Costa Blanca South Olive Press - Issue 11

THE EXPAT SURVIVAL ISSUE The

OLIVE PRESS

Inside this week’s special edition we have dozens of tips and ideas on how to survive the Covid crisis, including...

COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA FREE

Your expat

voice in Spain

Vol. 1 Issue 11 www.theolivepress.es April 2nd - April 15th, 2020

Dance your way to business success at home see p6

The best Spanish shows to get you through the long days at home see p10

LIFE OF BRIAN: Always look on the bright side of life scene

...REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL Global warming reverses

Price of petrol is down

Infection rates are slowing

Wuhan’s back to work

New shelves are finally up

Bees are buzzing

No weeds in the garden

Quarantinis in abundance

Parking spaces everywhere

Kane and Son will soon be back

T?

D OU N A T S I DO

CT CONTA ORE M THIS FOR MATION UAL AS S I V INFOR 35 75 OR RESS.ES S EA UE ULD B AN ISS 951 27@THEOLIVEP ESS COTLE AS €75 N I S S E L U A I B S YOUR FROM AS L

ASK BEA!

From Joe to Ulysses... the Top 10 tomes to catch up on see p10

The best inland escapes once the lockdown ends see p14 And even some advice from Oprah and Chopra see p15

OLIVE PRESS

The

While the army is on the streets, 8,000 have died, millions of jobs are at risk and everyone is on a four-week lockdown, there are...

Contact the Olive Press special Corona crisis helpline..

on 951 273 575 or contact Josh at Olive Press TV on YouTube

2

www.theolivepress.es

Reporters Simon Wade and Joshua Parfitt

Your reporters, here to help on the Costa Blanca

Contact them with any stories or news on 951 273 575 or email newsdesk@theolivepress.es (Personal contacts on page 6)

TEAM LEADER: Boss Graham at Iceland/Overseas

CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL

TOGETHER, WE BEAT THE BUG

I

T was with some trepidation that the Olive Press distribution force set out on their journeys a fortnite ago.

After dozens of anxious calls, confirmation and cajolling, a dozen hardy souls set out from the four corners of the country to brave roadblocks and grillings from cops and concerned partners.

It was always going to be a nerve-wracking day with so much uncertainty about the spread of the coronavirus and who was allowed out and to do what jobs.

And the end result was a com-

How Olive Press distribution team (including the editor and three writers) got all FIVE editions out last issue

prehensive success as 100% of the papers got out into the hands of expats and locals around the country.

By focusing on putting double and triple the numbers in the hundreds of supermarkets, vets and petrol stations normally served around the country we were able to make up for the hundreds of restaurants, hotels and other businesses closed.

It was an important special virus issue updating readers on the state of the country and the way that expats were positively

Better call Bea! WHILE the majority of Olive Press staff have been working from home - or out on the streets reporting, one plucky receptionist has been plugging away in the office.

With her gloves and hand sanitiser at the ready, Bea Sanllehi, 35, has been on call every day answering dozens of queries from worried expats.

‘Bea’s Helpline’ has so far fielded calls about supermarkets, driving, police, the Royal Decree rules and even walking the dog.

The mother-of-two, from Catalunya, recently lent a hand to a vulnerable 80-year-old man in Fuengirola, helping him cancel a standing order at the bank.

Meanwhile another Olive Press reader in Valencia called on her to help him find out what time his hospital appointment would be. As if that wasn’t enough, Bea also spent hours chasing up local pharmacies for protection masks.

She eventually found out stocks have almost completely run out due to the incredibly high de-

mand, with deliveries due this week.

But Bea’s finest hour came as she assisted a British doctor’s scramble back to the UK on one of the last flights out of Spain.

“Bea is fantastic,” said Dr James Davies after she helped

Power to the people If you are buying or selling a house in Spain, you need know about power of attorney, write Sun Lawyers

P

OWER of attorney (POA) is a document in which you will appoint someone legally to act on your behalf – in this case, a lawyer.

Trying to understand legal procedures such as purchasing or selling a property on your own can end up with expensive fines, stress, time lost, and not getting anywhere.

So when it comes to important aspects such as purchasing, selling property, and tax, we always recommend our clients to give power of attorney to your lawyer to act on your behalf. It’s the best way to make sure that all the legal aspects are taken care of correctly and efficiently.

How can it be used?

When you purchase or sell property in Spain, these are steps you’ll need to take: · Possess a NIE number (fiscal number to legally buy or sell anything in Spain) · Check to see if the property is fully legal · Open a Spanish bank account (in case you don’t have one yet) · Utilities and community name change – direct debits set up · Suma Tax details changed – direct debit set up · Signing of the title deeds on the official day where the ownership of the property will be changed at the notary, to the new owner’s name

April 2 - April 15 2020

Without power of attorney, your lawyer could not carry out any of the previous steps on your behalf.

Hence power of attorney is the essential document to begin with and to provide peace of mind.

In other words… · If you have not got an NIE number, you will have to go to the police and apply in person · If you don’t have a Spanish bank account, you will have to go to the bank to open it yourself · You will have to be present on the day of the signing of the property purchase or sale In short, in many cases, power of attorney is the best way to make your life easier in Spain. You will therefore not have to deal with the complexity of the Spanish system; your lawyer will do it all on your behalf.

It is extremely important that our clients have the correct information all the time, so we will be delighted to talk with you.

Have you got any questions?

Please give us a ring at 965 321 193 or send us an email to admin@sun-lawyers. com.

We’ll be happy to hear from you!

bella than our rivals, as photos supporting the lockdown. clearly demonstrate. “And it was The paper was full of fun and as well received colourful ways as any editions to get around have distributthe lockdown One policeman Ied,” Distribution and what to do Manager Grawith the kids at kindly gave us ham Warters exhome. two pairs of plained.

It is worth noting “Even some that there were rubber gloves to of the places I considerably thought would be more copies of wear open were shut, the Olive Press including paper in key spots shops. One polike Overseas liceman kindly gave us two pairs supermarket in Mijas and Marof rubber gloves.” him get a last minute Easyjet He continued: “Most of the guys ticket so he could fly back to be were very upbeat, even Giles, who does Marbella, was his norwith his family.

Bea said: “I feel obliged to help mal self.” people and frustrated I cannot Columnist Giles Brown, who has done the Marbella distrihelp more.”

The hard work put in by Bea bution for six years, wasn’t so is admirable and sends out a happy though when he got back clear message that we all have a to find his girlfriend insisting part to play in helping those in he couldn’t come back in for need. The Olive Press remains ‘THREE weeks’. open for business and ready to “I’m sure she’ll come round though,” he joked. answer your questions.

One key change was the usual Give our team a call on +34 Gibraltar route, which had to 951 27 35 75 (office), +34 665 be undertaken by editor Jon 79 86 18 (mobile) or write to Clarke, and Gibraltar journalist us at newsdesk@theolive- John Culatto. Due to the uncertainty over the border’s closure, press.es the pair were tasked with the

MUCKING IN: Journalist John at Morrisons in Gib and (left) Stuart with gloves doing the Costa Blanca north run complicated procedure of getting through customs at this stressful time.

But in the end there were no problems and the papers sailed through to all our key spots including Morrisons and Eroski.

Meanwhile in the Costa Blanca, while many papers went out as planned on Thursday, plenty had to wait till Friday as many supermarkets were shut due to Father’s Day. If there is anything to sum up the week, it was the joy of British expat supermarket owner John Murray (above) on receiving an extra bundle at The Village Store, in Mollina, a 30-minute drive inland. “It’s great to get the paper and, particularly this week, with extra copies,” he said. “People will be thrilled.”

To conclude: Never a day late in 14 years, we didn’t plan to hit the newsstands late this week of all weeks!

And remember, if you miss it, you can always find it at www.theolivepress.es

www.theolivepress.es

Hospitals under strain SPAIN’S hospitals are near ‘breaking point’ with a deluge of critical Covid cases in the last few days.

A total of six autonomous regions are ‘very close’ to the limit of critical ICU beds, while Madrid and Catalunya have hit their capacity.

Deputy director of health alerts and emergencies, Maria Jose Sierra told a press conference: “What worries us most is the pressure on the ICUs. Although the trend is decreasing, the pressure in the coming weeks will be significant.”

Sierra was speaking, having stepped in for stricken Health Minister Fernando Simon, who has come down with the virus.

While she did not name the six regions, she added that an ‘impressive effort’ was being made to bring in more ICU beds.

Communities around the country are converting municipal buildings into temporary ICUs.

Unfair cop AN alarming 700-plus police have copped coronavirus, while 7,400 are in isolation around Spain.

It comes after three Guardia Civil agents died in Valdemoro, Aranjuez and Ciudad Real.

Four Guardia Civil bosses meanwhile are in isolation after three tested positive. A joint letter from various unions has called for officers to be recognised as ‘high-risk personnel’.

CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL

April 2 - April 15 2020

Leading the charge

3

Spanish flu survivor - 105 years old!

LEGENDS: From left to right, Leo, Rafa, Pau and Pep are all playing the part in the fight aginst coronavirus SPANISH sporting hero Rafa Nadal has teamed up with basketball ace Pau Gasol in a Red Cross campaign to raise €11 million to fight coronavirus.

They hope thousands more will donate to the Red Cross

Look up A PRIEST has carried out a blessing from his church rooftop in Extremadura.

The priest of Arroyo de la Luz wore robes to conduct the moving 20-minute sermon.

The neighbours watched from their balconies.

Sporting heroes - including Messi, Nadal and Guardiola - join campaign to raise €11 million in Covid battle Responds campaign, which is giving aid to hospitals.

“This pandemic has changed everyone’s life, especially those who have experienced it first hand or with a family member,” said Mallorca ace Nadal.

“The news is not entirely en-

Idiots at bay A HOLIDAY down on the costas wouldn’t be the same without a walk and picnic on the beach for anyone visiting from Madrid.

Except Spain has been on coronavirus lockdown for 15 days.

But that didn’t stop one Madrileno family heading to the nudist Cala de Ambolo beach in Javea, which has also been closed for the last seven years due to a risk of landslides.

The family’s excuse to police when grilled was they ‘had to take the children out of the house’. A total of five members of the family have been issued with fines.

Royal death SPANISH royal Princess Maria Teresa - dubbed ‘the Red Princess’ - has passed away at the age of 86 from Covid-19.

She became Professor of Sociology at Madrid’s Complutense University after graduating from the Sorbonne in Paris.

Her death came a day after Prince Charles tested positive.

couraging, but we must be strong and stay united to beat the virus.”

Nadal added he believed his help would encourage many more donors, as ‘the Spanish people, have never failed us athletes.’

Nadal called on other sportsmen and bodies to make urgent donations.

The appeal comes after Manchester City manager Pep Guar-

diola and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi each donated €1 million to the fight against coronavirus.

Guardiola made his donation to the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation in Catalunya, while Messi’s contribution goes to hospitals in Barcelona and Argentina.

Real Madrid also made an undisclosed donation to purchase vital medical equipment for hospitals.

Thorny future BRITISH snooker legend expat Willie Thorne has been locked down in a Costa Blanca hospital battling leukaemia.

The sportsman, 66, who is also fighting prostate cancer, remains cut off from his three kids in the UK, due to the lockdown.

“It’s unbelievable, you couldn’t have written my script,” Thorne revealed, adding he was ‘punchdrunk’ after receiving his diagnosis, which he thought was a kidney infection.

“I’m vulnerable,” he added, “I’m not allowed visitors. I’m sitting in a room on my own. It’s absolutely terrible. All I’ve got is a 24-hour news channel and that’s all about the coronavirus, which is hard to watch.”

Thorne is held in isolation at the Costa Blanca hospital because he is at a higher risk of the Covid-19 virus.

The 80s star, who also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing after a stint as a BBC commentator moved to Villamartin, Alicante last year.

It came as he also split from his wife of 24 years, former Miss Great Britain Jill Saxby, who moved back to the UK. He has recently undergone a second round of chemo after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2015, before going bankrupt a year later.

SPAIN’S only living survivor of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, ‘La Grippe’ has issued a dire warning about the severity of the coronavirus pandemic.

Jose Ameal Peña was four when the flu virus swept across the globe, claiming the lives of over 50 million people, making it the deadliest pandemic in human history.

Now aged 105, Jose has recallsed his experiences from his home in Luarca, Asturias, where 500 lost their lives to the disease.

“I watched from my window as a steady stream of funeral processions made their way to the cemetery,” he recalled, adding that he was the only one of seven siblings to catch the disease.

“I still can’t figure out how I’m here. When I woke up I could barely walk. I had to crawl on my hands and knees,” he recalls. As he wrestled with a relentless fever, a doctor prescribed vapours of boiled eucalyptus and seaweed. He now fears a similar fate for the world if nations don’t stick together and history will repeat itself.

“He knows exactly what is happening and is afraid that something similar will happen again, even though we’re living in very different times,” explained his daughter Anunciata.

Can’t pension us off!

A SUPER-strong Spaniard in his NINETIES has beaten off the coronavirus.

The 93-year-old has been discharged from hospital after battling the vicious virus in Valencia.

He was saluted as he left Gandia’s Francesc de Borja Hospital with policemen and ambulance drivers sounding their horns, while hundreds of health workers applauded.

His recovery brings a ray of hope to the 15% of victims in the Valencia region, who are over 80.

It comes as a 98-year-old victim Antonio Magdaleno also made a full recovery in Sevilla. The Granada man was clapped out as he went home.

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CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL

April 2 - April 15 2020

Into the frying pan A STRANDED British chef who feared he had coronavirus has been placed in an ‘impossible situation’ by his hire car company in Spain.

Yianni Papoutsis, 44, named as one of Britain’s 500 most influential people by society bible Debrett’s, fears he could be arrested after his Goldcar contract expired.

The restaurant mogul behind London’s ‘MEATliquor’ brand had ‘a nightmare’ after he jetted into Granada on March 10 with girlfriend Sophie O’Hara to celebrate her 26th birthday.

He rented a car for €220, but when the couple’s flights were cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak, they desperately tried

Catch-22 for celebrity chef in quarantine facing arrest over hire car EXCLUSIVE

By Charlie Smith

to extend its lease.

However, after repeated attempts, he was unable to modify the agreement, which expired on March 21.

The pair are now stuck with the car - which they are not driving - in the town of Gojar, and, incredibly, were told by Goldcar to ‘expect a visit from police’.

An email from the rental giant on March 23, seen by the Olive Press, explains that police could ‘seize’ the vehicle due to its ‘mis-

Mixed news

THE Valencian Community has nearly 6,000 cases of coronavirus, with 2,000 people in hospital.

Alarmingly 85 more health workers were added to the list of those infected, bringing the total to 788.

There have been 395 deaths in Valencia, with 167 deaths in Alicante province.

In better news, around 200 people have been discharged from hospital following treatment, with nearly half of those in the last two days.

The increase in citizens being well enough to leave hospital is considered a milestone in treating the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

appropriation.’

Marketing specialist Sophie told the Olive Press that she and Yianni, who is on pain medication and has heart problems, have had ‘anxiety attacks’ over the situation.

“I’m literally shaking,” she revealed, “We don’t know if we will be able to sleep tonight both from the fact that Yianni thinks he has the virus and the police could arrest us at any time.”

The rental giant confirmed it is offering free contract extensions to affected customers, but after ‘dozens’ of calls and emails, the couple have so far been unsuccessful.

A Goldcar staff member in Madrid confirmed that the Granada Airport office is closed and does not have a key deposit box in order to return the car.

They advised that Yianni, who has advised the British government on food policy, instead make the 300km-round trip to the next-nearest drop-off point at Malaga Airport, but added that Goldcar would NOT cover the return taxi fare.

They would also effectively be breaking current quarantine rules in force in Spain.

Yianni said: “If they have re-

ANXIOUS: UK pair ported the car as stolen I will be arrested at the first roadblock.

“I’m really sick and the fact that I’m being told to drive to an airport and get in a taxi is just absurd.

“I should be lying in bed and self-isolating and not going out,” he continued.

“It’s an impossible situation, it’s Catch-22.”

Extended

According to the couple they have been told that there are ‘more than 1,000 customers’ in this situation.

A Goldcar spokesperson confirmed they would be helping the couple and that they would not be charged a late return fee.

She said: “The safety of our customers is a priority, especially during the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Our Customer Service team has been in touch with Mr Papoutsis and his rental period has been extended until April 7.”

The pair have since set up their lockdown food blog @nice.olation on Instagram, which includes recipes for gazpacho and Plato Alpujareño.

Just one cuarentena NEIGHBOURS locked down in San Miguel de Salinas got a surprise aria from the nearby

rooftops this Sunday. rendition of a Puccini song Expat Verity Jo Spencer Hall from her roof terrace. gave them an impromptu The 22-year-old star, whose family have lived in Spain since she was four, told the OlA RESCUE kitten ive Press: “I planned to sing a has been named while ago, but the weather was after Olive Press too cold and rainy, so as soon reporter Simon as we had a sunny day I said to Wade.

Mum ‘Let’s do it!!’

It came after our “So I set up my IPad and hardy hack venjust started singing, I never tured out during dreamed it would get this kind the lockdown of a response!” to save a pregVerity has been singing since nant cat that was an early age, and has starred in found by expat plays, music videos and even a Emma Filmer in film, The Cucaracha Club.

Almoradi. After Her performances aren’t just being taken to limited to entertaining her Big Red’s Animal neighbours, however. rescue centre she In 2018, Verity (below) met gave birth to four world-renowned vocal teacher kittens, one of Jack Li Vigni, who invited her them named Sito the London’s Royal Opera mon.

House.

This led to her being offered the role of Zerlina in the opera Don Giovanni at the Mediterranean Opera Festival in Sicily.

COPS in Torrevieja have issued 1,000 penalties to people After stunning audiences elseflouting restrictions during the lockdown so far. where in Italy, she was advised Mayor Eduardo Dolon said that fines included going for a walk by professional pianist and vowith the dog four kilometres from the house. cal coach, Marek Ruszczynski, to audition for the Royal Academy of Music.

Women at risk To the delight of her and mum, Tabitha, she was accepted and A SQUADRON of Green Berets A CRIMINOLOGY prowill begin her four year training have arrived on the Costa Blan- course in September. fessor has warned of a ca to help in the lockdown. surge in domestic vioOperation Balmis saw the Spelence and cybercrime cial Operations (MOE) of Rebaduring the coronavirus sa arrive in Orihuela. lockdown.

The introduction of the armed Alvaro Pintado from forces is to ‘recognize areas of Murcia University extrouble and check that citizens plained that ‘coexiscomply with the conditions of tence often enhances confinement’. aspects of psychopaIn all, 20 ‘green berets’ will tour thy, which may lead to the area to provide extra secugender violence or cyrity. bercrime.’

Wading in!

Can’t cure stupidity

Green for go

www.theolivepress.es

CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL

EXCLUSIVE: Expat appeal for pensioner in danger

Save my sis

Worried UK family reach out to Olive Press readers to help care for their ill relative, 72 EXCLUSIVE

By Simon Wade

AN urgent plea has gone out to expats in the Costa Blanca South to help a very sick British pensioner suffering from cancer.

Big hearted expats are being asked to help look out for Jane Pitman, who has lived in Catral for 15 years, but fell into ill-health last year.

The 72-year-old’s family back in the UK are worried for her health, as she is being treated for cancer and is alone after her husband suddenly died last year.

Her sister asked the Olive Press if anyone in the area can help to get her shopping and medicine during the current Covid-19 lockdown.

“Sadly none of us can currently fly out to help,”

It’s a cakewalk!

GIBRALTAR leader Fabian Picardo has brushed off the forced lockdown as little more than a cakewalk and a chance to catch up on missed TV. “Let’s not be 21st Century snowflakes,” he told the enclave. “The evacuation generation went through war... The referendum generation went through General Franco...The closed frontier generation went through a siege...All we have to do is go through our Netflix collections or very full kitchen cupboards. Let’s not pretend that this is harder than it is.”

CONCERN: Sally (right) with Jane

explained sister Sally, a former journalist.

She continued that chemotherapy has left Jane, from Cambridgeshire, exhausted, and she’s unable to reach out to the local community for help.”

“Sally lives in a very small, isolated community, so compassionate neighbours THE government has restrict- are non-existent. ed the number of people al- “This lockdown has made lowed to attend funerals in an already difficult situaSpain. tion, much worse, and my Only three relatives or friends sister needs all the help she are allowed to attend under can get. new COVID-19 edicts - and “If there are any charity they must all stand at least one groups or kind souls that metre apart. The Ministry of can reach Jane and help in Health has, however, ordered any way, it would transform that during the state of emer- her life in these worrying gency, the prices of funerals times.” may not be higher than the price on March 14.

If you can help, please conIf the price is higher, custom- tact the Olive Press at newsers are entitled to a refund. desk@theolivepress.es

Funeral trio

Sending out an SOS COMMUNITY radio station, Big Radio Spain, is reaching out to the community to help it survive the crippling coronavirus lockdown.

With so many clients not trading during the pandemic, advertising revenue has hit such a low level that station manager, Richie Sparks, says he has no option but to ask loyal listeners for financial contributions.

“With our rent and utility bills topping €3,000 a month, we can’t sustain running two broadcasts, 24/7,” admitted Sparks.

The Quesada-based business has been serving the Costa Blanca community for eight years, and was central in fundraising and distribution of essential food and equipment during the flooding of September 2019.

Donations can be made via their website, BigRadioSpain. com

April 2 - April 15 2020

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6

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge expatriate community in Spain with an estimated readership, including the websites, of more than two million people a month.

OPINION We’ll all get back in the water IT is now the third week of the most draconian lockdown in Spanish history and the army is on the streets.

Everyone is wondering how much longer it will last, praying that April 11 will be our last day of confinement.

Then there is the fear of uncertainty, the fear for our loved ones, fear for our jobs, and fear for the future and what the fallout of this unprecedented crisis will hold.

Yet amid this period of alarm, there is an incredible sense of togetherness.

All around the country locals are trying to stay positive by joining together each evening at 8pm to applaud the nurses, doctors and police working hard on the frontline to keep us all safe.

Meanwhile we are all sharing tips and tricks to stay busy and sane...and sending out hilarious videos and memes.

Above all, we are trying to use the time wisely (and remember we may never have anything like this again) as we search for positives, such as a much necessary drop in air pollution and fewer road deaths.

With the army and police halting movement, it is a time to sit back and hope that the governments of Europe have the people’s best interests at play.

We must trust that they really believe that these extreme restrictions will lead to results.

So sit back and enjoy the sound of birds and bees in the garden, the chance to play with the kids and to improve your Spanish, and remember - once this is all over, and it WILL be over sometime soon - we will get back to normal and enjoy our lives as we did before.

It may, of course, take some time for people to want to submerge themselves back into crowds or get back on a plane, but as seen in the 80s blockbuster Jaws, eventually we all go back into the water!

Publisher / Editor

Jon Clarke, jon@theolivepress.es Charlie Smith charlie@theolivepress.es

Joshua Parfitt joshua@theolivepress.es

Laurence Dollimore laurence@theolivepress.es

John Culatto johnc@theolivepress.es

Dimitris Kouimtsidis dimitris@theolivepress.es

Gillian Keller gillian@theolivepress.es

Joanne Oakley joanne@theolivepress.es

Simon Wade simon@theolivepress.es

Admin Beatriz Sanllehí (+34) 951 273 575 admin@ theolivepress.es

Office manager Héctor Santaella (+34) 658 750 424 accounts@ theolivepress.es

Distribution ENQUIRIES (+34) 951 273 575 distribution@ theolivepress.es

Newsdesk: 0034 951 273 575 For all sales and advertising enquiries please contact 951 27 35 75 Head office

Carretera Nacional 340, km 144.5, Calle Espinosa 1, Edificio cc El Duque, planta primera, 29692, Sabinillas, Manilva Deposito Legal MA: 835-2017

AWARDS

2016 - 2020 Best expat paper in Spain and the second best in the world. The Expat Survey Consumer Awards.

2012 - 2020 Named the best English language publication in Andalucia by the Rough Guides group.

CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL

April 2 - April 15 2020

We’ll survive A T a time of uncertainty for all, and with drastic measures in place to fight coronavirus, Spain’s economy has understandably been hit hard.

The loss of Semana Santa, Las Fallas and the Jerez moto GP and many more key events has sent seismic shock waves through the country that will have knock-on effects for most businesses, whether they deal directly with tourists or not.

As the nation enters into an

Local expats show their true grit in the face of the COVID-19 catastrophe

enforced lockdown until April 10 and maybe beyond, the Olive Press asked a series of top expat businesses how they are coping and what measures they are taking to stay afloat.

Trying the knot

“We are still talking to clients around the world about future bookings,” says Scott from Sunshine Weddings Spain, which has been splicing couples in Andalucia for nearly two decades.

“But 2020 will become the first year the wedding season does not kick-off as planned. All weddings in April have been postponed and those in May are up in the air.

“Right now we are working on a dayto-day basis. Nobody knows how long coronavirus will affect us, that is out of our hands.

“But what is in our hands, is to reassure our couples they are not alone and that we will do everything possible to guarantee their perfect wedding, whether sooner or later.

“I have been working around the clock since to speak with each couple to discuss concerns and to seek solutions.

“My days have begun with calls to Australia and Singapore and with chats to clients in the US, Canada and Ecuador.

“This is an unsettling time for everyone, but if we are all patient and heed the rules, the lockdown period will be as brief as possible.”

I have the virus but we won’t stop the dance “Plans, projects, master classes, excursions, competitions, everything has been put on hold,” says Sarah Vogelin of Kizz Latin Dance, of Benalmadena, in Malaga.

“Even worse I have caught the virus and am staying indoors in isolation.

“I’ve been bedridden for the last ten days, tired and drained. Isolated from my husband and children.

But I have been staying positive and making plans of how to survive when back on my feet.

“I’m going to offer online master classes, daily routines for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels in the three disciplines I specialise in.”

We’re going the extra mile after nearly going under “IN the first week of lockdown we had €60,000 of cancellations,” says Dave McQueen, owner of Alicante Transfers and Benidorm Holidays. “We nearly went under.”

“We’ve since had to keep up with ever-changing rules and regulations to our VTC licences – from two passengers in a four-seater, to four in an eight-seater, to just one passenger in any private taxi.

“We’ve even had to put a 16-seater minibuses out just to pick up two people so one passenger could sit in the front and one passenger sit in the back.

“Obviously there’s been a financial burden. But still

we‘re the only service at the m “We will stay op get all tourists o “And our custo with us. We’ve vouchers to ch choosing to cha “Just to show in the first day views saying h informed, also “The consulate came the only s “One of our pos

Warmer welcome than ever SPECIAL DISPATCH: locals in Valencia have shown a spirit and humour, not witnessed since the Civil War days, writes Barnaby Bouchard in this touching, colourful essay TO walk through the centre of Valencia today is to see the city at its least ‘Spanish’. Or so it would seem.

While one could fill a book delving into why painting ‘Spain’ as a single cultural entity can never end well for anyone, us expats who live here have all observed the difference in outlook that sets the people of our adopted homeland apart from those of the grey, drizzly climes from which we originate.

The Spanish differ from us in their in-built belief that it is their right, if not their duty, to have a good time.

We see it in their festivals. We see it in their cuisine. We see it in their music, their art, and their architecture. We see it in the way they say hello, the way they say goodbye, and in the hours of raucous, bravas-fuelled joy in between.

From their colourful buildings to their colourful language, from their thirst for dry humour to their thirst for dry wine.

Where else could they sell cigarettes for €4 a pack and still boast the highest life expectancy in Europe?

Where else would regional holidays see locals running through town chased by bulls (Navarra), burning a fifty-foot

plaster sardine (Murcia), and backpackers, but that’s all the letting toddlers run amok with life one can hope to see on what are, essentially, grenades the streets of one of Europe’s (Valencia)? most effervescent cities.

Where else would take as its The Las Fallas lights still hang foundational piece of liter- across every street, but now ature a novel about a senile serve only to heighten the knight who spends his days sense of empty, echoing desshouting at windmills? olation.

The Spanish are a race from It would seem, then, that the whom we can all learn much virus has put paid to these about contentment. most admirable of Spanish Not that any of qualities, to this trademark their easy-going positivity can amiability, their Solidarity and be seen on a generous huwalk through support among mour, their conValencia toviction that anyValencians has thing that can day, of course.

Today, in evbe fun should be been nothing ery street, fun. from the fash- short of incredible And yet living ionable apartthrough this ment blocks of lockdown has Ruzafa to the shown me that Medellinian slopes of Burjas- these very qualities have selsot, the silence deafens more dom been so evident, nor so than any Fallero’s firework. timely.

The bars are shuttered, the My regret and frustration at parks empty, the squares pos- this crisis is matched only by itively funereal. my gratitude at having been The only sound throughout able to witness first-hand the most of the day will be the unprecedented sense of combarking of a dog, the clatter of munity that has crystallised a pigeon taking flight, or the here in Valencia. dull, distant hum of trains, ar- People here are, as we all are, riving empty, leaving empty. confused and frustrated.

Occasionally one might see They are no more immune to the odd flinty-eyed wino or this virus, nor to any of the clutch of confused German social or economic issues it’s

touched off, than anyone.

Indeed, as I write, Spain is among the worst-affected countries in the world, with over 3000 loved-ones already dead from the wretched virus.

I would never claim that people here suffer any less from pain, anxiety, loss, than any other human. Still less that what is happening here now is anything short of a catastrophe, the effects of which will leave an indelible mark for years to come.

Having said that, the sense of solidarity and support among Valencians (most of whom have no previous acquaintance with one another) has been nothing short of incredible.

Young people have been providing the elderly with their contact details, lest they feel isolated. Local bakeries have been serving free coffee to health workers.

Just in my street, some neighbours have been providing nightly classical music concerts on their balcony. The facades of apartment buildings rustle with handwritten signs offering vulnerable residents help with their shopping.

Every day at twelve, the ‘city of a hundred bell towers’ is filled with a merry chorus of chimes, ringing out from the

www.theolivepress.es

April 2nd - April 15th 2020

7

survive and thrive!

Friday the 13th

“On Friday the 13th all our lives were to change forever,” says Professor Steve Newman of Matrix Martial Arts, in Javea.

“My wife and I thought that we could do a deep clean of the school, on top of our already rigorous cleaning schedule. It was soon made very clear that all sports were to be stopped immediately. That was us closed.

“After that, our income instantly plummeted to zero. As I’m not allowed in my school I decided to put some mats in my communal area inside my complex and record some videos to keep all my students active. And then new restrictions put a stop to that as well.

“But it’s during crises like these that something amazing can happen. Two very special students, Dennis and Markus, decided to set up a GoFundMe page and others have said they will pay their April training fees to keep the doors of Matrix open in these bad times.

“As it happens, we just got €500 from two anonymous donors, so someone loves us. “#Matrixstrong. We will rebuild Matrix when this is over so watch this space. Nothing can keep us down for long.”

y transport company still providing a moment to Alicante airport. pen as long as possible to make sure we out. omers have been absolutely amazing offered cash refunds or unlimited time hange the date of transfer – they’re all ange dates. how loyal our customers have been: y of panic, we had over 150 5-star rehow hard we worked to keep everyone through the Olive Press. e weren’t answering calls – so we besource of real valuable info. sts just had a reach of 6.3 million views”

NEW pERSPECTIVES AND CLOSE PERSONAL HELP FOR CLIENTS “AS a leading Telecommunications provider in Spain, we have a duty to keep operating in order to facilitate communications,” says Jan McDowell, CEO of Telitec on the Costa Blanca.

“We have taken steps to maintain our networks and to keep clients connected, whilst at the same time ensuring the safety of our team and anyone we come into contact with.

“This has been testing for the whole team at Telitec. Working from home has required self-discipline. But we are determined to keep our clients in contact with their loved ones through our internet and all other forms of communications we provide.

“Our customer service team have even taken it upon themselves to contact any client they know is alone, and to call frequently, which speaks volumes for the ethos and quality of the team.

“Everyone has played their part and I am very proud of how they have all risen to this challenge.

“On a personal note, I can feel and see a difference in the way people are viewing life – adjusting to what is really important, caring for those less fortunate, creating a community spirit and applauding those, who are putting their lives at risk.

“I only hope that when we come out the other end, and life returns to normality, that we maintain those beliefs.

we’re working out on the web! squat little churches to the stately cathedrals of El Carmen.

And, of course, at eight o’clock every evening, every Valencian goes out to their balcony to join the applause, cheering and music that ripples across the city. It is the most moving and heartening display of spontaneous human solidarity I have ever been lucky enough to see.

The Spaniards have taken to the internet to bring their acerbic wit to bear on a situation at which, at times, one can only laugh.

They have posted photos of rolls of toilet paper with bike locks around them. They have jokingly (one would hope) suggested avoiding shaking hands by reverting to the old dictatorship-era salute.

Refusing to allow the pandemic to divert attention from their shaky coalition government, they remark that President Sanchez’s vow to relentlessly oppose the virus means he will have entered a political pact with it by the weekend.

For the Spanish, the pandemic is, like all of life’s peaks and troughs, just another opportunity to laugh at themselves. They are consummately aware of what cannot be changed in life, and what can be.

The bars may be closed. The streets may be silent. The future may be uncertain. But Spain’s welcome has never been warmer.

“Because of the state of alarm we had to close because you can’t do anything in groups,” explains Adam Turner at Turnilla Yoga, Estepona.

“Also we can’t travel to give people private classes because it’s not deemed as essential work.”

“What we’re doing instead is making videos putting them on Youtube so people can practice out of the studio.

“Hopefully things will go back to normal fairly soon but until then we’re trying to make the most of the time we get to spend at home with our kids.”

it’s business as usual for us “Although our offices are closed we are offering the same service as usual,” says Sonia Fendley, of STM Nummos Life, specialists in private health insurance.

“Our clients are located in different parts of the world - as well as Spain - so we can continue to offer advice and support via the telephone and internet in much the same way.

“Everyone we have talked to has been grateful for any assistance we have been able to give.

“Unlike other businesses, I don’t foresee much change after this is over, as people will continue to require health insurance.

Some will also be grateful for the peace of mind it offers them during times like these.

“Others may wish they had it, so decide to take out a policy.”

April 2 - April 15 2020

7

Olive Press online ‘Spain’s best English news website’

Users

2.4M

4.3 M 6.6 M

ON TOP: Olive Press website traffic for March

Going national

I

T is not often you get to include yourself in a select group of publishers, some who’ve been in business for OVER A CENTURY. But this week our online portal www.theolivepress.es has soared to new heights... and even above the UK’s long-established Daily Mirror, set up in 1903.

Sitting at 134th position in the most-read websites in the UK this week, we are also above the Metro, the Daily Star AND every regional newspaper you can name, according to Amazon’s Alexa.com.

It is a true honour to be jostling for position with one of the true greats of British publishing, the campaigning Mirror, a once five-million selling tabloid, whose famous editor Hugh Cudlipp, wrote the book Publish and be Damned!.

Of course, we know much of this is down to the current coronavirus crisis, but equally it is down to our excellent team of hard-working journalists.

The group of 16 scribes scattered around the country (and one currently trapped in London), have written a steady stream of exclusive stories on the biggest health emergency of our times.

So good they are, that over three days last week, one lazy, low-rent local rag, copied A SHOCKING 34 of them onto its website within a few hours of us publishing them.

But that’s not all.

Top 200 in Spain

In Spain, our website has also soared into the Top 200, sitting at 183rd position this week.

And globally, we sit at 6,372th most important site (by hits), if you accept Alexa’s analytics (right).

But even if you don’t you’ll hopefully trust our actual Google analytics figures, which we publish above.

They make for enticing reading for any business owner looking to get seen around Spain in these troubling times.

6,372 # 139

# 183 2.4 million audience in March For if you had a banner on our website, or a story - be it a sponsored, native or natural post - you could have been seen by up to 2.4 MILLION unique visitors in March alone.Now the country is just a couple of weeks from finally opening up again, isn’t it time you gave us a call to see how we can help get your business a much-needed post Covid head start?

Here are the top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks: - Lock-down may be working in Alicante province, no new Coronavirus cases for 24 hours (62,804 visitors)

1

BEEN WARNED’: Police and military 2- ‘YOU’VE to crackdown on rule-breakers (55,568) Spanish actress and La Casa de Papel 3- Famous star tests positive for coronavirus (45,054) ALL airports and ports to close in 4- BREAKING: Spain from midnight tonight (44,218) TOUCH: Pornhub offers free access to 5- NICEpremium content in Spain (40,682)

Get in touch today at sales@theolivepress.es or call us at 00 34 951273575 for a special quote

8

www.theolivepress.es

Beer we go Road

BEER sales have skyrocketed as Spaniards settle into the coronavirus lockdown.

While spirits went up by 24%, with ‘quarantinis’ becoming a hit around the country, beer purchases zoomed up by 78%.

Jams meanwhile went up by 23%, while hygiene products also soared by 34%.

Oddly, bleach sales however, went down by 8%, which other staples such as olive oil dropped by 58%, pre-prepared meals by 48% and rice by 46%.

Pasta (-33%) and toilet paper (-10%) also saw a drop in sales, according to the weekly analysis by supermarket coupon app Gelt.

The figures follow from the week in which the public ‘panic’ shopped as Spain entered a state of alarm, which began on March 14.

“After shopping more motivated by fear, citizens are beginning to manage consumption more rationally,” Gelt CEO Carlos Prieto explained.

deaths plummet

DEATH crashes have dropped by three quarters since the coronavirus crisis began.

The number of deaths since the lockdown was imposed is 73% lower than the same period last year.

Only 13 people have died in traffic accidents compared to 48 in the same period in March last year. There were five days in March when nobody died on the roads.

Plasma plans

BLOOD transfusions from COVID-19 survivors are being tested in a Madrid medical centre for use as a groundbreaking treatment.

The trial has not been approved by the Ministry of Health, but a leaked document from the Centre has seen hundreds of offers of blood on social media.

AND (MOSTLY) ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

Silver lining

POLLUTION levels around Spain have plummeted thanks to the coronavirus.

Cities have seen drops of up to 83% as traffic and industry abates.

Barcelona saw the biggest drop in Nitrogen Oxide (NO2) levels of 83%, while Madrid had a 73% drop and Valencia followed with 64%.

Other cities have also seen huge decreases in pollution, such as Castellon 76%, Ali-

Nationwide pollution drops dramatically - as do deaths - thanks to coronavirus

By Joanne Oakley

cante 68%, Bilbao 66%, Malaga, 55%, Zaragoza, 52% and Sevilla, 36%.

According to Greenpeace, the amount of NO2 currently being emitted in Spain is under half of the levels permitted by

A

At the time of writing, the US, UK and European markets have found a little stability, but I personally feel this is far from over. For those who have regularly followed my articles, you’ll know I have posted the performance of our Chorus Balanced every few weeks, as a measure of absolute transparency. Over the last quarter this portfolio has fallen 10%, yet over the last 12 months this portfolio is down just -0.9%, whereas the FTSE 100 has fallen over -15%.

Sadly, we have also heard from a number of you who were invested with other advisories, who have lost a lot more due to the high charges, and low-quality funds you are exposed to.

The Chorus performance is testament to the quality of our portfolio management, which has not only outperformed the markets during each of the last 5 years, but is now showing major resilience during a market fall.

Although I absolutely understand that

the World Health Organisation (WHO).

It is the first time since the regulations came into force in 2010, that Madrid has not breached the designated levels.

In Barcelona the accumulation of NO2 halved after just three days.

Lockdown is working SPAIN’S draconian lockdown measures have saved the lives of 16,000 people, a British study has discovered.

Researchers at Imperial College London analysed the 11 European countries with the most coronavirus cases, identifying each nation’s ‘reproduction number’ with pandemic modelling.

They believe that Spain, which has introduced some of Europe’s harshest measures, has saved between 5,400 and 35,000 lives – or an average of 16,000.

“Governments have taken significant steps to ensure that health systems are not overwhelmed,” said lead author, Samir Bhatt.

“There is strong evidence that they have started to work and have flattened the curve. We believe a large number of lives have been saved.”

The study estimated that between 21,000120,000 were saved by March 31.

Week 3 in quarantine s I’m sure you can all imagine, my time has been very much spent on a combination of communicating with my clients (I think communication is essential at a time like this) and studying the markets.

April 2 - April 15 2020

By the time you’ll have picked this week’s paper up (or indeed read the online edition!) we will be nearing the end of the 3 weeks of quarantine, and indeed many weeks of market volatility this is an awfully stressful time, the investment manager in me has to consider what happens next, and that moments like this have proven time and time again to be the best opportunities investors are ever presented with.

At some point, these markets will turnaround. As a client you will want to ensure you are in a proven portfolio, because a portfolio that has handled this sell of well will also be the portfolio the excels, as and when markets recover.

The paper estimates that 15% of Spain’s population is infected with coronavirus – the highest in the 11 European countries studied.

This is based on the country’s high infection rate and that not everyone will present serious symptoms of Covid-19.

The news came as a Spanish professor discovered that infection rates are slowing due to the lockdown.

By studying infection increases over fourday periods, Francesc Pujol, at Navarra University, found that rates on the whole are slowing.

At the beginning of March, infections were quadrupling across Spain, he found, while today they are not even doubling with a rate of 1.94.

“The goal is to reach an infection rate of 1.0 over a four-day period,” he explained.

Reaching 1.0 would mean no – or negligible – new Covid-19 infections.

By Sam Kelly DipPFS, EFA, BA (Hons).

Managing Partner, Chorus Financial

The majority has been due to a 60% drop of traffic on the roads of Madrid and Barcelona, while in Andalucia up to 80%.

Clearer

An added halt in human activity and consumption, plus a reduction in industrial production is all helping to create cleaner air and clearer waters.

“The extraordinary situation will reduce the thousands of deaths that poor air quality causes each year,” said Adrian Fernandez, head of the Greenpeace mobility campaign.

An estimated 4.5 million people die each year from coal, oil and gas pollution around the globe.

Crime drop CRIMES in Spain have dropped by 50% since the state of alarm began Almost all crimes have dropped dramatically apart from cybercrime which has increased however due to a change in habits since the lockdown, revealed the Guardia Civil.

Providing multi-award winning advice for your pensions, investments & tax planning.

After the 2007/8 crash, investors benefitted from the most prolific bull run in history. When I look at these markets, I see a massive opportunity. Now this isn’t to say that I know how low they will go, or indeed how long the recovery will take, but common sense and history tells me not only will these markets recover, but well managed portfolios would be expected to outperform that recovery by a comfortable margin.

If you’re an existing investor looking for

a superior investment manager, or someone considering a new investment, now is the time to explore your options.

Chorus are a company who have a track record of outperforming our industry year after year. We offer transparent charging, and have Pension and Spanish compliant solutions available without a tie-in or exit penalties.

Please contact me on s.kelly@ chorusfinancial.es or call me +34 664 398 702.

Investment contracts are intended as medium to long term investments, and all investments have some level of risk. Figures in our articles are examples of what can be achieved and cannot be guaranteed; the value of your investments can go down as well as up. Fees and charges can vary and will be fully explained to you before any advice can take place. This article should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular product.

The advisers trading as Chorus Financial are members of OpesFidelio and authorised to give financial advice subject to contract in parts of the EEA, including Spain, CNMV Nº Registro Oficial 3970. OpesFidelio is a trademarked network of the Aisa Group which includes Aisa Financial Planning Ltd and Aisa International s.r.o. Aisa Financial Planning is authorised and regulated in the UK as an independent financial adviser for UK retail clients by the Financial Conduct Authority, Reference number: 189652, and has permissions throughout the EEA under both directives IDD and MiFID. Aisa International s.r.o. is authorised and regulated in the Czech Republic as a financial adviser by the Czech National Bank and has permissions through selected EEA countries, including Spain.

965 641 163

www.chorusfinancial.es info@chorusfinancial.es

LA CULTURA

9

March 19th - April 1st 2020

LA CULTURA

10

April 2 - April 15 2020

Lockdown with a good book Where the Crawdads Sing by Delian Owens A masterfully written debut about a girl growing up utterly alone, abandoned by family and shunned by the locals, her isolation is intense and often unbearable, but she never loses hope. A beautiful read.

Professional bookworm Alicia Duggan reveals the top 10 self-isolation reads that should be on every expat’s list Ulysses by James Joyce Ulysses is famously the book that most people own but few have read.

This is the perfect opportunity to have a go at this witty and erudite literary classic.

The Eyes of Darkness by Dean Koontz This novel rereleased in 1989 is a standard, run-ofthe-mill thriller except for one aspect; it deals with a virus originating in Wuhan, China which becomes a global pandemic!! Is Dean Koontz the new Nostradamus? (The 1981 edition has the virus originating in Russia but by 1989 it has changed to China)

Joe Wicks – Literally anything by him!

In lockdown it is easy to become sedentary. Joe Wicks’ books offer delicious, healthy recipes and easy to follow exercise routines which you can also find on YouTube.

Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami Killing Commendatore is the perfect introduction to the genius that is Haruki Murakami. His novels are enchantingly surreal and this one involves a reclusive artist, a mysterious hidden painting, a secret Nazi assassination attempt and a trip through the underworld. And at 704 pages it will pass many a lockdown hour!

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy in Five Parts by Douglas Adams Now, more than ever, we need a good laugh. These five hilarious novels by the late, great Douglas Adams will have you laughing out loud.

Follow Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect as they travel the galaxy looking for the ultimate question to life, the universe and everything while trying to get a really good DK (Hugo) Spanish in cup of tea.

3 Months So, hopefully the lockdown won’t last for a full three months! However, self-improvement is always a good way to pass time and Learn Spanish in 3 Months is an easy and comprehensive approach which takes you from beginner to intermediate level.

L

OOKING for the perfect Spanish series to watch while locked down, take your pick.

Best of these is La Casa de Papel, which returns for its fourth series to Netflix this week.

The hit series, known as ‘Money Heist’ in English, will hit screens on April 3, a great reason to stay indoors and binge on the next chapter of our favourite characters, El Profesor, Moscow, Denver, Helsinki, Tokio, Rio and Lisboa – who is currently recovering from coronavirus.

It’s great drama and a superb way to learn some Spanish.

Here are five other shows, featuring the case of La Casa de Papel, worth looking out for:

Mirage – A mystery surrounding Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett Maybe now is not the best time for a novel about the end of the world, but Good Omens is like a warm duvet of a book, enveloping you in it’s good humoured and good natured tale

The Ghosts of Spain by Giles Tremlett Written with humour, great affection and full of interesting insights, this is considered The Bible for extranjeros who want to learn some Spanish history and understand Spain.

Delights of staying in

The Enemy by Charlie Higson A sickness has swept through the adult population killing most and turning the rest in to flesh eating zombies. Only those under 14 are immune. Now they must fight for survival. Although marketed as a YA book, this post-apocalyptic novel is an exciting, fast paced action horror for all ages.

they dont want to come due to the virus

two storms 25 years apart sees El Profesor playing a very different role as husband David Ortiz.

Elite – An exclusive private school sees clashes between the working class and the wealthy leading to murder. Herran plays a soldier in this historical war film

Lord, Give Me Patience - If you’re missing Moscow you can find him in this dysfunctional family comedy

Locked up –

The pair, Alba Flores and Alicia Sierra team up as close friends in this prison thriller

Who would you take to a Desert Island? Denver is one of four friends sharing a flat in Madrid

To Steal from a Thief

– Another bank robbery theme if Money Heist isn’t enough for you

PROPERTY

April 1st- April 14th 2020

Rent strike Housing bodies threaten strikes if tenants are forced to pay rents

BARGAIN HUNT: Just €3,000 for home in Tremor

What a deal A TINY village in Castilla y Leon has begun selling homes for as little as €3,800 in a desperate bid to curb the effects of rural depopulation.

The municipality of Iguena (above) has so far sold 100 out of 130 homes for less than €5,000 in the village of Tremor de Arriba.

The properties are located on an abandoned estate built for miners in the 1960s.

Tremor de Arriba’s population has been left on the brink with just 320 residents after a oncehealthy figure of 3,000 in the 70s.

A PAIR of housing bodies are set to call strikes over tenants struggling to pay rent during the Covid-19 crisis.

The tenants associations in Catalunya and Madrid insist that rents for families, small business owners and self-employed workers should be suspended during the crisis.

“The economic costs should not fall on the State or small landlords but on companies and financial entities,” insisted a spokesman.

In the case of small landlords, who depend on the income to pay their bills, the State should be forced to step in to help them.

The news comes as Barcelona mayor, Ada Colau also asks for a suspension of rent payments for flats and commercial prop-

erties in the city during the pandemic.

Colau has sent a letter to the presidents of the College of Real Estate Agents, the College of Property Administrators and the Chamber of Urban Property asking for this.

In it she insists that action must be taken to ‘protect the most vulnerable and to prevent the spread of Covid-19.’

“The council has approved the suspension of rent of more than 8,000 subsidised council houses and almost 400 commercial properties,” said the 46-year-old.

This comes after the Minister of Equality, Irene Montero, called for the Government to suspend the payment of rent for flats and commercial properties during the coronavirus crisis, with the State compensating landlords.

Do you know if you need or how to exchange your driving licence? Liberty Seguros answers your questions.

There are many questions being bounced around about the consequences of Brexit and what effect it will have for those in Spain and other parts of Europe. And, of course, nothing is certain yet. One of the most recurring doubts is about the validity of driving licences. In this regard, you must know that all driving licences issued in any member state of the European Union and the European Economic Area are valid for driving in Spain while they are in force and have not been removed for any reason.

While you have your permit in force, the exchange for an equivalent Spanish driver’s licence is completely voluntary. However, don’t forget that once you obtain your legal residence in Spain your licence will be subject to the Spanish regulations regarding its period of validity, control of your psychophysical aptitudes and assignment of a points credit. In those cases, where the driving licence is not subject to a specific period of validity, this will have to be renewed after two years since establishing your legal residence in Spain.

However, from January 1st 2021, the general regulations on non-EU countries will apply to the permits issued by the British authorities and you will be allowed to drive in Spain for only six months from your entry in Spain or from the date of obtaining your legal residence.

Therefore, if your driving licence was issued

in the United Kingdom and you have been residing in Spain for a longer period than 6 months this will no longer be valid for driving in Spain from that date.

To continue driving on Spanish roads without problems, you must exchange your permit to a Spanish licence before the said date.

To do so, you must arrange an appointment with your nearest office through https://sedeapl.dgt.gob.es You still might use your Spanish licence in the UK for short visits or exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test if you return to live in the UK. What do you need to exchange your licence? · Official application form available at the Jefaturas de Tráfico (Provincial Traffic Departments) and on the DGT’s website (www.dgt. es) · Proof of identity and residence: National identity card or passport; your residence card, national identity card or passport and your certificate of registration in the Central Register for Foreign Nationals if you are an EU national; residence card for non-EU nationals. · Foreign driving licence to be exchanged in force. · Up-to-date 32 mm x 26 mm colour photo · Number or proof of payment of having paid the fee II.3: 28,30€ There are three methods of payment: on-

line www. dgt.es, by bank card at Traffic Departments and by direct debit from a bank account or in cash at financial institutions (model form 791 available at Traffic Departments and on www.dgt.es) All our over 300 agents and brokers are highly qualified with extensive experience and will be available to assist you with any questions you may have. And very importantly, this is done in a personal and friendly way, face to face, in an office environment and not by telephone, unless you so wish.

Liberty Seguros excels for the quality of its services, something very well valued by drivers, since they know that they can turn to their insurer at any time to discuss any queries they may have. Liberty Seguros is a very reliable and professional company that has the backing of one of the most important insurance groups in the world: Liberty Mutual.

Don’t forget Liberty Seguros not only offers car insurance but also home, life and funeral, amongst others, so you can place all your insurance needs under one expert roof!

April 2 - April 15 2020

Hard sell VALENCIA had the highest number of property sales in Spain in 2019.

The eastern region registered a total of 15.2 sales per thousand inhabitants, while Andalucia came second with 11.9, alongside La Rioja and the Balearic Islands.

The country saw a decrease of its house sales to 10.8 per one thousand inhabitants, in compar-

11

ison to 2018 when it was 11.06.

Across Spain, 503,875 sales were recorded last year, a number that represents a 2.5% drop compared to 2018, the first drop in five years.

When it came to foreign buyers, the country saw a drop in sales, from 65,400 in 2018 to 63,000 last year. The Balearics had the most, with 42.28% of houses purchased being from foreigners. Valencia came in second with 27.08%.

12

HOLD TIGHT! S Urgent action plan needed as Spain and rest of the world head into recession SPAIN and Italy’s economies will be affected more than countries in northern Europe from the Coronavirus crisis.

Analysts predict a drop of around 10% this year for Spain, due to the collapse in tourism and various other key sectors of the economy.

Italy meanwhile, will see a drop of up to 12%, according to various financial predictions. In contrast, Germany’s industrial output should prevent the drop going above 9% and France at around 7.5%.

Incredibly, the GDP of China may only fall by 3% according to Goldman Sachs, while Fitch Ratings predicts only 4% for the Asian giant.

Forecasts range from a contraction of around 7% in Spain by France’s Societe Generale to 9.7% from Goldman Sachs.

The Goldman Sachs team of analysts believes Italy will contract by 11.6%, Germany by 8.9%

and France 7.4%.

Spain is particularly affected due to its huge reliance on tourism which is around 12% of its GDP, with over 80m tourists normally arriving per year.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the tourism sector needs on average about 19.4 months to recover from epidemics.

Contraction

Once the lockdown is over and normality begins to resume, tourist numbers will still be far lower due to the fear of travelling on planes and leaving the country.

Experts say Britain is also ‘heading for a recession of the scale we have not seen in modern history’ with JP Morgan predicting an 8% contraction in the second quarter of 2020 alone and some analysts predicting a drop of almost 15% this year.

BUSINESS

As the economy crumbles, the Olive Press business survival guide will help you navigate the rubble

HOW TO STAY afloat

PAIN has tightened the screws on its coronavirus lockdown, risking a further crippling of an economy already on its knees.

The construction sector has been hit hardest by an updated ‘essential workers list’, which in one draconian swoop was reduced from 40 key services to 25.

Effective since Monday, the new list requires that aerospace workers stay home, as well as cleaners and domestic workers, not caring for children or the vulnerable.

Essential workers are now also required to carry certificates to prove they are legitimate.

However this raft of updated measures, published in the Government’s official BOE buletin (journal), still leaves many questions unanswered regarding benefits and pay.

Spain could see up to one million people laid off over the next few months, many via an ERTE, This scheme is a temporary layoff option being used y employers, such as Zara, to protect jobs and continue trading to some level.

Here, we take a look at a few of the key issues:

food and transportation costs.

Companies can add to the 70% when and if they are able to, and if hours are cut normal wages will be paid for the percentage of the day they work.

To qualify for unemployment benefits a worker must have: * Done 360 days work in the past six years * Have had their hours reduced by between 10% and 60% This means that a salary of reduced hours added to any benefits can only total a maximum of 85% of the previous salary with a minimum of €501.98 and maximum of €1,411 depending on dependents, etc.

An ERTE application can be made for a company’s entire workforce or only part of it.

The number of those expected to go under an ERTE is at least 760,000, but could rise to two million by 2021, according to right wing economist Daniel Lacalle.

What if I am quarantined?

Once you have informed work and taken the necessary precautions, you should be entitled to 75% of your base salary during the time you are off.

This will be paid through Social Security and can be topped up by the employer to the full amount.

What is an ERTE?

An expediente de regulacion temporal de empleo (ERTE) is a special file allowing companies to temporarily lay off staff or cut hours, while allowing them to claim unemployment benefits.

It is a positive step for both the economy and workers as their contracts are not terminated but merely ‘suspended’.

For the first six months workers are entitled to 70% of their base salary and 50% from the seventh month.

This is calculated from an average of the previous 180 days’ employment and does not cover

How does ERTE work?

ERTE will be handled by the employer and SEPE, the Spanish body that deals with benefits.

The company is obliged to inform workers of its ERTE request and must then submit an application.

Supporting evidence must be provided to explain why coronavirus has damaged business activity and SEPE will confirm the claim within five days.

Companies do not have to pay Social Security for ERTE workers laid off and only have to pay a proportional amount to staff who have had their hours cut.

Self-employed (autonomos)

Since 2019 all self-employed workers – or autonomos – have been able to apply for the paro de los autonomos.

To claim this unemployment benefit you must have worked as an autonomo for 12 months, be registered and be up to date with Social Security payments.

But in the wake of the current crisis the central Government has unveiled an unprecedented

package of measures for the self-employed.

IVA (VAT), corporation tax and personal income tax can now be deferred for the first time for business-owners whose turnover did not exceed €6 million in 2019.

It has also approved a benefit for those whose business ceased trading or where turnover has fallen by 75%.

Regional governments are thought to have earmarked billions for autonomo workers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Benefits claimants can get ‘up to €1,500’ in the Valencia Community.

A total of €57.5 million has been set aside in the region, as over 150,000 workers have been temporarily laid off (ERTE) over the last two weeks.

Self-employed workers who have seen a 75% loss in income will be able to access at least €750 a month, whereas autonomos who have had to close will be able to access €1,500.

The measures to access the benefits will be revealed soon.

In comparison the Junta de Andalucia has set aside €600 million.

A six-month suspension of Social Security payments for the self-employed is set to be approved this week.

Which workers are essential?

Commerce – Includes banks, vets, tobacconists, chemists, opticians, food shops, press, petrol stations, laundrettes Essential service providers – Includes farmers, fishermen, clothing manufacturers, utilities workers and telecommunications

OP QUICK Crossword Across 7 Ceded (7) 9 Wear away (5) 10 Creatures (7) 11 Scowl (5) 12 Remove dirt with a broom (5) 14 Cosmetic brand (7) 16 Permanently inactive (7) 18 Aegean island known for its sweet wine (5) 20 Gaiety (5) 22 --- Ffestiniog (7) 24 Form of address for a woman (5) 25 Late (7)

Down 1 Road around an obstruction (6) 2 Dregs (8) 3 Notion (4) 4 Acts (8) 5 Game played on horseback (4) 6 Minute (6) 8 Miller’s nickname (5) 13 Wide view of an extensive area (8)

OP Sudoku

April 2-April 15 2020

15 Fruit drink (8) 16 Bivouac (6) 17 Forbidden (5) 19 Shallow dish (6) 21 Whirlpool (4) 23 Peak (4)

All solutions are on page 14

BUSINESS

BY Keith Littlewood AS I am writing from behind my home desk, it strikes me how fast we get used to this new reality.

Since my last article we have further witnessed some of the largest daily fluctuations in stock markets since the financial crisis with the last one being a jump of most indices of well over 10% following the $2Tn stimulus package agreed by the US congress.

If one could only time this! This volatility of the last weeks comes on the back of continued concerns with the virus, how long it will last and the impact on the global economy.

When discussing this with colleagues and clients, and when reading reports from fund managers and the financial press, the human dimension and our loved ones’ health is everyone’s primary concern, and then of course, this contraction and our clients’ interests are paramount.

MURCIA Keith Littlewood – Regional Manager Tel: +34 657 684 094 Email: Keith.littlewood@blacktowerfm.com Address: 120 Avenida Dr. Artero Guirao 2C San Pedro Del Pinatar 30740 Murcia

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April 2-April 15 2020

Investing wisely

As coronavirus sweeps Spain, keep your money safe by sticking to a few core principles For new investors this can be an extremely worrying time as they will not have been used to such short-term volatility.

For seasoned investors who went through the financial crisis of 2008, the technology bubble of 2000 and even black Monday in 1987, the short term pain being witnessed is often seen as a confirmation that although stock markets can’t always go up, over the long term they have done so.

How long will we continue seeing these jumps?

It is generally assumed now that with this contraction a recession seems inevitable.

Whether this will be a V-shaped one, i.e. suggesting soon a strong recovery, or a U-shaped one where the bounce back can take much longer, is a popular topic of discussion.

Some analysts say this contraction should prove the shortest ever, suggesting it could last two quarters, compared to the average of four quarters.

As the cause of market stress is a public health crisis rather than a leverage or profitability crisis, fundamentals would improve when we have a peak and then slowdown in Covid-19 daily infection rates in the US and Europe.

Another question raised is if we have hit the bottom yet?

At the moment we are still very much in this overreaction phase.

The next two weeks will be critical to see the effects of the containment measures and to estimate the potential length of the economic contraction.

Until then we can expect the high volatility to continue.

For long-term investors and fund managers alike, this offers new buying opportunities.

However, markets are unpredictable, so it would be wise to spread your risk through diversification in a longer term investment strategy, keeping a few core principles in mind: Diversification – diversification – diversification: The best long-term portfolio is one that is diversified across asset classes such as stocks, bonds, cash and property as well as being spread geographically, not being solely reliant on one economy such as the UK or US.

www.blacktowerfm.com Think twice before putting your money in cash: With low interest rates likely to stay with us for a long time, the eroding effect of inflation cannot be overstated.

Invest for the long term and stay invested: Trying to time the markets is really only done by luck. Missing the best up days can be as bad as enduring the worst down days.

Always take professional financial advice: Emotions can play a key part in an investor’s decision making and a rash decision could have a negative impact on your portfolio. An adviser will review your portfolios and guide you through the investment cycles.

Start investing early if you can: Compound Please remain safe with your health and your interest can have an incredible effect on an wealth, and contact us if you want to have a review of your portfolio or would like to look investment portfolio. into the opportunities ahead.

Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licensed in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV in Spain

14

March 19th - April 1st 2020

gle.

But there is one uplifting activity you can add to your new regime of cooking, baking, exercising, reading (and excessive drinking) to keep stir craziness at bay - planning your next trip.

If this virus has taught us anything, it’s that life is unpredictable and tragically short, so why not experience as much of the world as you can starting at home in Spain.

There’s enough to see on these shores alone, including places even our most travelled readers have yet to tick off their bucket lists.

So check out our collection of some of Spain’s less-visited areas well worth a trip later this spring.

Osuna, Sevilla The city of Sevilla generally grabs all the glory but the gorgeous ancient town of Osuna, one hour’s drive east from the capital, does not deserve to remain in its shadow.

It was dubbed Urso by the Romans who left behind a quarry, theatre and necropolis, which are all still visible today.

Meanwhile its Archaeological Museum in the Torre del Agua on Plaza Mayor, tells the story of its many years under Islamic rule.

Other artefacts from that era include the still-standing walls from the Alcazaba fortress and the unmissable collegiate church on Plaza Encarnacion.

Dating from 1531, this jewel of a church is a showcase to Ba-

As the countdown to the end of the coronavirus lockdown begins, here’s some inspiration of where to visit upon your release

Osuna

Cuenca

Albarracin

Sierra de Gata

El Coto

Sierra de Gata

Cuenca Catedral

Alcala del Jucar

Plan your escape

roque architecture and houses a world class collection of art from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Sierra de Gata, Extremadura If you’re a campo lover you’ll be in your element in the Sierra de Gata.

Nestled in a corner of the Ex-

tremadura region, the rolling hills are dotted with a collection of picture perfect white towns that will transport you back in time to a much simpler Spain.

Santibanez el Alto, perched on a hill some 650 metres above sea level, has been standing since the 9th century. Rumour has it that this delightful pueblo was established by a French woman who fled to Spain from persecution at home.

These vertiginous villages are populated by just a few hundred people at the most and ooze oodles of charm with their cobbled, narrow streets, stone houses and scattering of ancient ruins.

If driving, steer clear of the tight-fitting streets in town centres and don’t be alarmed to see many of them named after the dictator Franco.

Albarracin, Aragon This ancient village in Aragon

was recently named among Spain’s most beautiful and it’s easy to see why.

The town is a masterclass in pretty with its red-washed buildings seamlessly etched into the mountainside since the 12th century.

WIth less than 1,000 inhabitants, Albarracin was declared an official National Monument in 1961 while its surrounding red sandstone cliffs make it a popular rock climbing destination.

The town is a historic site in its own right but while you’re there, don’t skip the outer city defense walls (Murallas de Albarracin), constructed by Muslim rulers in the 900s.

Other must-sees include the stunning 16th century Catedral de Albarracin and the quirky Casa de Julianata, a (tiny) home in the centre of the citadel standing since the 1300s.

Cuenca, Castile- La Mancha

OP Puzzle solutions

Quick Crossword

Across: 7 Yielded, 9 Erode, 10 Animals, 11 Frown, 12 Sweep, 14 Yardley, 16 Extinct, 18 Samos, 20 Cheer, 22 Blaenau, 24 Madam, 25 Overdue.

Down: 1 Bypass, 2 Sediment, 3 Idea, 4 Performs, 5 Polo, 6 Teensy, 8 Dusty, 13 Panorama, 15 Lemonade, 16 Encamp, 17 Taboo, 19 Saucer, 21 Eddy, 23 Apex.

SUDOKU

W

ITH two weeks left of self-isolation (fingers crossed), keeping sane is a daily strug-

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL

Famous for its ‘casas colgadas’ - hanging houses cantilevered over the cliffs as if clinging by a thread - the Romans ignored Cuenca but the Moors saw it as highly strategic.

Following their successful invasion in 714, they quickly built a fortress, named Kunka, straddling two gorges between the Jucar and Huecar rivers.

The location was secured by a surrounding kilometre-long wall, allowing an agricultural and manufacturing city to grow and thrive.

Today its breathtaking beauty is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Don’t miss the impressive Cuenca Catedral, originally built between 1182 and 1270 and restored in 1902, and the 16th century Bridge of St Paul for panoramic views of the citadel.

Alcala del Jucar, Albacete This unassuming but striking town was only deemed an official site of historical importance in 1982.

Like much of Spain, it has seen invasions by Muslim, Christian and Catholic rulers alike who all left behind valuable mementos of their empires.

The Castillo de Alcala del Jucar is just one of these treasures, built by Arab settlers in the 12th and 13th centuries on a hilltop, providing a strategic vantage point over the entire town.

Don’t miss the quirky bullring whose irregular shape makes it a global one of a kind.

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runners and yoga enthusiasts topping the list.

According to boardcertified plastic surgeon Walter L. Bernacki, MD of OhioHIS Plastic Surgery in morning I woke Central to Ohio, “Thestreaming newest the sun non-surgical body the contouring through window system isandCutera’s truSculpt for a while all was jittery, anxiDwell... that until uses that radiofrequency ioustechnology feeling welled up -and the (RF) to target one that has been bubbling permanently destroy fat in your underspots ever(think since then tops word trouble muffi coronavirus entered our voandcabulary love handles) - in little just 15 - and that decomfortable withhead no mon voiceminutes inside your downtime. found is telling We you,have ‘what if…?’that theWith treatment works on all skin the virus’ rapid spread, grounded economic types, sizes flights, and physiques, fallout, and most importantincluding individuals who ly for those ofnot usconsidered with family were previously overseasfor - are they OK, when candidates body contouring will I see them again and of procedures.” course the big one, when will What’s more, normality return - truSculpt the helpiDlessness producesthatanmany average of us fat feel reduction of 24 percent, and is understandable.

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but additional treatments may be required for optimal sculpting results.

“TruSculpt iD is a very exciting new development in non-surgical body contouring.

The lower abdomen and love handles can be treated in just a single 15-minute comfortable treatment session. Our patients have been very pleased with the body sculpting results they can achieve with this innovative system,” says Dermatologist Jeff rey S. Dover, MD, FRCPC Keep calm and of Skincare Physicians in carryHill, onMA. with Chestnut By and large, people are Life Coach

loving their truSculpt iD results. In a separate study of individuals who had the procedure, 100 percent said they were satisfied, would get it done again and would refer a friend for truSculpt iD. And everyone felt better in - or out of - their clothes.

So, if you’re thinking about looking into a new kind of personalized body sculpting without resorting to drastic measures, find a truSculpt iD one to one consultations and provider nearservice you by searching a Skype to clients https://trusculpt.com/find-aaround Spain and in the UK. provider.

“All our feelings come from

15

March 19th - April 1st 2020

PEP up your PMA Jill Hannam’s five top tips for cultivating Positive Mental Attitude (PMA)

been a Life Coach for many years, originally working with Blue Chip companies in the UK, before moving into private practice. Now based near Marbella, she offers

thoughts, if we can identify the thought we can change it, rebrand it, crush it with facts and ultimately feel better,” she says.

“It’s natural to worry, feel anxious and panicky. But worrying pushes you into the future and that is beyond our control. It’s important to be in the here and now.

COACH: Jill Hannam

Control “During these uncertain times it’s important to look after yourself both physically HOPE: Deepak and Oprah team up for mediatation course

BRAVE: Anne Frank

and mentally, to put yourself first so you are in the best possible state to help others.”

Jill’s five-point plan to stay calm: Don’t worry - be happy All of us like a degree of control and in troubled times it’s what we crave and need. Understanding what’s in your control and focusing on that is empowering, comforting and essential.

If you find yourself worrying about something, the first question you should ask is ‘Is this within my control?’

If it isn’t, then worrying is like putting yourself through it twice, like hitting yourself with a big stick. Worrying will not stop you from getting sick. If anything it will weaken your immune system.

Follow the advice from the experts in terms of protecting yourself, cleanliness and isolation. Do what is within your control. If someone gets sick, trust your instinct in terms of the severity, seek and follow professional advice like you normally would.

Again, look at the facts. The likelihood of getting the disease is still low and the chances of survival are high.

Whilst I appreciate the threat of this particular disease is unprecedented, worrying won’t protect you.

Fill the void Focusing your mind on something that brings you joy leaves less room for overthinking and unhelpful thoughts.

Work it out It’s the perfect time to take on a personal keep fit challenge.. Exercise makes us feel good, and you’ll never regret a workout (once it’s done!), it makes us healthy and strong! All good things and all within our control!

Interact socially How on earth did people like Anne Frank (above left) survive a ‘lockdown’ without technology? Most of us

are so lucky to have access to amazing tools to help us communicate with people all over the world! We’ve signed up for an app called ‘Houseparty’ and last night my husband did a ‘pub quiz’ with his mates whilst I caught up with some of my pals in the UK. FaceTime, Whatsapp, Skype… a good old fashioned phone call!

Reach out to people who are vulnerable and alone.

Practice gratitude Sit quietly and list the things you are grateful for... the things that make you happy, the people you love. What is it about them that makes you happy? Spend five minutes a day on this. I promise you that when you are doing this, it is impossible to feel anything other than

happiness, joy, optimism and thankfulness. What’s not to love about all those feelings! Sit and do this every time any unhelpful feelings come knocking at your door! For more advice on this, read Jill’s blogs www. jillhannamlifecoach.com At this current moment, most of us are healthy; our loved ones are well, and life is fine. So, be grateful for the things that are going well in your life right now and focus on the present – it is a powerful antidote to worrying about the future.

And let’s remember we are not alone in this. We are dealing with this as a community, as a country and as one world. Draw strength from your loved ones, and in turn, try to be strong and stay positive for them.

And breathe….

When all is chaos, connect to calm with Headspace This app is brimming with relaxation and meditation programmes with courses for beginners to more advanced.

Download is free and there are plenty of free sessions or you can upgrade to Headspace Plus to unlock more content, priced £4.99 a month with the first 14 days free. Try the Basic course, ten sessions of between 3-10 minutes which are a great introduction to meditation, mindfulness and ‘being in the moment’. There are also programmes for better sleep and stress release workouts.

Finding Hope in Uncertain Times Deepak Chopra and Oprah Winfrey

A free 21-day meditation course by one of the world’s most respected mind body advocates in collaboration with American media star Oprah. It promises to help you feel less overwhelmed with the world at the moment. Oprah has a velvety voice that’s easy to listen to, while Deepak is calm and reassuring. There’s an app to download or access through your browser. www.chopracentermeditation.com

The The

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Plane daft

TWO men have been arrested for driving their car into Barcelona Airport.

They entered Terminal 1 via a revolving door, while the airport was practically empty.

The two men – both of whom are Albanian nationals – were apprehended by police, who claim they made an ‘Islamist-style proclamation’ but this has not been confirmed.

Neither man has a terrorist past and no explosives were found in the car.

Bread-handed POLICE in Granada have fined a man who could only produce a hard loaf of bread as evidence of a trip to the supermarket.

The man was stopped in Motril and asked to prove where he had been.

He was fined after police discovered he had only one loaf of bread ‘as hard as rock’.

Since March 16, the Motril Policia Local has issued 278 fines.

Stripper-gran

AN 80-year-old Spanish granny has been denounced for breaking the lockdown, possessing drugs and flashing police officers.

The woman from Navarra was stopped when walking down the street and asked why she was out of the house.

Her reply was that she was delivering the drug speed to her granddaughter.

The police then proceeded to search her and found three small bags conA BISHOP has been fined for driving with a neighbour taining the narcotic substance. in the passenger seat. The Bishop of San Sebastian was The situation worsened for the octofined riding shotgun, which is in violation of the state genarian when she lifted up her skirt of emergency laws. He is facing a fine of €600 despite during the search and flashed the telling cops he was taking the man to the dentist. agents.

Frocking cheek

Shame of the parade A GROUP of penitents are facing real trouble after heading out for an impromptu Easter parade during the lockdown.

The five quarantine-breakers from Utrera, near Sevilla, were stopped by police while undertaking a fake Semana Santa parade to dance music.

Two of those arrested were wearing the traditional nazarenos robes for the stunt, while two women wore the black outfits of the manolas.

The fifth person in the group can also be seen carrying a miniature paso – the elaborate religious floats paraded in Spain at Easter.

It comes after the virus caused the week-long Semana Santa celebrations to be cancelled for one of the only times in Spain’s history.

The cost for the city of Sevilla alone is expected to be around €400 million.

Get me out of here!

A MAN has asked police to arrest him as he can’t bear being confined at home with his mum.

The Galician man, 44, visited the local police station insisting he had coronavirus and needed to go to hospital.

But after confirming he did not have the virus he was sent home by officers and ordered to stay there.

Quickie in quarantine A RANDY couple have been told they could face a €30,000 fine after flouting quarantine by having sex on a beach in Estepona.

The frolicking duo, a south American man and a Spanish woman, were caught mid-romp behind a chiringuito at night and were arrested for public disorder.