask their individual questions. The conference call will include a full presentation witha question and answer session at the end, or people can request a one on one

chat. In order to take part each person will need to have downloaded an app on to their computer, laptop, ipad or phone and help doing this can be given when you register. For people unable to download the app there is a short video on the Expat Briefings website which covers some of the points discussed at the events. You can then request further information if required. Expat Briefings will remain free of charge and if the online meetings prove popular they will remain an option even after the lockdown restrictions are lifted. The first planned virtual event is Thursday 23rd April at 11am and a second is planned for the following Thursday at the same time and more events will be added to meet demand. For further information visit: www.expatbriefings.com or email: info@expatbriefings.com Alternatively, leave your name and number onthe 965 02 03 44 call back service or leave a message on the Facebook page.

GET ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS THAT MATTER TO YOU “Residency What are the rules/requirements?” “Spanish/UK tax What are my obligations?” “What are my pension options?” “What savings plans are available to Spanish residents?” “Can I get a better return than the bank?” “What is the 720 declaration?” “Spanish Inheritance tax, healthcare and much more” “How does the Spanish funeral system work?” Visit the website for a short video briefing or register for a full interactive event

Thursday 23rd April - 11am Thursday 30th April - 11am Contact us now and we will send you details of how to login. Its free and informal. Places may be limited so register NOW to avoid disappointment.

You can contact us by email, telephone or via the website Contact: +34 965 02 03 44 info@expatbriefings.com www.expatbriefings.com

CostaBlancaPeople 14th - 20th April 2020

A roundup of the N332's most popular stories this week

Suspension of building works The government has restricted certain building works in houses and apartment buildings where there are members of the public present during works.

construction works". This measure excludes specific works in buildings to carry out urgent repairs of facilities and breakdowns.

The Official State Gazette (BOE) published late on Sunday 12th April included a Ministerial Order for reformation works in existing buildings. Works in buildings where there are persons (not part of the building work) present are to be suspended to avoid contact between workers and those who live/work in the building and thus reduce the risk of contagion of coronavirus. The decree explains that "the concentration of persons in buildings" where works are carried out in which "workers must share certain common spaces with residents or other users" implies an "increased risk of contagion by Covid-19". Therefore, the Government, to "guarantee the containment of the pandemic", proceeds to suspend "the execution of certain

Due to the amount of calls received reporting the arrival of people to coastal towns you will find that in some towns the Police have decided to ask so see ID

in order to verify people who do not live in the area permanently. Please ensure you always carry some form of ID be it your driving licence, Id card or passport.

Rubbish Containers

Completion of field hospitals The Valencian Government have finished in record time the works of the three field hospitals situated in the cities of Alicante, Valencia, and Castellón. These field hospitals will become operational this week, receiving patients affected by COVID19. In the following cities the field hospitals are already operative; - Madrid

Whilst the lockdown is in place you will find that the rubbish container lids are being left open and we are being asked

not to close them. This measure has been put in place by the local town halls to avoid touching the container.

- Leganes (Madrid) - Alcala de Henares (Madrid) - Barcelona - Igualada (Barcelona) - Zaragoza - Valladolid - Oviedo (Asturias) - Gijón (Asturias) - Avilés (Asturias) Soon; - La Coruña (Galicia) - Santiago de Composterla (Galicia)

Donations by Johnson´s Supermarket On Thursday 9th April the N332 team had the chance of visiting the Hospitals in Torrevieja (Alicante) to give away more than one hundred handicrafts plus Easter eggs donated by Johnson's supermarket in gratitude for the hard work they are doing.

Police Checkpoints at the Supermarkets.

Car manufacturer produces respirators

Some of them have been taken to the Pediatric unit and the others were divided up among all the medical staff. Thanks for the collaboration of the following volunteers: Heather Lorimer Richard Cairns Ron Swift Julie Swift Karen Leuty Ruth Blackwood Jacqueline Shirt Brenda Glasson

The Spanish vehicle manufacturer Seat go from making cars to making respirators. With the use of a wiper engine, engineers have managed to manufacture the respirators in record time. Besides, they have been homologated thus they are ready to be used in all hospitals. The production line at the Seat plant in Martorell (Barcelona) at the moment has an unprecedented appearance: it has gone from mounting cars to making assisted respirators needed to collaborate with health authorities to supply hospitals with this key element in the fight against coronavirus. The Health Minister stated; "We need to increase the national production of this kind of medical supply and not depend upon third countries."

Thanks to all the national brands; Seat, Shiro, MT, etc... who have changed their production line in order to help to save lives.

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CostaBlancaPeople 14th - 20th April 2020

News

WhatsApp introduces forwarding limits to tackle fake news spread The spread of fake news is being tackled by messaging platform WhatsApp. With increased focus on the role of private messaging apps and their role in the proliferation of fake news and misinformation in relation to the Coronavirus pandemic, WhatsApp revealed that it will place new limits on the forwarding of messages. The company, which is owned by Facebook, said it would place new limits on the forwarding of messages. From now on, messages that have been identified as “highly forwarded” - sent through a chain of five or more people can only be forwarded to a single person. The move is designed to reduce the speed with which information moves through WhatsApp. “We know many users forward helpful information, as well as funny videos, memes, and reflections or prayers they find meaningful. In recent weeks, people have also used WhatsApp to organize public moments of support for frontline health workers,” WhatsApp, said in a blog post. “However, we’ve seen a significant increase in the amount of forwarding which users have told us can feel overwhelming and can contribute to the spread of misinformation. We believe it’s important to slow the spread of these messages down to keep WhatsApp a place for personal conversation.” Since the coronavirus crisis emerged, there has been a huge surge in the use of Whatsapp directly related to the pandemic. WhatsApp has repeatedly come under the spotlight for the way it

No one wants to be my friend

WhatsApp limits forwarding to reduce fake news

can be used to spread misinformation, panic messages and fake news. When the western world first underwent ‘lockdown’ in March, there were many allegations in the media that that the app had been used to share a variety of false information about “cures” for COVID-19 and hoaxes about military activity related to the disease. In response to criticism and scrutiny, WhatsApp promoted a bot made by the World Health Organization that provides information about the disease that has been vetted by healthcare professionals. The app has been used by more than 10 million people. WhatsApp also donated $1 million to the International FactChecking Network For a long time now, it has been possible for WhatsApp users to forward a single message to as many as 256 people very little effort. Earlier in WhatsApp’s

existence, these messages were not (as they are now) labelled as ‘fowards’ and because of the end-to-end encryption engaged by Whatsapp, it makes it even more difficult for authorities to determine the source of messages. This quickly became an issue when the messaging platform was being used to spread hate speech or calls to violence such as the incidents in India where WhatsApp was directly linked to mob violence. Two years ago, in 2018, WhatsApp began introducing limits on the number of times a single message could be forwarded. The service also began labelling messages as ‘fowarded’ – now forwarded messages display two arrows to show recipients that a message has been forwarded. Last year, in 2019, limits were introduced so that a single message could only be forwarded to five contacts.

I know lots of people, and I say I have friends, but I am kidding myself as I spend day and night with no one to talk to. I’ve spent year after year here at home - no one comes to see me, all I do is watch TV 24 hours a day. All my life it has been the same for me. People are tolerant of me but when the chips are down, I don’t have any true friends. Most people throughout their life make friends and build lasting relationships. Your longer letter tells me a lot about what you expect from friendship, and this in itself is quite revealing. In order for you to try and help yourself, I am going to ask you to take a long look at how you are with others. Are you quite self consumed, and only talk about yourself? How much do you really know about other peoples’ lives? I have counselled many people in your situation. One person who interestingly shared a lot of the same traits as yourself was asked to identify a person they knew, who they might want as a friend. Then to tell me how much they knew about this person. Amazingly this client said he knew nothing about this person at all, but when pressed admitted that he had told them all about himself in great detail, and often kept people for hours on end off-loading all his problems. So there you have it, we have a situation where the client was completely uninterested in the other person. People are often very much aware that they are being used, and may possibly avoid people who only come across as caring about themselves. In order for people to like you; you have to like people. Ask questions of others, show real interest even if you have never been used to doing this – you must try, because then if people know you truly care and are genuinely interested, they will warm to you and seek you out for company – it’s a two way street. Lastly, there are friendship groups out there with lots of people exactly like you – you are not alone, but don’t forget to use the skills outlined above and you will find things can change. WRITE TO SARA IN CONFIDENCE. A PSEUDONYM WILL BE USED IF YOU WISH. SARA READS ALL LETTERS AND CAN GIVE A PERSONAL REPLY. EMAIL YOUR QUESTION TO SARA@COSTABLANCAPEOPLE.COM OR SARA IS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS, TELEPHONE 650 054 467.

News

CostaBlancaPeople 14th - 20th April 2020

Torrevieja ‘speakeasy’ shut down A bar in Torrevieja that had carried on serving drinks to clients behind closed doors has been shut down by the Guardia Civil. Nearby residents had alerted the police to the existence of the clandestine bar, claiming that its shady patrons had to tap a ‘password’ on the metal shutter before being granted access to the premises. The reports by neighbours led to officers identifying the bar in question, in Torrevieja’s town centre. The metal shutter was lowered at all times so as not to arouse suspicion during the state of alarm – when legally, no bars or restaurants are allowed to operate. Officers set up surveillance of the bar and it didn’t take long for the first customer to arrive. An elderly man who was out walking his dog walked past the bar, looked around to check there was no one watching (he obviously didn’t spot the covert surveillance) and tapped the password on to the shutter. From inside, the shutter was opened the man quickly went inside and the shutter was lowered again. The Guardia Civil then went inside and verified that the elderly man was indeed a customer, drinks were being served and the coffee machine was hot. Both the bar owner and the man were issued with a fine. The fines issued in Torrevieja

Guardia Civil captured this photo of the man being granted access to the bar

for breaching the rules of confinement and social distancing since the state of alarm began now number in the hundreds. Some fines issued are

The coffee machine was on and drinks were being served

more remarkable than others – this ‘speakeasy’ style bar, a gym operating behind closed doors and a supermarket selling drugs alongside groceries.

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CostaBlancaPeople 14th - 20th April 2020

Are Your Savings Still In The UK? Many people who have moved to Spain do not want to bring all their savings and investments with them to this country. Spanish banks do not have a great track record and then there is currency question – Sterling or convert to Euros? One of the main problems with keeping your money in the UK, is a lack of adviser to keep an eye on your investments and switch funds when the need arises. Your UK financial adviser should not continue to work on your behalf if you are living as a Spanish tax resident. Another problem is that UK based savings like ISA’s, Premium Bonds and other NS&I products

minimum risk. The Prudential savings bond offers clients a way to grow their money As a Spanish tax resident there are a number virtually tax-free, with no need to report on or products offered by some of the worlds’ their annual tax return or the Modelo 720. The largest financial institutions specifically tailored other major benefit is the money is not held to meet your investment needs. Indeed, one here in Spain, but in the Republic of Ireland. such provider, Prudential International, have a The Seagate team has a wealth of experience Spanish tax compliant savings bond that outperforms the UK equivalent simply because in providing advice on all aspects of savings and investment options. If you have an of the taxation treatment. investment, but no adviser, we can help to get Here at Seagate Wealth we understand that your portfolio back on track. many ex-pats do not wish to bring their money For a free no-obligation chat with a UK to Spain and for that reason we work with a number of product providers to ensure their qualified adviser, call 965 704 338 or email: money works as hard as possible with contact@seagatewealth.es are not suitable for Spanish residents.

CostaBlancaPeople 14th - 20th April 2020

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CostaBlancaPeople 14th - 20th April 2020

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Andrea Bocelli

Moving, mesmerising, magnificent!' Andrea Bocelli leaves viewers in tears as 3.4 million watch his Music For Hope concert live from the deserted Duomo di Milano on Easter Sunday Italian opera singer, 61, was granted exclusive access to closed Milan cathedral. Bocelli was solemn when photographed at the breathtaking cathedral in a tux. The Milan cathedral is closed amid Covid-19 but exclusively opened for Bocelli. Bocelli was accompanied by Duomo di Milano's organist, Emanuele Vianelli. Lord Sugar says The Apprentice 2020 has been CANCELLED and next series could be could be pushed back until late 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic

CostaBlancaPeople 14th - 20th April 2020

The latest series of The Apprentice has been cancelled as the nation continues to stay in lockdown amid the spread of the deadly COVID-19. Lord Alan Sugar, 73, who fronts the BBC programme, revealed the news on Sunday after being asked about the future of the business-based reality show by a fan on Twitter. The entrepreneur clarified that contestants lined up for the 2020 series will 'be called on' for the next series of The Apprentice - whenever that may be. 'We proved them wrong!' Love Island's Molly-Mae Hague hits back at critics for thinking her relationship with Tommy Fury was 'fake' They met last summer when appearing on Love Island, finishing in second place. But after lasting more than a year outside the show's purpose built villa, Molly-Mae Hague hit back at critics for claiming her relationship Tommy Fury is 'fake.' The social media influencer, 20, was doing an Instagram Q&A whilst in isolation with her beau on Sunday when she hit back. When a fan asked if it was annoying that so many were skeptical of their romance, she replied: 'No its not

annoying because everyone is entitled to their own opinion and we proved everyone wrong in the end anyway.' Another fan asked: 'What is your favourite thing about Tommy?' To which she shared: 'My favourite thing about Tommy is that he can literally make me laugh more than anyone else on the planet' The influencer was embracing the spring sunshine while stood outside the penthouse flat she shares with the boxer. Both on and off Love Island Molly and Tommy faced criticism from viewers who did not believe their romance was genuine. Molly was branded 'Money-Mae' by cruel trolls who thought she was after the £50,000 prize money and not looking for love. Coronation Street icons to reunite for special spin-off episodes honouring the ITV soap's favourite characters Coronation Street are planning a series of spin-off episodes honouring the ITV soap's icons. With filming halted amid the coronavirus lockdown, show bosses are said to be pulling together a new four-part series that will take a look

back at some of the show's favourite characters. Among the 'icons' set to appear are soap legend Ken Barlow, played by Bill Roache and Bet Lynch, portrayed by Julie Goodyear. It is said that the episodes could help fill a void in programming amid the COVID-19 crisis. With production on set halted due to social distancing rules, show bosses are sifting through old footage of the street's favourite characters, while interviews with the cast will be conducted from home.

Roman and Martin Kemp

Martin Kemp and son Roman 'set to bag almost £450k to present their new ITV daytime show Sunday Best' Martin Kemp and son Roman are reportedly set to earn almost £450,000 to present their new show Sunday

Best. The Spandau Ballet star, 58, and the Capital Radio host, 27, are set to team up for their own ITV daytime programme, with the series set to run for 22 episode. And while they are both hugely popular on their own, together they are highly bankable, with their team negotiating a big money deal. Martin Kemp and son Roman are reportedly set to earn almost £450,000 to present their new show Sunday Best. The Spandau Ballet star, 58, and the Capital Radio host, 27, are set to team up for their own ITV daytime programme, with the series set to run for 22 episode. And while they are both hugely popular on their own, together they are highly bankable, with their team negotiating a big money deal. There are 22 episodes pencilled in for Martin and Roman so far and for each hour-long show they will be paid £10,000 each. The package includes their expenses as well as their base pay but it’s not bad for so little work.' They added that amid the coronavirus pandemic, filming for the show is 'up in the air', however, the duo are really 'looking forward' to getting to work when the time comes.

Motors

CostaBlancaPeople 14th - 20th April 2020

EU auto industry faces unprecedented crisis The effect of the coronavirus on society and the global economy is unprecedented, with grave consequences for the automobile industry. Indeed, most of the members of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) have already announced temporary closures of plants due to collapsing demand, supply shortages, and government measures, and are facing cases of corona infections and quarantines among their employees. “It is clear that this is the worst crisis ever to impact the automotive industry,” stated EricMark Huitema, ACEA Director General. “With all manufacturing coming to a standstill and the retail network effectively closed, the jobs of some 14 million

Europeans are now at stake. We call for strong and coordinated actions at national and EU level to provide immediate liquidity support for automobile companies, their suppliers and dealers.” Huitema: “We appreciate the policy measures that have already been announced, which will provide much needed immediate support for employees and companies alike. But we now also need an urgent dialogue with the President of the European Commission to do two things.” “Firstly, to take concrete measures to avoid irreversible and fundamental damage to the sector with a permanent loss of jobs, capacity, innovation and research capability. Secondly, Europe should prepare to stimulate the recovery of our sector, which will be a key contributor to the accelerated recovery of the European economy at large.” “We stand ready to work with the European Commission, national governments and other stakeholders to navigate through this unfolding crisis,” Huitema stressed. Keep the wheels turning

While the global pandemic unfolds and states of alarm continue across EU member states, it is vital that manufacturers keep the production and supply of spare parts going, as well as vehicle service networks. This is essential so that emergency services like ambulances, firefighters, law enforcement, relief organisations and other public (medical) services can continue to operate as normal. And of course, that the transport of food items and other essential supplies, crossing the EU on a daily basis by truck, can continue without interruption. Huitema said “The free flow of medicines, food, fuels, equipment and supply parts across the EU must be guaranteed under all circumstances.” Across the European Union, vehicle manufacturers operate around 229 vehicle assembly and production plants, directly employing 2.6 million Europeans in manufacturing. The wider auto industry provides indirect and direct jobs for 13.8 million people in the EU. “The health of those people that are the backbone of our industry, and their families, is paramount to Europe’s automobile manufacturers,” said Mr Huitema.

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Disclaimer CostaBlancaPeople, its publisher or members of staff do not accept responsibilty for claims by advertisers nor can it be held responsible for any errors in advertisements which are reproduced from poor quality artwork or inadequate instructions for text or other layout features. Further no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by an error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of any advertisement, although all advertisements produced for advertisers are checked prior to insertion. We regret that we cannot accept responsibilty for more than ONE incorrect insertion and that no re-publication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement. CostaBlancaPeople does not guarantee distribution times. Any change to distribution days will, where possible, be publicised a week in advance.

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