WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED! The
OLIVE PRESS
FREE
MALLORCA
Your expat
voice in Spain
Vol. 3 Issue 76 www.theolivepress.es March 20th - April 2nd, 2020
Olive Press online YOUR ONLINE PORTAL TO TRUST
It has been the fastest moving story in our 14 years of publishing... and we have hardly stopped to draw breath. Well over a MILLION people have visited our site over the last week thanks to our coverage of the coronavirus online with hourly updates even throughout the weekend.
7,485
globally
Civil war
ON GUARD: Soldiers keep watch at a key intersection in Palma this week as lockdown tightens DESERTED streets, patrolling soldiers and border closures. This past week has left Spain looking like the set of a post-apocalyptic film trailer. As the country’s coronavirus cases now near 18,000, it is however, comforting to know that decisive action is being taken by the government. Amid the lockdown in Mallorca, acts of heartwarming humanity have also shone through. From a DJ entertaining Palma’s Son Espanyolet district with daily rooftop gigs (see back page), to residents coming out on their balconies to applaud the doctors battling the virus, the solidarity shown on the island has been more than stirring. Others meanwhile prepared food and shelter for the homeless, while Chinese residents in Soller donated hundreds of masks and medical supplies to the authorities. Although the massive clampdown on free movement, not seen since the Spanish Civil A veil of silence has settled upon a normally War, is already helping some regions halt the teeming island as the number of coronavirus rapid infection rate of COVID-19, Mallorca’s cases are spiking and show the importance of cases continues to spike in Mallorca conforming to the rules. In just one week, the number of confirmed cases has doubled to on PA systems in Spanish, Catalan, Eng- for some time, especially for an island that reach 128, and a cancer patient became the sec- lish and German continue to sound across depends so heavily on tourism. ond victim killed by coronavirus after becom- the island, warning people to stay indoors. Expat-run ‘Look Mallorca’ luxury rentals ing infected in hospital. Elsewhere, rebels have Those who flout the emergency orders will business told the Olive Press the situation defied the self-confinement orders, looting be slapped with fines of up to €30,000, is ‘frightening’, as it reduces its working day-care centres, vandalising cars, biting a po- and dozens of people have already been hours for all employees. lice officer and threatening neighbours. In one sanctioned, including a man who walked “Despite giving clients every opportunity appalling incident, a local thug was arrested af- his dog for longer than considered nec- to change the reservation dates on their ter he chased an elderly lady down the street, to essary. Units from Palma’s 47th Infantry villa bookings, every single one has canrepeatedly cough in her face. The airport mean- Regiment are bolstering patrols, while sol- celled,” explained a spokesperson. while, is running an eerie ghost schedule, and diers have been drafted in from Valencia’s The virus will be contained, but its impact all ports have now been closed. This message regiment to disinfect streets. still awaits to be seen. of civil responsibility is driven home But for many, the pandemic is concealing Crisis special, p2-7 daily by the police, where messages the huge economic damage that could last
Don’t mention the war! ONE cheeky fan of a yet-to-be cancelled show by legendary comic John Cleese, pleaded with the star: ‘Please don’t die, I've got tickets!’ It comes as the iconic Monty Python star confirmed he is ‘self-isolating’ from coronavirus ahead of his landmark first gig in Mallorca. The 80-year-old British funnyman, who is in the ‘at-risk’ category for Covid-19, is still set to play Palma Auditorium on April 16. The show is part of Cleese’s Last Chance To See Me Before I Die tour, which is still going ahead, according to the venue’s website. But fans are worried for the star, including Dutchman, Sidney Brandeis, who posted online: “Stay safe and please don't die. I bought tickets for your show.” Cleese said: “Thank you. I am self-isolating but little has changed as I have very few friends.”
UK BASED
TRAVEL INSURANCE for Spanish residents www.globelink.co.uk 96 626 5000 +44 (0) 1353 699082
It is, of course, a horrorshow # 164 for all of us with businesses in # 230 tourism, retail or catering on the island. But we are all in the same boat and now you are all stuck at home, trying to stay healthy, we are working even harder to ensure we keep you up to date on the latest news from around the country. News on the spread of the virus, what you can and cannot do, and plenty of ideas on how to get by at home. Remember with the Olive Press online you are not alone. It is not for nothing we are now in the world’s top 10,000 most visited websites (see above) and in the top 250 in the UK and Spain. Our team of over a dozen writers are out and about making sure you are abreast of everything you need to know... visit:
www.theolivepress.es