FREE
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The
OLIVE PRESS MALLORCA
Your expat
voice in Spain
Vol. 4 Issue 80 www.theolivepress.es May 15th - May 28th, 2020
THE MAN WHO BEAT COVID TWICE An expat from Alicante has proven you can catch coronavirus a second time... and still survive
Find out how on P5 TOUGH AS OLD BOOTS: Ian Tanner has twice been diagnosed but cheated death
Down the pecking order
disaster The likely cancelation of summer holidays for Brits in Spain will be ‘catastrophic’ for the Balearics
THE European Union is making a desperate bid to salvage the holiday season for Spain. It comes after Brits were warned that holidays abroad this summer are ‘very likely’ to be cancelled. Health Secretary Matt Hancock broke the potentially devastating news for Spain during an appearance on ITV’s This Morning on Tuesday. “We haven’t made a final decision... but it is unlikely that AN emu has become the latest big, lavish international holivictim of coronavirus. days are going to be possible The flightless bird in Verdegas, for this summer,” he told hosts Alicante, has been left homeHolly Willoughby and Philip less after its owner died of COSchofield. VID-19. The move, if confirmed, would It was part of a menagerie of 27 be a huge blow for the Spanish animals, which also included a tourism industry, and more so llama – since re-homed in Barfor Mallorca and the Balearic celona – that were left abanIslands as a whole, a region doned. which is heavily reliant on the A concerned local called in El hundreds of thousands British Refugio del Burrito donkey tourists who visit every sumsanctuary in Cordoba, which mer. has been sending supplies for Some 12% of the country’s the animals to be fed. GDP is from tourism, while in When it comes to being reMallorca it generated 14.6% of homed, the emu has been left the region’s GDP in 2019. firmly down the pecking order. According to the president of Nicky Cohen, from the refuge the Government of the Balearsaid: “The problem is that you ic Islands, Francina Armengol, need a special zoological lithe autonomous community cence to own an emu. will suffer the most, foresee“If there is anyone who does ing a 30% drop in earnings this have the right papers, we year. FREEDOM: Palma residents finally get to enjoy a drink on a restaurant terwould love to hear from them.” Largely attributed to a loss of tourrace as Mallorca enters Phase 1. See full story on page 6/7 ists, if the prediction rings true, the Balearic economy will shrink three times more than the rest of Spain. The revelation by Hancock came just hours after the central government announced a mandatory 14day quarantine for all international travellers arriving from May 15 - the UK BASED same measure announced by the UK on Monday. This would mean that tourists would have to stay inside their accommodation for two weeks, before having to quarantine once again when arfor Spanish riving back to the UK. “It will most likely continue residents throughout the de-escalation period,” confirmed Health Minister www.globelink.co.uk Salvador Illa. For those without second homes and who don’t plan on staying for months at a time, it makes a holiday 96 626 5000 to Spain practically impossible in +44 (0) 1353 699082 the short term. Photo by Allan Binderup
At least you can do this at last..
TRAVEL INSURANCE
By Laurence Dollimore and Isha Sasay
The move has been received with astonishment by those working within the tourism sector in Mallorca, with hoteliers and business associations publicly criticising the decision. The president of the Business Association of Balearic Travel Agencies (AVIBA), Francesc Mulet, described the moves as ‘completely wrong’, claiming that the quarantine period would ‘completely destroy the Balearic economy.’ “Health protocols should instead be applied at airports,” he insisted. This was echoed by the Minister for Labour, Commerce and Tourism, Iago Negueruela, who stressed the need to implement a health passport. This would monitor variables such as the temperature of visitors, thus giving the authorities a way to assess the health of those arriving to the islands. However, there is still a glimmer of hope for tourism after Ryanair announced that it would restart approximatey 40% of its flights across Europe from July 1.
Positive
In more positive news for Mallorca, the airline also revealed that it intends to commence its first routes to Palma’s Son Sant Joan airport from the end of June. Flying out of 80 bases, their destinations and the probability of them filling up will depend on agreements between countries. The UK has already confirmed, for example, that quarantine measures will not apply to those travelling from France or Ireland and there will be considerable lobbying by the Spanish tourism industry and airlines over the next few weeks. This week, the European Union confirmed it would do everything it could to help. It proposes a phased approach across the European Union that sweeps away closed borders and travel restrictions. The Commission said it is looking to Continues on Page 5
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NEWS IN BRIEF Super-saving MERCADONA has launched a four-day week as an ‘exceptional measure’ to protect staff from coronavirus.
Cycle aware TWISTED pranksters have been laying dangerous traps for cyclists in Albacete. Several routes have been dotted with nails protruding from the earth while barbed wire has been set to trip up bicycles.
It’s no Djoke SERBIAN tennis number one Novak Djokovic has caused another controversy after posting a video on his Instagram account of a practice session at Marbella’s Puente Romano during Phase 0 of Spain’s de-escalation plans.
Over and out THE coronavirus will have left Spain by September 9, a new study from the Singapore University of Technology and Design has predicted, with 99% of cases forecast to be registered by May 22.
NEWS
May 15th - May 28th 2020
Claws out A CHINESE expat has slammed a vet after she claims her cat died in mysterious circumstances at the clinic overnight. Diana Wang, 34, believed her British shorthair cat named Minou was merely suffering from a bladder infection when she dropped him into the Mijas vet on May 1. But the next day she got a call from the vet saying he had died of a ‘heart failure’. Police are now looking into her claims and she is demanding explanations from the Butibamba vet in La Cala de Mijas.
At last!
THE president of La Liga has said he hopes Spanish football will return next month. Javier Tebas expressed his hope that the league can resume on June 12. The statement came just hours after it was revealed that FIVE top players have tested positive for the virus, as well as three non playing staff. But Tebas remained positive and said: “It is less than we expected. We expected 25 or 30, according to the numbers seen in the Bundesliga and the potency of the virus in Spain.”
BIRDBRAIN CUFFED
Expat denounces vet after her cat dies in mysterious circumstances EXCLUSIVE By Dimitris Kouimtsidis
“I have asked the vet why he didn’t do a urine test on Minou and he said he didn’t have to because he could see what he had. “I then asked how he could know what was wrong with him and then he got angry saying it was my fault the cat died because I took him to the vet too late”, she added.
She claims she was ‘manhandled’ out of the vet when she asked to see CCTV footage of the night in question. “I felt so humiliated,” adding that she had phoned the police who arrived and took her statement, before phoning an ambulance as she couldn’t feel her limbs. She was later told she had experienced ‘an anxiety attack’. The clinic failed to comment before we went to print.
TRAGIC: Diana and her late kitty Minou
Brit THUG bust
AN ‘extremely violent’ British fugitive has been caught in a sleepy inland town in Andalucia. Known only as L.W.J and with a European Arrest Warrant hanging over his head, the man had been attempting to lay low in Albox in Almeria. According to Guardia Civil, an investigation was launched after intel revealed he had moved to Puerto Lumbreras. The man is wanted for serious crimes back in the UK, although the nature of the offences is yet to be detailed. Neighbours described him as ‘extremely violent’ and told police they believed he could be
No escape A MAN wanted in connection to an intentional hit-and-run which seriously injured four people has been captured in Palma de Mallorca. Police had been hunting the 18-year-old Spaniard for more than a year after his alleged part in a quadruple attempted murder near Playa de Palma in S’Arenal. Investigators said another man, 19, ran over the group in an act of revenge over a dispute that erupted moments before at a local bar. The detainee had allegedly been on-hand nearby to help the driver flee in another car. At a coronavirus checkpoint this week, police matched him to the crimes using an identity check and also found him in possession of a large quantity of cannabis.
Phish supper POLICE have dismantled a criminal ‘phishing’ gang which defrauded companies out of over €2.4 million in the Balearics and across the globe. A two-year probe resulted in 11 arrests in Valencia, Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca. Investigators claim these individuals took part in a ‘CEO sting’ in which the target is usually a high ranking employee. The cybercriminals would send employees an email pretending to be their boss which asked them to transfer significant amounts of money for a financial operation that was to be kept strictly confidential. The targeted employees would either reveal sensitive data or directly transfer funds to the specified account.
armed. Police initially tracked him to the port at the end of April, but he somehow managed to evade capture during a raid and went back on the run for several days. Investigators set up a task force to track him down for a second time after receiving a tip off that he may be in the area of Paraje Ventarique. Within a few days, officers had located and cuffed the wanted man before starting the extradition process. He will be transported from Madrid back to the UK to face justice. Do you know the identity of this fugitive? Contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es
COVID catches ‘Billy the Kid’ THE notorious torturer and Franco henchman Antonio Gonzalez Pacheco, otherwise known as ‘Billy the Kid’, has died from the coronavirus aged 73. According to police sources, Pacheco died at 7am at the San Francisco de Anis Psyciatric Hospital in Malaga. Known for his brutality and torturing of Franco’s opposition, Pacheco was in the middle of an inquest to remove his government funded medals and inflated pensions for his ‘services rendered’ during his time in the police force. He enrolled in 1971 and was assigned to the social research department, a group dedicated to the investigation and oppression of Anti-Fran-
A MAN has been arrested after he shot dead pigeons outside a church in Mallorca. Frightened residents called police after witnessing a man firing shots near the Sant Alonso Rodriguez church on Plaza de la Iglesia in Inca. The 50-something gunman was spotted shooting a rifle into the square’s surrounding trees, before he fled on foot. Policia Local officers were immediately deployed to the scene, finding several dead birds on the ground. Moments later, patrolling officers spotted an individual who matched neighbours’ description standing next to a parked van. A search of his vehicle revealed a 22 calibre firearm with telescopic sight in addition to ammunition.
Shaken and stirred POLICE were sent to track down a coronavirus patient who left her hospital in La Rioja to go and buy a coffee. Nurses called the Guardia Civil when they noticed the woman was missing and hadn’t told any of the medical staff. The agents found her sitting on a nearby bench drinking her latte. The area was then evacuated, while the cafe she purchased the coffee, along with the bench she sat on, was sanitised.
DEAD: Coronavirus kills Franco torturer Pacheco co groups. He quickly grew a reputation for his aggressive nature and his willingness to reach for his pistol in the style of the Wild West, a quirk that gave him his infamous nickname. Since his retirement in 1982, Pacheco has been apparently immune to prosecution, with numerous courts fighting to make him accountable for his crimes.
RISK TAKERS WHEN cops stormed a Chinese restaurant in Palma they found six individuals gambling illegally inside. The police had received a tip-off from a local resident who reported hearing several people making loud noises in the establishment’s back room. As the restaurant’s owners had previously been denounced for organising illicit games of ‘mahong‘, a popular Chinese game similar to dominoes, officers moved swiftly to the address. Covert surveillance revealed that several people were leaving the premises without any food or drink in their hands. This in itself is a violation of the state of alarm decree which only permits restaurant’s to operate for takeaways. The individuals were carrying almost €3,000 in cash between them, in addition to betting accessories such as poker chips and cards.
Capital punishment POLICE in Madrid broke up 400 house parties over the weekend. They also broke up 97 social gatherings in parks across the capital. In addition, 3,847 fines were issued to those not adhering to lockdown restrictions. That figure represents a 22.8% increase compared to the fines issued last weekend, which were 3,133.
Fine time THE number of people fined for breaking coronavirus restrictions in Spain has remained at around 15,000 a day on average. This continuous civil disobedience takes the country’s tally of financial penalties during lockdown to more than 900,000. Since March 14 when lockdown was announced, the Policia Local has had handed out 300,437 fines, the Guardia Civil 255,033 and Policia Nacional, 236,568.
NEWS
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May 15th - May 28th 2020
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Signed, sealed, delivered (finally!) THEY say when you move to Spain you should expect a slower pace of life...and that extends to the postal service. While post can often take a few extra days, even a week to cross Spain, you don’t expect a letter going along Malaga’s Costa del Sol to take FOUR YEARS. That’s exactly what has happened to a letter sent by Mrs J Hollowell, based in Benalmadena, who had wanted to give her opinion on the story of youngster Alfie Barton, who broke his leg while holi-
No new normality! PENELOPE Cruz and Pedro Almodovar have joined Madonna, Robert de Niro and a host of Nobel prize winners in a new fight for the environment. The Spanish stars have joined over 200 international notaries pleading that the world does not ‘return to normality.’ In an open letter led by actress Juliette Binoche and astrophysicist Aurélien Barrau, the stars claim the coronavirus crisis ‘has the power’ to confront essential issues over consumption and pollution.
Catastrophe
The group, also including Cate Blanchett, Monica Bellucci and Spanish singer Miguel Bose, hope the lockdown can help to avoid an ‘ecological catastrophe’. Consumerism, according to their claim, ‘has led us to deny the value of life itself: that of plants, animals and a great many people.’ “Pollution and the destruction of natural areas are leading the world to breaking point, and for these reasons, combined with growing social inequalities, it seems unthinkable to us to return to normality.’
CRUZ: And Almodovar
daying in Spain. But despite being clearly addressed to the Olive Press office in Manilva, and most importantly with a stamp, the letter, sent on October 5, 2016, arrived only this week. If you’re reading this Mrs Hollowell, the letter DID find us well, it just got delivered a little later than expected. And yes, some fair points on why Alfie’s family wanted him treated back in the UK.
No Yoke
Darlene the hen shocks British owners after producing triple-yolk egg EGG-CLUSIVE By Laurence Dollimore
A BRITISH expat couple are expecting a big lottery win after their hen laid a TRIPLE-YOLK egg this week. The chances of that happening, according to the British Egg Information Service, are one in 25 million. In fact you’re more likely to be struck by lightning (two million to one), or be involved in a plane crash (11 million to one). “I hope she brings us luck in the way of a lottery win now,” Yorkshire-born expat Monalita Cairns, 48, joked to the Olive Press. A PROFESSIONAL singer has been forced to end his balcony concerts following a slew of complaints from a not-so-appreciative neighbour. Big-hearted Miguel Gonzalez, 45, thought he was doing a great community service during the lockdown, performing from his flat’s terrace in Nerja to coincide with the 8pm applause for frontline health workers. But the crooner, who usually
Cher-ing is caring CHICKEN LICKEN: Darlene and expats “My husband Alex actually picked her out, he said he saw something special in her.” And Alex, 63, wasn’t wrong. According to the retired couple, who live in Alora in inland Malaga, the plucky hen, named Darlene, had been laying double-yolked eggs for most of last week before producing a triple-yolk stunner on Monday. “I cracked it this morning and had it for my brekkie,” added
Sing bin performs in bars and restaurants, soon received several warnings from police to put a stop to the sessions. After refusing to end his performances, officers were forced to deliver an official complaint to his home. He is reportedly talking to Nerja town hall about a permit.
Monalita, “it was delicious.” Darlene was one of seven hens bought from nearby Agrocementos Alora, a local animal food shop. They had hoped the hens would give them a steady supply of eggs during the lockdown. They joined five dogs, four cats, two goats and two horses who already lived on the couple’s land. “It might seem lame, but our hens really cheer us up in these strange times,” said Monalita, who owned a furniture business in Wakefield, before moving to Spain, “And Darlene really eggcelled herself, I didn’t even know triple yolkers existed.” A double-yolked or tripleyolked egg occurs when two or more egg yolks are released into a hen's oviduct at the same time and too close together and end up in the same shell. Send us your animal funnies to newsdesk@theolivepress.es
POP legend Cher is giving Spanish-speaking children something to cheer. The 73-year-old has launched her version of ABBA hit Chiquitita in the latin language. Proceeds from the recording will go to children’s charity UNICEF – just as the profits from the original do. Cher said: “When everything changed in the world I wanted to help. This seemed like the right time to complete the cover.”
Web of shame
AN attempted burglary has gone spectacularly wrong after a man, dressed as comic book hero, Spiderman, fell nearly seven metres from an apartment balcony. The incident occured in Malaga early on Sunday morning when a young couple were awoken by a noise coming from the kitchen. When confronted by the couple the intruder - dressed in a Spiderman mask and gloves - fled back through the open window and fell off a tight ledge, failing to
grab hold of a gutter. The couple phoned the police who arrived to find the wannabe thief unconscious on the floor. An ambulance was called and by the time paramedics arrived, the 47-year-old had regained consciousness and was duly arrested for his botched attempt at breaking and entering. He was transferred to the Carlos Haya Hospital in Malaga for multiple fractures where he is currently recovering from his injuries.
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Airport must open HOTELIERS in Mallorca are pleading with the the government to reopen Son Sant Joan airport on July 1 in order to save some of the summer season. They are piling pressure onto the Government of the Balearic Islands to reactivate the tourism sector within two months. They believe that setting a date to reopen the airport will push tour operators and airlines to start scheduling flights to Mallorca, which in turn would entice tourists to book holidays to the island. This they claim would save at least half of a summer season and allow hoteliers to recover some of the money lost through the coronavirus crisis, as well as stimulating employment. The association’s president Biel Llobera explained that the main European tour operators, such as TUI, are continuing to sell holiday packages to the Balearic Islands from July onwards and that it would be ‘catastrophic’ for the sector if these were cancelled. He said: “Tour operators have told us that both Germans and Britons are still interested in travelling to the Balearic Islands this summer.”
May 15th - May 28th 2020
Selling us down the river
Mallorca shopkeepers furious after summer sales are outlawed by central government
MALLORCA shopkeepers are up in arms over an apparent ban on seasonal sales. They are furious that the ruling that is aimed at preventing crowds coming into the streets,
By Isha Sesay
will strike a further death knell to their already ailing businesses.
Flightmare THE cost of plane tickets could rise by up to 54% due to social distancing, it has been suggested. Airlines such as Easyjet have stated their intent to keep their middle seats empty once flights resume, to keep some forms of social distancing. It’s thought that more airlines will follow suit, causing the maximum capacity of flights to be reduced by a third. The aviation industry has grounded to a virtual halt, with many airlines suffering huge losses and these plans could potentially make things worse. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) this could cause the price of flight tickets to surge. The IATA supports the plans to make use of face masks compulsory for all passengers and crew, but doesn’t support the idea of leaving middle seats empty.
the only way to entice clients is through sales,” he said. Molina explained that with potential customers feeling the pinch that offering discounts may be the only way for them to part with their money. Zara Adler, a manager at Xarig Perfumeries, also believes that not being able to offer sales will negatively impact their business. “The government’s ever-changing decisions are confusing us all,” she said. The President of the Federation for Balearic Business Entrepreneurs (AFEDECO), Antoni Vilella described the ruling as ‘absolute nonsense’. He said: a maximum capacity for mainland-island “There are thousands of families flights. However airlines in Spain have been de- that depend on the nounced for failing to observe social distanc- commercial sector, ing, including Iberia Express after its Madrid- so to be playing with Gran Canaria flight flew at more than 70% their future in such a frivolous way is capacity last week. wrong.”
They are already ailing from a two month enforced closure, estimated to have cost €120m, while around 60% of their sales normally come from tourists. One angry shopkeeper Jordi
Molina, who owns a shoe shop in Palma, told the Olive Press that if he cannot put his stock on sale, he may be forced to close. “I have not earned any income for two months and
Too close for comfort
FEARS have been raised after a Madrid to Palma flight appeared to show no attempts at social distancing between passengers. An online picture (above) showed the Air Europa service operating at almost 100% capacity, including the middle seats. Under coronavirus regulations there isn’t
Keys Isl nd to the
By Amanda Butler
Green dream WITH the Balearic Islands in Phase 1 of the coronavirus deescalation plan, and this week’s figures looking good with no new cases in the past 48 hours, on the face of it, things are looking pretty good for the Balearics. But the current 14-day quarantine period for travellers arriving from abroad does not make it an appealing travel destination, even for those with second homes. And as and when we do lift these restrictions in the next few weeks, with other key countries enforcing restrictions for the return journey, no one in their right minds will be wanting to travel for a holiday or property visit. There is no doubt this season will be crippling for many involved with tourism related businesses (which of course apply to the majority), and property of course is amongst them. Analysts are forecasting a massive drop in GDP in the Balearic Islands this year because of its dependence on the international tourism sector. Many will have to dig into their reserves, if they are fortunate to have them. Things will improve, but we will have to look at 2021 for some form of economic recovery. Trying to look at a positive viewpoint on this situation, we are definitely witnessing
Amanda Butler is hoping the Balearics can be a leader in eco-construction after coronavirus a shift in attitudes as the coronavirus is leaving its mark across the world, - it is reminding us to hold life sacred. To hold life sacred is not just to live long, but to live well and right and fully. Shouldn’t we take this opportunity to widen our lens and examine the entire systems in place? As COVID-19 stirs compassion and awareness, more and more of us are waking up to the realisation that we don’t want to go back to a normal so sorely lacking it. We have the opportunity now to forge a new, more environmentally and wellness conscious norm. According to Go Contractor the construction sector alone contributes to 23% of air pollution, 50% of the climatic change, 40% of drinking water pollution, and 50% of landfill waste. Concrete is the second most widely used material in the world (after water), and if the industry was a country, it would be the third largest carbon dioxide emitter in the world: its 2.8 billion tonnes are surpassed only by China and America. I implore our governments, and our developers and builders, to learn from this.
There are exhaustive lists of building materials that are sustainable, renewable, ecofriendly - and sometimes all three. Their advantages are many: more long-lasting, improving indoor air quality, good thermal mass and optimising operation and maintenance cutting down costs long term for both the constructor and the consumer. Let’s take this opportunity to fast-track the Balearic Islands Green Manifesto plans for 2050 and ask our governments to incentivise developers and builders to invest in greener building technologies and renewable energies. Let’s make Mallorca and the Balearic Islands a leader in sustainable and green construction for our land, our peoples and our future. We will overcome this in time, but I firmly believe that the positive way we manage to ride the coronavirus wave will help to reaffirm the reputation of Mallorca and its sister islands to be a safe and secure place to invest in property. Amanda J Butler – an holistic approach to real estate in Mallorca. MJC Associates - +34 690075169, ajb@mjcassociates.net
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The end of summer From Page 1
give people the ability, confidence and safety to travel again. “Free movement and cross-border travel are key to tourism,” insisted a spokesman. But he warned: “This approach must also be flexible, including the possibility to reintroduce certain measures if the epidemiological situation requires.” Germany is now studying an agreement with Mallorca, while a corridor is already set to open up between the Czech Republic and Croatia, taking in Austria and Germany. Whatever happens, it will be a massive blow for Spain if the usual British influx does not happen in July and August. Brits represent 21.6% of the foreign tourists coming to Spain each year, contributing the lion’s share of the €92 billion raked in by the industry in 2019. Currently, people flying into Spain must be either returning citizens or residents or have a justified reason for doing so. It is not yet known when Spain’s borders will be reopened to international tourism. While officially the land and sea borders are to remain closed until May 24, that is likely to be extended for another two weeks (until June 8). Opinion Page 6
The lynx effect
ONCE on the endangered-species list, Spain’s native Iberian lynx population is thriving. The wild cat has truly bounced back from a depressing low of 94 individuals in 2004 to a stunning 461 in Andalucia alone in 2019, a 3.6% increase in one year.
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NEWS
May 15th - May 28th 2020
Double dose
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British expat grandad gets coronavirus TWICE in two months
A BRITISH expat has urged the public to ‘take coronavirus seriously’ after catching the lethal virus twice in two months. Ian Tanner, who has lived on the Costa Blanca for three years, has suffered permanent lung damage from the disease. The former maintenance business owner, 62, who lives in Orihuela Costa, tested positive to COVID-19 last Friday - some seven weeks since he was first diagnosed - and recovered - on March 25. It comes after he had felt fine for over a month, but then went back to doctors complaining of what he thought was a blood clot in his arm. Medics at the private Hospital Quironsalud Torrevieja instead found he had a lung infection, permanent scarring and took a COVID-19 test and found he was positive again. “I was walking around, going to the shops, it was horrendous,” Tanner, from Kent, told the Olive Press. “It’s horrendous to think I had my three grandchildren come to stay for 10 days and I was cuddling them without knowing. “And all the time I was positive.” It comes after Tanner was initially hospitalised and tested positive for COVID-19 on March 25. His wife Sue had been hospitalised the day before, and was ‘within a whisker’ of dying after she suf-
EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt
fered double pneumonia. “Thank Christ she pulled through,” said Ian. While Sue, 62, spent 17 days in the Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja, medical staff sent Ian home after just four days under daily supervision saying he had made a full recovery. They even told him he would be safe to go out after two weeks. The 14-day self-isolation period was supposed to end on April 11 – nearly a month before Ian tested positive once again to COVID-19 by PCR, the standard testing procedure for the virus. During the two weeks of isolation he didn’t go out and only had
MIRACLE: Sue and Ian Tanner, (right) recovering at home this week twice-weekly visits from a nurse. “When you come out of that condition, you think ‘I am immune, the virus has gone’,” Ian, who said he had no significant medical history, added. “But of course it hadn’t. If it
Saddled with fines POLICE have rescued a 24-year-old man who fell off his horse – and then fined him. Police were called by the man’s riding partner, who was in a state of extreme nervousness and could barely point agents in the direction of his injured friend. Finally, on a steep hillside in the backwaters of Castellon they found the injured rider surrounded by blood on a narrow path. He was unconscious and had a large six-inch cut on his head. He was given immediate medical aid before being transferred to Castellon Hospital by helicopter. Police later fined both men, who had broken coronavirus quarantine rules by going out for a horse ride together. The horses also lacked an Equine Identification Document, a microchip and did not have obligatory vaccines.
wasn’t for this lung infection, I’d still be out there talking and possibly infecting friends, probably without a mask on. “The Spanish health system saved my wife’s life, but it’s a worry they’re not testing patients again regularly after they leave hospital.” Ian thought Spain was doing a ‘good job’ to combat COVID-19 but his bizarre reinfection and asymptomatic response made him wonder ‘how can this end?’ He believed he picked up the first infection from a casino he and his wife visited on March 12.
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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 Dead in the water?
FEATURE
And ready, steady… terraces! ‘Normality’ finally returns to Palma as residents flock to the pavement bars to enjoy first day out proper (well sort of)
Special report by Isha Sesay
WITH the Palma Boat show cancelled, the concert season binned and partying a distant memory, what could possibly come next? The scrapping of the summer season, that’s what! It’s the nightmare scenario that thousands of expat businesses around Mallorca were coming to terms with this week. The doomsday reality of hotels and restaurants without British tourists in July and August. And yes...the loss of perhaps half of their annual income. It is a cruel twist of fate that Spain was one of the best performing economies before the COVID catastrophe hit. Looking forward to one of its rosiest years in history, we were all set for the good times to finally roll. So it is heartbreaking to think that hundreds of thousands of businesses are facing collapse. One figure bandied about is 800,000 of them. So many of these will be owned by plucky expats who settled here to pursue their dreams - many likely linked to tourism, the worst industry affected. How can Spain expect people to survive if summer is cancelled?
Vigilant
While avoiding another outbreak is of course the priority, the words ‘body blow’ and ‘disaster’, as the hotel lobby has described it, is about spot on. Let’s hope the EU can put in place a continent-wide protocol that will at least allow some level of sensible international tourism to return...and please let those Germans come to our island. Surely the British and Spanish can also hash out some sort of agreement given their strong ties, both economically and socially? After all, the French have done it, haven’t they? Of course, nothing is known until we see how the virus progresses over the next few weeks. And if current numbers continue, there’s hope that Spain could at least begin to open up to the international market. To help the chances of that happening, we must all remain vigilant and keep to the rules regarding hygiene and social distancing. All we can do now is hope and pray some sort of summer returns, and if not, that the government does what it has to do to get us all through it. It’s not going to be cheap.
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May 15th - May 28th 2020
T
ERRACES were the star attraction, perhaps unsurprisingly, as Mallorca finally opened up again after its enforced two month hibernation. They were the perfect sign that life is finally being injected back into the normally vibrant capital city of Palma. Reopening again as part of Phase 1 of Spain’s de-escalation plan, thousands of people flocked to grab the first pavement table they could find. It was great to see so many businesses resuming their activity this week as Mallorca took its first tentative steps in lifting the coronavirus lockdown. From Monday, the terraces of restaurants, bars and cafes were permitted to reopen, albeit ensuring they maintained a 50% capacity and had strict hygiene measures and there could be a maxi-
Corona-rogues Middlemen screw farmers and consumers as demand for fresh food goes bananas By Dilip Kuner & Laurence Dollimore
Y
OU may have noticed empty shelves at your local supermarket over the last month or two, but many of you have also noticed an apparent rise in the price of foodstuffs. The Olive Press has discovered that greedy go-betweens are pocketing the difference as on-the-shelf food prices rocket while farmers are paid peanuts. Demand for fruit and veg since the lockdown began in Spain has seen prices for some products such as mandarins shoot up by 42%, according to figures from the farmers’ association COAG. They now average €2.55 a kilo, up from €1.75 in February, while farmers still get a rock-bottom 35 cents a kilo. Other big price hikes have been seen for cabbage (up 28 %), carrots (up 22%) and aubergines (up 20%). In all cases farmers get a fraction in comparison. Price tags on pork and chicken have also risen by 6.4% and 2.5% respectively. “The speculators and intermediaries in the food c h a i n , are making a killing,” insisted Andres Góngora, of COAG. “This is at the expense of the efforts of farmers, who are at the bottom of the ladder, producing quality fresh food for which they receive a pittance. “The practice of the speculators is to reduce prices paid to farmers while keeping them high for consumers, even when consumption is up,” he added. “They are abusing the supply-demand system.” Greater demand might explain some of the rise. People worried about COVID-19 have been tucking into more fruit and veg to boost their immune systems. According to official figures, consumption of fresh produce has risen 44%. But at the same time farmers have seen ‘farm gate prices’ plunge by an average of 77% in Spain, claims COAG. The price rises have not gone unnoticed, with 82.8% of people saying they had seen an increase, according to Consumers’ group FACUA which received more than 10,000 responses to a recent Twitter poll. Just 17.2% said they had not noticed price rises. Another 15.4% of the 10,606 consumers who took part believe that there have been increases, but only for certain products. But 48.2% of people said they had noticed price hikes in the majority of items.
SCARCITY: Fruit and veg in short supply in Mercadona
Brand names only ONLINE buyers are being forced to buy expensive well known brands as cheaper white-label products are out of stock. Unofficial consumers’ watchdog OCU says that since the start of the lockdown it has spotted ‘moderate’ price rises at online supermarket services from companies including Carrefour and Hipercor. But the average shopper’s bill is set to be higher than normal as ‘out of stock’ notices mean they have to turn to brand names. The Organisation has been monitoring the price of a basket of 25 food and household products at supermarkets in Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, Murcia, Sevilla and Zaragoza. Worst city for unavailability was Sevilla, where 40% of Carrefour’s products were sold out. On average the French-based supermarket chain had 27% of its products out of stock across Spain, with unavailability rates at Dia and el Corte Ingles’s Hipercor both standing at 13%. On top of this many people are unable to get delivery slots, with waits of a week or more common, reported OCU. On various visits to Mercadona supermarket over the last month, the Olive Press has noted numerous empty shelves (see above).
Are you being conned? Price controls had to be brought in after speculators were bumping up the price of basic masks and alcohol-based hand cleaning gels by mark-ups of up to 1000%. Numerous Olive Press readers reported having to pay over €10 for a pack of three to five simple masks at pharmacies along the Costa del Sol. Yet a state bulletin last month insisted that the price of masks had to be capped at 96 cents.
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May 15th - May 28th 2020
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MALLORCA
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Vol. 3 Issue 79 www.theolivepress.es May 1st - May 14th, 2020
This is not Armageddon! EX CL US IV E
IT was a taste of what’s to come for parents and children at the weekend. Mothers and sons, dads and daughters headed out to take the air, pick wild flowers or stroll on beaches around Palma. On bikes, scooters, skateboards, roller skates or just
Expat restaurateurs welcome four-step pla fear huge losses despite being able to open
Mother of cancer victim Ashya King tells the Olive Press why she has left the Jehovah’s Witnesses and wants to move back to Spain with her family
See a mother’s moving interview on pages 6-7
A WAVE of uncertainty has descended across Mallorca after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez revealed his four-step de-escalation plan to get life back to ‘a new normal’ after a week of positive COVID-19 results. As long as the rate of infections continues to drop, restaurant terraces will be allowed to open with a 30% capacity, as well as hotels and other tourist accommodation on May 11. Some two weeks later, restaurant dining rooms can once again welcome clients, while cinemas, theatres and museums will follow suit, albeit in a limited capacity with strict separation rules.
1GM
UK BASED
rejected
mum of just 10 people allowed in each seated group. Mindless chatter between locals, a symbol of the warm and welcom-
ing nature of the island, was heard on every street corner, while it was heartwarming to watch residents stop to say hello to familiar faces
Raids trio get 17 yrs
Meanwhile, last month our continuing investigation into Jodie Smart and Continental Wealth Management (CWM), made further headlines in both the Daily Mail and in a BBC documentary.
MISSING OUT: Local famer in Ronda
These are defined by the government as a “facial piece covering the mouth, nose and chin, which is fitted with a head harness and which meets the requirements of various technical specifications. Meanwhile, the cost of alcohol gels should now be no more than 2.5 cents a millilitre when sold in bottles up to 150ml and 2.1 cents for containers from 151ml to 300ml. So a 100ml bottle should cost no more than €2.50 and a 300ml bottle a maximum of €6.30.
Now for the good news…
ping districts of Sindicat, Sant Jaume and Sant Nicolau were certainly thriving as merchants opened their stores following the strict protocols outlined by the central government. According to the Association of Small and Medium Sized Businesses (PIMECO), over 80% of Palma’s 3,500 commercial establishments opened their doors on Monday. But its president Toni Fuster made an appeal to locals to go out and spend money with them. “A loss of tourists will greatly affect business and it is now time for residents to think about the sector and buy in small businesses, because if not, they will have a very hard time overcoming this crisis.”
hospital
Left hubby in row over armageddon
ASHYA’S MUM FLEES TO SPAIN
10-PINT FATAL FALL
A MAN who night out was drank ten pints on a and found dead morning in a the next last diabetes at the time of garden, an inquest his death December. John Downey, heard. Mr Downey, with a pal who 66, had been boozing from Cheltenham, also over a wall and did not see him fall had an enlarged heart and the liver, Gloucestershire cirrhosis of He had sufferedland in a 3ft ditch. court was told. coroner’s no injuries on medication Heart disease for high blood but was diabetes was and pressure alcohol blamed, rather toxicity. Verdict: than Natural causes.
Sun
BRITISH Bruce Springsteen Hungry Heartfan club raise £10,000 hopes to for charity by streaming hours of non-stop 24 by the US rocker hits into people’s homes today.
SPOT
A&E BURN THREAT
A WOMAN threatened to burn down hospital and a would kill her,told a care assistant she arms and trying to take but once there her Abigail Forder,a court heard. began ranting own life Winchester crown 24, waved a lighter at staff, the air with court heard. in Forder, of terrified A&E oxygen tanks nearby as Basingstoke, staff looked on. threatening admitted She had been and damage, plusviolence admitted to hospital criminal Basingstoke, unrelated charges in Hants, after of cutting her attempted robbery and witness dation. She was intimijailed for 50 months.
And yesterday editor Jon Clarke was drafted in to Sky News to give his opinions on the nightmare summer about to unfurl for many expat businesses
ACTION STATIONS: Skaters of two types take to the parks and streets while the terraces in Palma filled up not seen during the long-lasting period of confinement. “It has been an enormous relief to most,” said Jordi Mora, the president of the Federation for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (PIMEM). “It comes as an opportunity for many to recover some of the losses.’ He added that contrary what some might think, most employees were only too happy to return to work . He also praised the decision made by the city council which has allowed for the expansion of terraces during Phase 1, which he said would ‘give them a much needed boost during this very difficult time.’ Meanwhile, the popular shop-
THREE burglars have been jailed for 17 years after a total of night raids on admitting the elderly in sheltered housing. They even stole mobiles so the pensioners could not call for help around last Christmas in Buckinghamshire, Aylesbury crown court heard. One victim was aged 97. Kristopher Barfoot, 36, of no fixed address, got six years, eight months; Ben Tompkins, 36, of Milton Keynes, six years; and Aaron Tompkins, 32, of no fixed address, four years and four months.
Naghmeh and
Brett King sparked 5000 96 626 a 2014 after taking their manhunt son, then 699082 +44 five, (0) out 1353 of a UK against doctors’
Killer bug bee fears
HONEYBEES wiped out by are being a mystery disease that is sweeping Britain, researchers say. Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus causes trembling of the wings and body and jumpiness, stopping It can contribute flight. death of a whole to the colony, with infected within a week.bees dying It has spread most of England across and Wales in ten has also been years and identified in Scotland. Experts say it is being fuelled by queen bees fromimporting Europe.
EXCLUSIVE by RACHEL and JON CLARKE DALE
Spanish THE for mum of brain cancerresidents survivor Ashya King is stuck in down Spain afterlockedwww.globelink.co.uk splitting from her Jehovah’s Witness husband.
advice. They could therapy on the not get proton NHS and were arrested after ing to Malaga. fleeThe couple, both practising vahs at the Jehotime, were briefly jailed. Ashya, ten, has now made an “amazing” recovery. Love . . Naghmeh, But Naghmeh, Ashya. Left, family 50, with Sun, 2015 has revealed left Brett, 56, she their seven kidsand in Milton Bucks, and Keynes, headed to their home days holiday the travel banbefore was enforced last month. And she said that Jehovahs were ing coronavirusbrand“Armageddon”. an children back. just want my before I She being want explained: them released ‘“My kids are come over and to at home and live with me efforts to extradite them when rified this is Armageddon ter- here in Spain to the UK were abandoned. and I have been I am stuck here while looking at bigger In 2016, two homes to rent.” “The Jehovah’s in Spain. Ashya had start of Ashya’s years after the been Witnesses say with coronavirus is treatment, a medulloblasto diagnosed NHS decided ma which it would pay the prophesied by the great plague was successfully for God and they surgeons removed by children with brain cancer will only be saved to if their belief July 2014. in Southampton in travel abroad for proton in Jehovah is therapy. beam strong enough.” Admitting her He had a further In 2018, MRI marriage is on his scans conducted the rocks, Naghmeh brain soon after.operation on in Southampton added: “I couldn’t deal showed Ashya But to help prevent to be free of with it and came cancer. a return out at the beginning of the tumour, Speaking from his parents of March. wanted him her lockdown “I told them home, to I would isolate here therapy — whichbe given proton although Naghmeh added that where I willself- not Ashya is doing safe. Brett said be provide at the the NHS did still well he suffers he didn’t want time. with me to leave The profound Kings disabilities took him to Spain — and she couldn’t take the house but I but were arrested it at the request he would benefit frombelieves of She added: anymore.” living “I’m definitely heldthe British authorities and in Spain. happier now in Madrid’s Soto She added: I’ve Del Real properly “He can’t write prison. “I feel free and left. have got more yet, his hand time to think The couple were shakes, but he is and study. Now I jail for more thankept in the do sums.” starting to read and 24 hours rachel.dale@th e-sun.co.uk
By MIKE SULLIVAN
TEACHER Gordon Park was responsible for the “Lady in the ing of his wife,Lake” killof Appeal ruled the Court yesterday. His three children tried to posthumously overturn his conviction for the 1976 murder of mum Carol. Judges said “no doubt’’ aboutthey had ty and rejected its safeThe son and their bid. daughters said the judgment “marks the end of our fight”. Park hanged jail on his 66thhimself in birthday in 2010 after to overturn hisa failed bid Teacher Carol,conviction. 30, vanished from the family home in Barrow-in-Fu rness, Cumbria, when the marriage was in trouble. Divers found her weighted-down body in Coniston Water, Lake District, in 1997. convicted in 2005.Park was
And over the last few months, the Mail ran our story about an English couple in a mysterious house blaze in Sotogrande, a Brexit protest in La Linea, while the Sun followed up our series of excellent exclusives on the floods in the Costa Blanca (right)
Here are the top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks: Air cancels its flights from Spain’s Tenerife 1- Wizz to London Luton on the day they were supposed to restart (52,442 visitors)
FOR those returning to work over the next week or two, the good n ews is that petrol is at its cheapest for a decade. Due to a global collapse in demand, on May 10, the average price for 95 grade petrol in Spain stood at €1.08 per litre and diesel had dropped below the €1 mark to 98.3 cents. These compare to historical highs of €1.52 for petrol and €1.45 for diesel in January. But prices depend on where you buy it and who from. On May 7, the average price of fuel at a BP station stood at €1.14 and €1.06 for petrol and diesel respectively, for example. Previous lows in the past 10 years were in August 2016, when diesel fell to €1.001. According to the European Union's Oil Bulletin, the price of petrol has fallen this year by 16.06% and that of diesel by
beach disinfected with BLEACH near 2- Outrage asSpain’s Costa del Sol (31,098) BREAKING: Spain will lift coronavirus restric3-tions in FOUR phases with islands given a head start (31,026) Officials in Germany say there will be NO holidays to 4-Spain this year in multi-million euro blow to Balearic Islands’ tourism sector (27,374) Air completes first flights connecting Spain’s 5- WizzCanary Islands to London Luton (19,981)
Photos by Allan Binderup
Get in touch today at sales@theolivepress.es or call us at 00 34 951273575 for a special quote
By Isha Sesay in Palma
However, despite business-owners being told they can potentially resume activity this month, with more restrictions lifted by June, many are feeling wholly dubious about how viable reopening will be without an international market. Although retaining a healthy all-yearround population, Mallorca relies heavily on tourism and winter incomes are complemented by significant profits over the summer. The Mallorca Hotel Business Federation and the Hotel Chain Association have branded the government’s plans to reopen establishments as completely ‘unfeasible,’ claiming that it provides a ‘false impression of returning to a new normality.’ “The de-escalation plan has been reand asSaturday, May 2, ceived with disappointment 2020 tonishment, ............... 25and shows the profound ignorance of the government towards tourism and business in the Balearic Islands,” said the associations in a joint statement. Stressing the need to implement protocols such as mass COVID-19 testing, the organisation believes the focus should not be on resuming activity without a client base. This view was echoed by James Hiscock, a British expat who owns the renowned Son Ametler Hotel in the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Stating the need to roll out a European health passport, he told the Ol-
BRAIN LAD’S PA RENTS SPLIT TRAVEL 6I couldn’ INSURANCE
t take it any ‘Lady in more..I’m the Lake’ appeal is happier now7 Wife killer . . . Park
shanks pony, they m corners and in parks, Even better, from this exercise, as long as And, fingers crossed,
BITTE SWEE
Photos by Jon Clarke
WITH a team of 20-plus writers and journalists, you expect to break the odd few stories. The Olive Press has been been finding and standing up exclusives around Spain for 14 years - and had literally hundreds followed up around the world. This month is no exception with our front page interview with the brave mother of tragic Ashya King (right), leading to NOT one, but TWO big shows back home in the UK, one in the Sun and the other a double page spread for editor Jon Clarke in the Mail on Sunday.
NEWS
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The Media Group on the move!
Office wizard some g for a sorcerer to weave The Olive Press is lookin expand again into new regions. we as magic in its head office ourceful and become the glue in the young
You’ll be energetic and res Personable and bi-lingual you will have a and rapidly expanding team.sociable and naturally computer literate. good phone manner, be
Graphic designers
The Olive Press also needs reliable, quick and talented graphic designers for its office in Sabinillas. You’ll have a great eye for detail, plenty of job experience and a good record for turning up on time and working to deadlines
Journalists and w
riters
Sales executives We also need commercial sales agents in the following areas: Malaga, Sevilla, Almeria, Murcia, Catalunya, Canaries and Portugal. Great rates of pay for those with the right proven skills
LAST, but definitely not least.. we also need wordsmiths too... can you turn a phrase and/or turn up on a doorstep on time? We are looking for qualified, hard-working hacks and writers around the whole of Spain
If you think you have what it takes to help the Olive Press expand to the next level, please get in touch at accounts@ theolivepress.es at the first instance, sending your CV and a covering letter. These jobs could be part time or full time and will suit either man or woman of any age or colour
Check out our issues online at www.theolivepress.es Mallorca Issue 79 The
MALLORCA
Your expat
voice in Spain
May 1st - May 14th, 2020 Vol. 3 Issue 79 www.theolivepress.es
FREE
n! This is not Armageddo E Photos by Allan Binderup
XC LU SIV E
parents and children IT was a taste of what’s to come for at the weekend. headed out to take Mothers and sons, dads and daughters beaches around Palma. the air, pick wild flowers or stroll on roller skates or just On bikes, scooters, skateboards,
with friends on street shanks pony, they met and chatted arrest or a heavy fine. corners and in parks, without fear of will be allowed to Even better, from this weekend everyone measures are kept. exercise, as long as social distancing meant to play ball! And, fingers crossed, the weather is
BITTER SWEET
Photos by Jon Clarke
four-step plan to recovery, but Expat restaurateurs welcome able to open again in May fear huge losses despite being deA WAVE of uncertainty has scended across Mallorca after Prime his Minister Pedro Sanchez revealed life four-step de-escalation plan to get of back to ‘a new normal’ after a week positive COVID-19 results. As long as the rate of infections conwill tinues to drop, restaurant terraces be allowed to open with a 30% capacity, as well as hotels and other tourist accommodation on May 11. Some two weeks later, restaurant dinwelcome again once can ing rooms and clients, while cinemas, theatres a museums will follow suit, albeit in limited capacity with strict separation rules.
See a mother’s moving interview on pages 6-7
Mother of cancer victim Ashya King tells the Olive Press why she has leftto the Jehovah’s Witnesses and wants move back to Spain with her family
UK BASED
TRAVEL INSURANCE
not ive Press: “The government has reappreciated how much Mallorca just lies on tourism and things don’t alspring back to normal even if you However, despite business-owners low us to reopen.” and being told they can potentially resume His prognosis for this year is poorof his activity this month, with more restric- he believes reopening the doors than hotel will generate more losses tions lifted by June, many are feeling re- benefits. wholly dubious about how viable taken opening will be without an interna- For this reason, he has already until the decision to delay opening tional market. half of Although retaining a healthy all-year- 2021 – a view taken by around the hotels, according to the Confedround population, Mallorca relies in- eration of Business Associations. heavily on tourism and winter island comes are complemented by signifi- Hiscock believes opening up the to German tourists could be a catalyst cant profits over the summer. The Mallorca Hotel Business Federa- for tourism, however if Germany’s Bation and the Hotel Chain Association tourism commissioner, Thomas have branded the government’s plans reiss’ warning this week that citizens will not travel to Spain this year rings to reopen establishments as comit true, the Balearic economy is set to pletely ‘unfeasible,’ claiming that provides a ‘false impression of return- suffer even more. German tourism represents a signifiing to a new normality.’ re“The de-escalation plan has been as- cant monetary injection, constituting one third of the international marceived with disappointment and of 4.5 tonishment, and shows the profound ket for the region, with a total year ignorance of the government towards million Germans visiting lastsecond tourism and business in the Balearica and thousands more owning homes on the island. Islands,” said the associations in of Restaurateur Antonio Longobardi, is joint statement. proNous, well-known Ritzi in Portals Stressing the need to implement while tocols such as mass COVID-19 testing, also holding back on reopening, the organisation believes the focus ports and airports remain closed. should not be on resuming activity “90% of our clients are from Germany so it doesn’t make sense to reopen without a client base. without anyone to cater for,” he told This view was echoed by James Histhe cock, a British expat who owns the the Olive Press. of He also criticised the inflexibility renowned Son Ametler Hotel in workfoothills of the Serra de Tramuntana the ERTE, a temporary layoff of mountains. Stating the need to roll out a EuroContinues on Page 4 Olpean health passport, he told the By Isha Sesay in Palma
Gibraltar Issue 122 for Spanish residents
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Vol. 5, Issue 122 www.theolivepress.es May 13 - May 26, 2020
ON THE HUNT OF THE NAZI GOLD Hot on the heels of our dispatch on Canaries, we investigate the Nazi a Nazi U-boat base in the allegedly Gibraltar, shedding new Gold Trail to Madrid and, light on a shady chapter in history that has never been fully resolved. See Page 10
Unlock the Rock! By Diexter Thomas
by the public through social media and broadcasting.
FREE movement will be allowed in Gibraltar from May 21 - with the lockdown to be ended in August. The Chief Minister announced the proposed ending of COVID-19 restrictions on the Rock after steering clear of a serious pandemic since the first case was recorded in March. The ‘Unlock the Rock’ plan was unveiled on Tuesday, and will consist of four main phases, with two review stages to see if there has been any increase in cases. The ‘Rock Unlocked’ phase could be in full effect from August 1, with over 500 emergency beds still available in case of a relapse.
PHASE FOUR The fourth phase is set to start on June 16 and will see people finally able to go to bars and cafeterias. These establishments will need to get a permit, much like the opening of restaurants in phase three. Picardo said he expected the bathing on beaches to be allowed by midJune, depending on the progress of the virus. “I want to be clear that our ambition will be to see a normal bathing season with normal beach going,” Picardo revealed. “We do not want to see any restrictions whatsoever on our ability to attend beaches, but this will require common sense from the public. “You will have to pitch your tents further away from each other than we are used to. “We will not be able to crowd around the shore and the best spots as we each like to do, this will be essential.”
Gibraltar is currently undergoing the first phase of the strategy, with the second phase set to start on May 21. The second phase will see free movement re-established with museums, exhibitions and galleries opening again. But it is not good news for everyone. Chief Minister Fabian Picardo insisted that people with a BMI of 30 or above, who are older than 70 or Bathing have a weak or compromised imHe warned that if there was a spike mune system - are recommended in active COVID-19 cases, the Govto stay at home as much as possible. ernment would reserve the right “This will take effect from the 21st to ‘re-impose restrictions.’ of this month if things are progress- NEW DAWN: Locals can go out but must adhere to the rules for the Rock to be “We are considering making Europa ing well, and we see no increase completely open in Some schools, construction pool in the bathing pavilion at NASA infection rates,” explained Picardo. sites waiting list after a long 60 day hia- contact tracing “We will continue to have rules and gyms could also see a return in tus. app will start to kick exclusively available to our elderly into force, using people’s mobile citizens. about large gatherings so the law Phase 2, with the latter ‘subject to phones to alert them if they come “It will allow them to bathe without will still restrict the constitutional strict controls’. Many health services will restart PHASE THREE into contact with someone with mixing with younger members of freedom of association.” screening for patients on the GHA’s the community,” added the Chief The third phase is set to take place COVID-19. Minister. This is also the phase from June 1 will be able to eat where people Finally, phases five and at six will restaurants, and will see which will be limited serve as phases for reviewing those religious ser- pancy, but only if theyto a 50% occu- restaurants, cafes, bars and gyms have a permit vices that continue to remain closed. taking from the Department place ‘under Line Wall Road willof Health. “Assuming everything has very strict dis- closed and Chatham partially be which is a big assumption,gone well, tancing con- will be shut off as Counterguard will move to ‘Rock Unlocked’then we part of previ- phase trols’. ‘new normal’ as we head into the ous announcements auThe Govern- amount of traffic to to reduce the tumn,” said Picardo help with air UK BASED ment’s “That is the moment when we must own quality. Public transport will be be most alert of how things progcoming with bus routes ress.” seeing new timetables for It is around then that weddings and funerals will have almost normal passengers and drivers. atTheatre performances will tendance figures returned. take place behind closed for Spanish doors, but will be viewed Opinion Page 6 residents
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May 14th - May 27th 2020
THE MAN WHO BEAT COVID TWICE An expat from Alicante has proven you can catch coronavirus a second time... and still survive
Find out how on P5
DISASTER TOUGH AS OLD BOOTS: Ian Tanner
Down the pecking order
THE European Union is making desperate bid to salvage the holidaya season for the costas. It comes after Brits were warned that holidays abroad this summer are ‘very likely’ to be cancelled. Health Secretary Matt Hancock broke the potentially devastating news for Spain during an appearance on ITV’s This Morning on Tuesday.
By Laurence Dollimore and Joshua Parfitt
has twice been diagnosed but cheated
death
Expats describe the likely cancelation of the summer holidays for Brits in Spain as ‘catastrophic’
“We haven’t made a final decision... but it is unlikely that big, lavish ternational holidays are going to inbe possible for this summer,” he told hosts Holly Willoughby and Philip huge blow for the Spanish tourism inSchofield. “To have to wait four fallow months dustry, with the costas heavily reliant The move, if confirmed, would be a on the tens of millions of British tour- and then have the summer taken AN emu has become the latest away from you… it’s catastrophic.” ists who visit every summer. victim of coronavirus. He added: “A number of entertainers Some 12% of the country’s GDP The flightless bird in Verdegas, is may be forced to go home, from tourism, while in the Comunidad though I do Alicante, has been left homeValenciana it is the biggest employer, believe it’s a question of staying strong less after its owner died generating 14.6% of the region’s GDP. in body and mind. When it does open of COVID-19. up, Benidorm will be ready like a ragThe revelation by Hancock came just ing bull.” It was part of a menagerie of hours after Spain announced a man27 animals, which also included datory 14-day quarantine for all inter- There is still a glimmer of hope for a llama – since re-homed in Barnational travellers arriving from May tourism, with Ryanair announcing celona – that were left abanthat it would be restarting around 15 - the same measure announced doned. by 40% of its flights across the UK on Monday. Europe from A concerned local called in It would mean tourists having to stay July 1. El Refugio del Burrito donkey Flying out of 80 bases, their destiinside their accommodation for two nations and the probability sanctuary in Cordoba, which weeks, before having to quarantine of them has been sending supplies filling up will depend on agreements once again when arriving back to for the animals to be fed. the between countries. UK. When it comes to being rehom“It will most likely continue through- The UK has already confirmed, for ed, the emu has been left firmly out the de-escalation period,” con- example, that quarantine measures down the pecking order. firmed Health Minister Salvador Illa. will not apply to those travelling from Nicky Cohen, from the refuge France or Ireland and there will This could run into July. be said: “The problem is that you For those without second homes and considerable lobbying by the Spanish need a special zoological tourism industry and airlines over who don’t plan on staying for months lithe cence to own an emu. at a time, it makes a holiday to Spain next few weeks. “If there is anyone who does practically impossible in the short have the right papers, term. we Flexible would love to hear from them.” FREEDOM: Palma residents finally The moves were described as a ‘disas- Last night the European Union conterrace as Mallorca enters Phase get to enjoy a drink on a restaurant ter’ by the Costa Blanca’s leading hotel firmed 1 it would do everything it could association, Hosbec. to help “If the quarantine is still in place in It proposes a phased approach across July and August, we can wave goodthe European Union that sweeps away bye to any hopes of British tourists closed returning this summer,” its president, The borders and travel restrictions. Commission said is looking to Toni Mayor, said. give people the ability, confidence and “For places like Benidorm that safety pend so heavily on UK tourists,de- “Free to travel again. it movement and cross-border would be a disaster.” travel are key to tourism,” insisted He added: “I don’t see international spokesman. a flights to Spain resuming until July at But he warned: “This approach must the earliest. It’s a body blow.” also Local expats are certainly in agree- bilitybe flexible, including the possito reintroduce certain measures ment. if the epidemiological situation reFormer West End star and leading quires.” Benidorm entertainer Jamie Somers, Germany is now studying an agreesaid he’s already seen ‘thousands in ment with Mallorca, while a corridor losses’ and won’t make a penny until is already set to open up between ‘July or August’. Czech Republic and Croatia, takingthe SALES & RENTALS SPECIALISTS in The singer, who performs 14 times Austria and Germany. week in the summer, added: “Whata Whatever Moriara•Calpe•Jalon•Javea•Denia•Altea happens, it will be a maspeople tend to forget, is most in the sive blow for Spain if the usual British entertainment game live hand-toinflux does not happen in July and mouth from November until the seawww.moraira-hamiltons.net son picks up. Continues Photo by Allan Binderup
At least you can do this at last..
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Fortress Europe BRUSSELS may keep the EU’s external borders closed until at least mid-June. The EU’s executive has asked countries to extend the travel ban – currently set to expire on May 15 – by another 30 days. It is up to each individual member state to take part, however, this has so far been enforced within the Schengen zone. Many, such as Spain, have also introduced restrictions within the EU as well, something which Brussels supports.
The Balearics are clubbing together for a series of inter-island holiday packages for summer A SERIES of inter-island holiday packages are set to be launched now the lockdown is coming to an end. From July, the Association of Balearic Travel Agencies (AVIBA) together with hoteliers and airlines are preparing pack-
By Isha Sesay
ages in Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca for Balearic residents. The packages will include return flights, accommodation, transfers and/or an option to add car rental and daily excursions.
Fire away
Competitive
FIRMS across Spain will be able to fire staff when the government’s ERTE furlough scheme ends. The move puts an end to a month-long debate with unions, politicians and workers’ associations. The agreement, signed by the government and the CCOO and UGT unions as well as two business associations, is intended to release pressure on industries facing lasting effects from the coronavirus lockdown. The key clause puts an end to requirements that employers must maintain all staff put on an ERTE for six months after the scheme ends, currently set for June 30.
AVIBA are currently in discussions with hoteliers across the region to gain a full understanding of which hotels will be open in order to market the packages by area. The prices are also set to be ‘reasonable’ and ‘competitive’ with residents being able to benefit from the 75% discount on flights. In Mallorca, the areas that have shown interest in participating in this initiative are Playa de Palma, Cala Ratjada, Alcudia, Palmanova and Magaluf. In Ibiza the chosen areas are Talamanca, Sant Antoni, Santa Eularia and Playa d’en Bossa, with the whole of Formentera also included in the plans. Finally, in Menorca the packages will be marketed in the areas of Ciutadella, Cala Galdana and Punta Prima.
LETTERS An ode to Mallorca A POEM: Dia de lockdown 41
A taste of freedom
OLIVE PRESS
May 15th - May 28th 2020
Island games
Here’s news from Mallorca, Mis amigos are becoming free Their Lockdown was like martial law Must’ve been an eternity
LEAVERS: Trio of Brits in they Spain get to exercise But now
In strictly ordered times At last they step outside the door Without fear of heavy fines
Get educated
Lockdown in Spain meant Lockdown
EU, essentia the your Rose door, lly, as a political outside NOT gosees Do Moore pg 7). The Issue proud, and (Leave hipfor dictators g, 325, shoppin work and Except There are 28 sovereign states, reality is the opposite.Nothing more Chemist UK, which voluntarily chose to become the, doctor. including associated. Steve Dunne believes that the UK would e, not going to are handsom n police Not so. I’m WTO terms. better on fairMallorca do chapter and much havepage quoting by to don’tletters they your Butdown weigh looks into the step outside, you Steve nd that to watch recomme but Iwait So they verse, he knows. That Trump thatyou of any specifics pants off theindustry Then fine is trying to get a trade deal with an EU-free UK should know: Trump’s trade deals to people wantthe all you younow tellBut at last Mahler speaks for Finally, labels. US-first have air Brentan EU armed force into Can step freely wary of a number of UK citizens from a safe distance ever closer union. However, these are ideas an wave andAnd ver not EU policy. I am ¡Holabyamigos, peopleaand specificvamos floated 40-plus years of proinsidious the at more worried amigos, throats by the Mail, Telegraph, your EEC/EU Yes, clear the against paganda of course, The Sun. What did a throng er inand, Times Altogeth Express, he was so antiasked why wasGibson he brogue when say Mel Murdoch best And in your g along the lines of: “When I go into Somethin EU? Dos, Tres... Uno, say: when I go to the EU.” The do what I M! 10 they OMMMM No.FREEED implication is that he had to ask for an appointment!
Lesley Keith, Hampshire
Birthday girl at 100
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Goat on a hot tin roof
MALLORCA
The
8
Your expat
voice in Spain
May 1st - May 14th, 2020 Vol. 3 Issue 79 www.theolivepress.es
RECLUSIVE mountain goats have been photographed roaming empty streets and scaling
EX P CL IC US IV E
Big cojones
Cops, neighbours and Olive Press surprise Costa Blanca expat on her 100th birthday in confinement
Peggy CORONAVIRUS may have stopped birthBloomfield from celebrating her 100th and day in style, but it didn’t stop neighbours sirens and friends from surprising her with her a ‘Feliz Cumpleaños’ sing along outside Spanish villa.
Last dance
a seA MAN is under investigation forfilmed rious disobedience after he was dancing ‘Sevillanas’ dressed as a woman in sunglasses in Alicante. for He faces a fine of up to €30,000 wearing a ‘wig’, a ‘mask’ and ‘women’s idenclothes’ in an attempt to hide his tity on a Santa Pola street. day But it took agents until just the next charge and identity real his out to find him.
a big celDaughter Val told the Olive Pressbeachfront ebration had been booked at the the big bar-garden Saxos, in Moraira, to mark to be there day. Her family from the UK were cut among the 150 guests... until COVID-19 over, but the lights! “Everyone was coming now we had to settle with the grandkids on Zoom,” said Val, who moved to Spain with husband, Rogfrom Peggy mum er, and Cambridge in 2005. “Peggy has so many friends,” added neighbour Shirley Young, who met her 14 years ago in one of Peggy’s many coffee clubs and social circles. “I wish I could give her a hug!” Though not the blast Peggy had planned, her
houses in one inland Sevilla town. The Iberian Ibex were seen on the roof of this house in Moron de la Frontera. While not an endangered species, the creatures are quite rare and become more active during spring as plants and food return to the mountainsides.
EXCLUSIVE By Joshua Parfitt
daughter Val passed the champers PP around thanking Teulada-Moraira a leader Raul Llobell for the gift inside surprise birthday basket (glasses passed around with sanitary precautions). Personalised balloons and decorations were from the expat-run Letters R Us also hanging outside, as were the Olive Press and camera crew. Sarah Richardson, a British member given also was PP, of Teulada-Moraira
thanks for organising the attendance of Civil Protection. The small crowd on site sang a second chorus of Happy Birthday, in English, before ironic shouts of ‘See you down the pub later!’ brought a sparkle of laughter on Peggy’s big day. It was the least – and most – we could all do. “It’s so very nice of you all, thank you, I really appreciate it. I really do,” Peggy said before neighbours went back to their respective lockdowns.
A DRIVER will be more careful with his words after leaving his parked car in a bus lane and tempting an angry bus driver to ‘hit it if you have the balls’. He did have ‘cojones’, as they say in Spanish, and proceeded to ram into the back of the stationary white SUV in Valencia. So big were they that he shunted the car 30 yards down the road before the pair continued to argue. When police arrived the driver of the damaged car claimed he was hit by the 72 bus turning into Calle San Vicente, and had stopped to complete an insurance form. EMT has opened an investigation into the bus driver’s ‘violent behaviour’.
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I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your help! Peggy had a lovely surprise and Joshua and his photographer (sorry I didn’t get his name) were brilliant! We are all very excited to see the Olive Press this week! You made a sweet lady feel very special and we will tell everyone how wonderful you are at the Olive Press - thank you! Plan your expat funeral with us today and enjoy your life in the sun. Talk to us on +34 871 55 18 15 orca www.avalonfuneralplans.com/mall
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Public information I have had some enquiries about this. Please note that this is a measure to speed up the granting of LFOs to houses constructed WITH planning permission or those completed prior to 1975 and thus constructed under a different planning regimen to the current one (Fighting the COVID-19 crisis, Issue 342, pg 18). It is NOT applicable to houses constructed without planning permission. Maura Hillen, Albox
Has anything piqued your interest in this week’s Olive Press? Have your say on the matter by emailing letters@ theolivepress.es or message us on at www.facebook.com/OlivePressNewspaper or Twitter @olivepress
Avalanche
A BAR which received an ‘avalanche’ of clients on the first day it entered Phase 1 has been fined by Sevilla cops. The Jota bar was found to be exceeding the limit of 50% capacity, with some 30 people being caught sitting outside on the terrace. Clients were also failing to abide by social distancing rules of being two metres apart. The owner had not provided protective equipment for his staff, nor were they disinfecting tables between new clients. Any further breaches of the rules could lead to the bar’s closure. The owner defended himself saying it was a case of ‘trial and error’ and he had been ‘surprised by the avalanche of clients’.
Grammatical point I was so pleased to see the correct spelling of the word restaurateur on your current front page (Taste of freedom, Issue 342, pg 1). Why? Because I fume when I hear morons on TV who think you just add ‘eur’ to the word restaurant. A small victory, but thanks.
Ken Cook, Gata de Gorgos
Something water
in
the
My apartment is 150 metres from the beach at Benamara-Saladillo, Estepona and I understand that ‘my group’ (the over 70s) can now access the beach for exercise, walking and jogging from 10-12am and 7-8pm. However, I believe bathing in the sea is prohibited and cannot understand why that should be. What is the reasoning behind this restriction? Do the authorities consider our inshore waters contain faecal matter which could pass on the COVID-19 virus?
Tony Hiom, Estepona
Bleach beach We have our streets in Sierra de Yeguas sprayed with bleach every week (Outrage as beach disinfected with BLEACH near Costa del Sol, Online, May 3). Even with the blinds down and the windows and doors locked, the fumes make my eyes water.
Patricia M Judge, Sierra de Yeguas
LA CULTURA
9
May 15th - May 28th 2020
Seeing red
ANCIENT: Gold mask
Fool’s gold
SPANISH police have recovered a priceless ancient gold mask that was illegally exported from Colombia. Policia Nacional, working with colleagues from Colombia, recovered the stunning Tumaco gold art-piece at Madrid’s Barajas airport. It was part of a shipment which included several extremely rare pre-Columbian gold figurines and jewellery illegally plundered from archaeological sites in Colombia. Three traffickers were arrested in Spain and the Colombian authorities carried out house searches in Bogota, resulting in the seizure of another 242 pre-Columbian objects, the largest ever seizure in the country’s history.
Bullfighting in Spain facing €700 million in losses as activists pounce on ‘chance’ to eradicate the controversial sport
MORE than 100,000 people have signed a petition against a bail out of the struggling bullfighting industry. The AnimaNaturalis.org claims the government is set to give economic support to the industry ailing under the Coronavirus crisis. It says the sector has requested an emergency meeting with Minister of Culture, Jose Manuel Rodriguez Uribe, to garner help, after over 200 bull-
ICONIC: Sagrada
Tools still down CLOSING IN: Spain’s controversial bloodsport could finally be dying a death By Joshua Parfitt
fights were cancelled this year so far. The loss of the events, plus the 1,684 fiestas so far also cancelled will be a ‘severe blow’ to the controversial sport. Iconic torero Cayetano Rivera, from Ronda, insisted ‘the sec-
Lights, corona, action! THE Ministry of Culture has unveiled a raft of film funding for often-
overlooked groups in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
Forget Brexit, here’s your Velazquez A BRITISH-run art restoration group are attempting to bring back to Sevilla one of the most interesting examples of Spanish-British relations. The Factum Arte group are in talks with the Duke of Wellington’s estate to access a Diego Velazquez original that was gifted to the British after they kicked Napoleon’s brother out of Spain in 1813. Factum Arte plan to put a copy of The Waterseller of Seville, currently in Apsley House, London, in a new museum being built in Velazquez’s childhood home.
Female-directed movies are set to receive grants for 75% of production costs, compared to 50% for male filmmakers. Meanwhile handouts for 80% of costs are available for shorts, feature films that don’t exceed a €1.5 million budget, bilingual works or those with a disabled screenwriter. Documentaries and animated films are also inline for 75% grants, while European and American co-productions can get 60% of their costs covered.
T? U O D N DO I STA
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tor is – and will be – one of the most affected by the dramatic situation that we’re living through’. “We can’t forget the many people and families who depend, either directly or indirectly, on the bullfighting world to live,” he added. Bull breeder Victorino Martin
added that the crisis came ‘at the worst possible moment’ and estimates a loss of at least €700m for the industry. He added that various breeders were slaughtering their animals, claiming in one week alone some 400 bulls were killed. But, despite this, not everyone agrees with the animal rights petition now set to be sent to Madrid this week. Aida Gascon of AnimaNaturalis, behind the petition, said: “What we’re looking for is the total abolition of this practice of torturing animals as a form of spectacle. “One way to do that is to choke off their subsidies … it wouldn’t get rid of the industry completely but it would reduce it to 5% or 10% of what we have today.”
LA Sagrada Familia will not restart construction until the cathedral reopens its doors to visitors, it has been announced. The landmark, which forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, stopped all building as Spain’s state of alarm was declared on March 14. It is the first time work on the Gaudi’s Art Nouveau-Gothic masterpiece has been halted since the Spanish Civil War. This year was to be a decisive one for the Barcelona basilica’s completion, with significant work planned for the central towers. La Sagrada Familia could start welcoming visitors from June during the latter phases of Spain’s deescalation, although this is yet to be confirmed. Of the €103 million the site generated last year, €55 million of that was spent on construction.
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PROPERTY
10
May 15th - May 28th 2020
Rental support TENANTS with problems paying rent due to COVID-19 could see 100% of their costs covered for up to six months. People will have until September 30 to apply for the state aid and until October 31 to be approved - although there may be room for extending the deadlines to November 30 and December 31
Spain puts aside €1.2 billion to help pay rent for hardest hit by coronavirus crisis respectively. The credit, depending on the tenant’s losses and circumstances, can cover up to 100% of the monthly rent, with a maximum of €900. It means a potential state aid
of up to €5,400 per person/ family. The money is in the form of an interest-free loan, with the government setting aside €1.2 billion for the scheme. To be approved for the credit,
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PROPERTY giant Idealista has registered a 14.6% monthly year-on-year increase in online searches for homes with a pool in Spain. Such searches accounted for 29% of total online queries in April, according to a monthly report. The Valencian Community – which includes the Costa Blanca – was the region with the most interest in this sector, at 40% of searches. In second was the Balearics (40.3%), followed by Andalucia (39.5%) and Madrid (36.4%). Alicante was the city with the most online searches for a house with a pool, with 44.6% of the total. It was followed by Cordoba (34.9%) and Ciudad Real (34.5%).
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the traditional rental market following the collapse of tourism. Barcelona’s deputy mayor, Janet Sanz, estimates up to ‘a third or even half’ of the city’s 10,000 tourist rentals could revert back to long term rental homes over the next three years. She said apartment owners will want to recoup their losses as lockdown restrictions have effectively ‘written off’ Spain’s 2020 tourist season. “What the owners of tourist apartments want now is stability, and they can get that from conventional lettings,” Sanz believes. “Of course they’ll make less than they want but it is stable.” There are 9,600 licenced holiday apartments in Barcelona, with a similar number in Palma and thousands in the key Alicante resorts, including Benidorm.
it must be proven that the tenant or one of the members of the family unit has seen a significant reduction in income, lost their job, been furloughed or seen their hours reduced due to having to care for others and a host of other circumstances. To request the credit, the total income of the family unit in the month prior to application cannot exceed five times the IPREM (in this case, €537.89). Meaning if a household earned more than €2,689 in the previous month, it will not be able to apply. The tenant or family unit will also have to prove that they spend 35% or more of their total income on rent, basic expenses and supplies. The tenant will have six years to repay the loan, with an initial grace period of six months. Once the first three years have passed, they can request an extension for another four years if deemed necessary. People who own a property but still rent are not eligible without proof that they cannot get entry to their homes.
Market freeze SPAIN will lose a minimum of 50,000 house sales this year, a leading property firm has forecast. Some 501,085 homes changed hands in 2019, but that number will dwindle to just 450,000 in 2020 in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, according to Pisos.com. This is the ‘best-case scenario’ on the assumption that the Spanish real estate market sees a resurgence in the last quarter. If a revival does not occur, there could be a 25% drop in activity on last year and 130,000 fewer sales.
Impact
In response to this negative outlook, the Bank of Spain has predicted a slide in both rent and sale prices of between 6.5% and 13.5%. “The greatest impact on price will take place in areas where there is a higher unemployment rate and less economic capacity, less industry and more dependence on tourism,” said Pisos.com director Ferran Font. Spain’s biggest cities, Madrid and Barcelona, are therefore set to escape the worst of the price drops, whereas the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and inland Andalucia could be much harder hit.
FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
11
May 15th - May 28th 2020
Breathing room THE long-standing dispute between Palma Council and restaurant owners over terraces has reached a truce as Mallorca enters the first phase of the de-escalation plan. The Mallorca Restaurant Association scored a victory when the city council agreed to make an exception to the
By Isha Sesay
controversial law which imposed harsh limitations on the size of terraces. Under recent rules brought in, pavements had to be a minimum of 2.5 metres free of any obstructions to create more space for pedestrians,
Photos by Allan Binderup
Restaurateurs are given vital aid to expand their outdoor terraces during Phase 1 of deescalation plan
NEW NORMAL: Diners can finally enjoy a meal and a drink on terraces in Mallorca, while (above right) a waiter tries to entice customers in Palma
their terraces, opening would not be feasible and much of Palma’s business fabric would
be destroyed,” Vice President Juan Miguel Ferrer insisted. Fortunately Mayor Jose Hila agreed and has allowed business owners to be able to place tables and chairs on adjacent car parking spaces. claimed that for business owners to com- Hila ply with the regulations laid around 1,000 estabdown by central government. lishments would benA spokesman added: ‘If a few efit from this ‘extraorfail to comply, they will harm dinary exception’ and that it would carry ‘abeveryone.’ “Not only do we put every- solutely no economic one’s health at risk, but we cost.’ will also seriously damage He said: “With this businesses that have already measure we have saved reopened in the sector,” he many families from said. To ensure normality economic ruin, encourcan be achieved without pos- aged citizens to use ing a risk to health they insist terraces and recovered that social distance should be space once used for a basic requirement and that parking.” crowds of people should be Once the new outdoor spaces are assembled, avoided at all times. CAEB have now published a owners must place a guide on the safety protocols screen or barrier to protect their clients that must be applied. It clarifies that terraces are from passing traffic. to be opened at 50% capacity, Hila stressed that this with a maximum occupancy exception is temporary of 10 people per table and and will cease when maintaining a distance of two capacity limitations on terraces are lifted. metres between tables.
Table warning RESTAURANT owners have been warned of the serious repercussions should the COVID-19 safety measures be ignored on terraces. Crowds of people, tables seated less than two meters apart and a failure to wear masks were just some of the issues brought to light on the first two days of the island entering Phase 1. According to the Association of Bars, Restaurants and Cafes (CAEB), multiple establishments across Mallorca failed to implement the strict hygiene protocols and will now face denuncias. The association says several restaurants and bars in the centre of Palma, Santa Catalina and El Molinar acted with ‘ignorance’ by breaching the 50% capacity rule. Warning of the ‘serious repercussions,’ CAEB appealed
Ready, steady, cook!
Toast for you RESTAURANTS and bars across the Balearics are launching a campaign to give free drinks and discounted meals to key workers, who have grafted through the lockdown. Health workers, law enforcement officers - and even journalists - are being saluted as part of the ‘Brindemos por ti’ (Toast for you) campaign. Launched by the Confederation of Business Associations (CAEB) it aims to honour those who have kept the Balearic community ‘healthy, safe and informed throughout confinement.’ The initiative encourages bars, cafes and restaurants to invite these professionals to a free drink or discounted meal, providing they can prove where they work. CAEB boss Alfonso Robledo said: “Although their work is not over and there is still a long way to go, their efforts have been indispensable and have allowed the rest of society to return to a new normality.” The solidarity campaign also encourages citizens to visit establishments that have reopened as the island enters Phase 1 of Spain’s de-escalation plan this week.
thus leaving little space for tables. However, now that restaurants are being allowed to open at 50% capacity during Phase 1 of the COVID-19 de-escalation plan, business owners have been given a lifeline. “If restaurants, bars and cafes could not increase the size of
NO FRILLS: Victor Arguinzoniz of Asador Etxebarri, Spain’s best and world’s third best restaurant A DUTCH firm has started planning for a high speed train that would connect Amsterdam and Barcelona in just 90 minutes. The company, Hardt, has published a new report on the environmental and economic benefits of the Hyperloop, which could reach speeds of up to 965 kilometres per hour. The Dutch capital would be the European hub of the futuristic project, which could start as early as eight years time. As well as speed, vast ecological benefits are on offer, as the decrease in travel time would help draw people away from air travel.
IF you are a foodie with nothing to do during lockdown, now is your chance to compare your cooking and mixology talents with the very best. The organisation behind the 50 Best awards – won seven times in 18 years by Spanish restaurants El Bulli and El Celler de Can Roca – wants people to join
a social media-based contest called #50BestRateMyPlate. Open to anyone across the globe, they want home cooks and aspiring bartenders to prepare dishes and cocktails inspired by the downloadable Home Comforts recipe book. It will feature recipes from world-renowned chefs and
Takeoff
Dam, that’s fast!
KLM has resumed some of its flights connecting Amsterdam to Madrid and Barcelona. The two Spanish destinations however are not the only resumed routes, as passengers can now also travel from the Dutch capital to Budapest, Helsinki, Milan, Prague, Rome and Warsaw. On all these routes however, use of face masks will be mandatory by both passengers and crew members until at least August 31.
cocktail specialists, and aims to pass on tips and ideas to food and drinks enthusiasts. People downloading the cook book will be asked for a donation to the organisation’s recovery fund, which will be used to help restaurants get back on their feet when the lockdown crisis is over.
Community
William Drew, Director of Content for 50 Best, said: “50 Best has long been about more than just rankings. Through its lists, awards, live events and content, it has helped build an international community around food and drink.” Now he is putting the call out for people on social media to join in this community by taking part in the competition. It is not available for download yet, so keep an eye on 50 Best’s social media channels for the book launch and entry details.
952 147 834 *Based on third par ty. Offer valid for new customers only. Subject to conditions. Ends 31/12/20.
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FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL
12
May 15th - May 28th 2020
Serves 8 (starter) or 4 (main course) Method: Ingredients:
Gorgeous Gazpacho F W OR the last two months they have been holed up in Granada following a coronavirus travel nightmare (Into the frying pan, Issue 340, March 16). But now British couple Yianni Papoutsis, 44 and Sophie O’Hara, 26, have turned lockdown into HO knew this rich chilled red soup started out white with no tomato con-
tent at all. Gazpacho has its origins in a simple soup of olive oil, bread, garlic and water eaten by the Greeks and Romans. We have the Moors to thank for refining it when tomatoes were
When life gives you squishy tomatoes during lockdown, make Spain’s signature summer soup!
a culinary showdown. To continue their new series of quarantine recipes for the Olive Press, the pair show us their fresh twist on the country’s most famous soup. Stay tuned for more and check out their blog @nice.olation on Instagram.
brought back from the New World in the early 16th century, and they threw in a few almonds too. It's a great way to use up stale bread and soggy tomatoes which might otherwise be destined for the bin. It freezes really well and you can go wild with the extra bits for toppings: now’s the time to
Step 2: Set aside one third of the tomatoes, red and green peppers, cucumber and jalapeño. Roughly chop the remaining two thirds with garlic cloves and blend using a food processor or stick blender. Step 3: Squeeze the excess water out of the soggy bread with your hands and add it to the mixture. Pour in the oil and vinegar then blend until smooth. If your oil is extra virgin it can taste bitter so add it slowly, tasting as you go; sometimes it helps to add a pinch of sugar. Season to taste, then let it rest in the fridge for half an hour to chill. Step 4: Push the mixture through a sieve, then discard what's left retaining the liquid. Toss in the ice cubes and return to the fridge for a minimum of half an hour.
A selection of the following toppings: ●● 100g feta, crumbled ●● 1/2 an avocado, diced ●● 4-8 grapes, cut in half ●● 1 shallot, diced ●● 1 handful toasted almond shavings ●● 1 green spring onion, sliced ●● 1 handful of torn mint leaves
Step 5: Finely dice the reserved tomatoes, peppers, cucumber and jalapeño and place a handful in the centre of each bowl. Step 6: Give the soup a stir and taste; if you like it less thick you can add a splash of water. Gently pour the soup around the mound of diced ingredients. Serve with your choice of toppings and a drizzle of olive oil.
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By Yianni and Sophie
Step 1: Soak the stale bread in water for 10-15 minutes.
●● 80 g stale crusty bread (if yours is fresher, dry it out in the oven) ●● 800 g ripe tomatoes (a mix of varieties, colours and sizes is best) ●● 1 red pepper ●● 1 green pepper ●● 1 cucumber ●● 1 jalapeño pepper (or other mild chilli pepper) optional ●● 3 large cloves garlic ●● 100 ml olive oil ●● 2 1/2 tbsp sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar) ●● Salt and pepper to taste ●● 6 ice cubes
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dig out any jars of gherkins, beetroot and pickled onions gathering dust at the back of the cupboard. Best enjoyed in the glaring sunshine with an ice cold glass of manzanilla, you can even use the leftovers for pasta sauce - or add a slug of vodka for the healthiest, tastiest Bloody Mary you'll ever try.
Castaway cooking
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BUSINESS Bunch of bankers SPAIN’S banks have been accused of misusing a government loan programme intended to help small businesses survive the coronavirus crisis. A study by small companies’ pressure group Pimec claims that banks are using the funds to pay off risky debt first rather than providing new loans as they are supposed to. The idea behind the scheme
Loans for small businesses used to pay off old debts as lenders cash in on crisis is to give small businesses who have been badly hit by lockdown an instant credit lifeline. But according to Pimec about 37% of loans granted through the scheme in Catalunya went to pay off old debt rather than provide liquidity to help struggling businessmen pay their bills.
Give our cash back! LOW cost airlines Ryanair and Vueling have had official complaints made against them over refunds for cancelled flights. The FACUA-Consumers organisation has denounced Ryanair to the State Agency for Air Safety (AESA) for making cash refunds difficult to get. But when the Olive Press Googled ‘refunds Ryanair’ an application form was the first result. A similar search for Vueling produced an error message. FACUA wants Vueling to be fined for only offering vouchers for new flights with no mention of refunds. In Ryanair’s case, the association has seen a flood of queries and complaints from users who are finding it diffi-
cult to get their money back. FACUA claims that affected passengers have been getting an email saying that if they do not want to accept the voucher option they should contact the airline to change flights or claim a refund, and links to their website. However, nowhere does this link allow the user to get their money back, and it only provides information about the voucher and how to apply for it, FACUA said. The consumer’s organisation warns that the practices of some airlines will lead to a logjam in courts as people try to get their cash back. It adds that not giving a refund has no possible justification as current technology allows for an automatic and almost immediate refund.
It says that most of the big banks are following the practice, but points at BBVA and Banco Sabadell as particularly culpable. The Pimec survey of 432 firms found that 79% of loans through BBVA were used to pay off old debt. This figure was 62% for Sabadell and 40% for Banco Santander. This has the effect of shifting the risk on existing loans from the banks to the government. Pimec president Josep Gonzalez said: “This initiative will not increase liquidity. It could mean that the funds that the government is budgeting for this programme would be insufficient to respond to the decline in economic activity.” Economy Ministry sources have said they are monitoring the situation, adding that using state-backed credit to pay off existing debt was not allowed. So far the Government under Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has approved three tranches of €20 billion out of a total €100 billion fund. The programme guarantees 80% of loans to small and mid-sized companies, and 70% of loans to large corporations to help overcome the lockdown.
Photo by Allan Binderup
By Dilip Kuner
13
May 15th - May 28th 2020
FREEDOM: Loosened coronavirus restrictions provide hope for ailing economy
2020 a complete write-off SPAIN’S economy will shrink by 9.2% this year. That’s the gloomy forecast made by the government this week, representing a significantly bleaker outlook than the -8% predicted by the IMF a at the beginning of the month. The collapse is unprecedented, given that even in the Great Recession of 2008, GDP never fell by more than 3.8%. But in a report sent to Brussels, the Spanish government believes the country will recover in the form of an ‘asymmetric V’, i.e. a sharp drop followed by a sharp rise back up. According to the vice president of Economic Affairs Na-
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dia Calviño, the economy will begin to recover in the second quarter of this year, ‘thanks to the gradual de-escalation plan that will open up activity.’ Calviño added that 2021 is expected to see GDP grow by 6.8% (a lot more optimistic than the IMF’s 4.3% prediction).
Jobless
The main cause of the collapse is the ‘great fall in domestic demand’, the minister added, as businesses have more or less been brought to a stand still for seven weeks, and right at the beginning of the vital summer season. Meanwhile, millions of peo-
Balearic bomb 17:01
THE Balearic Islands are predicting a massive drop in the economy of up to a third. Regional chiefs believe a loss of 30% in GDP is likely, significantly higher than the rest of Spain, which is expected to see a drop of just 9.2% (see above). President of the Balearic Islands, Francina Armengol, attributed the region’s expected loss to its heavy reliance on tourism, which has been significantly impacted by the coronavirus crisis. According to the Balearic Hotel Association (ACH), some 50% of hotels will not open this year. Despite now being able to open with Mallorca in the Phase 1 of the COVID-19 de-escalation plan, the association believes reopening will be ‘totally unfeasible’ without air connectivity. Armengol has now asked Pedro Sanchez for ‘preferential treatment to boost the region’s economy, in particular that ERTEs, the temporary layoff of workers, is extended until October, and not June, as is currently the plan for Spain. This would provide greater flexibility for businesses to reorganise themselves, as well as ensuring that their employees are protected.
ple have been furloughed or fired. But Calviño was optimistic, commenting that ‘savings will increase greatly, both due to uncertainty and forced savings due to restrictions on mobility.’ But while household consumption grew by 1.1% last year, it will now fall by 8.8% this year. Forecasters believe it will increase by 4.7% in 2021. Elsewhere, private investment will see a record fall of 25.5% in 2020, before rebounding by 16.7% next year. Spanish exports will see a 27.1% collapse this year due to a global drop in demand, while imports will follow suit, falling by 31%. In 2021, the government hopes exports will rebound 11.6% and imports by 9.3%. Yet all the numbers suggest the effect of coronavirus on the economy will not be recovered next year. Tourism, too, has been hard hit thanks to domestic and international travel bans. However Calviño believes this sector will rebound the quickest once borders reopen and the price of oil stabilises. On the employment front, the amount of jobless workers is expected to rise to 19% this year, up from the 14% achieved at the end of 2019. Around 1.9 million jobs will be lost, of which only half are expected to be recovered in 2021, as the government predicts the unemployment rate will fall back to 17.2% next year (having been at 14% before the crisis).
May 15th - May 28th 2020
Have you put on a ‘Corona Stone’?
Most expats in Spain will be up to five kilos bulkier after the strict lockdown
EVIDENCE is mounting that people have been losing the battle of the bulge during the coronavirus lockdown. Despite claims that those locked at home are eating healthier, it seems to be the opposite. They have been hit with a double whammy - no exercise (particularly in Spain) and the temptation to snack throughout the day. The result for many has been the inevitable expanding waistline – and people are starting to fret about it. And so they should. Clinical reports suggest that obesity-related conditions are a major risk factor when determining if people recover from contracting the deadly COVID-19 infection. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that people with heart disease and diabetes – both effects of being overweight - are at higher risk of COVID-19 complications. Albert Goday, head of the Endocrinology and Nutrition Service at Hospital del Mar in Barcelona said: “I expect most people will put on between three and five kilos during the lockdown.” But it can be hard to stop being a couch potato snacking in front of the TV. This has been seen first hand by well established Malaga health expert Martin Shirran, who has been an expat in Spain for two decades. “The concept of the Corona Stone is starting to get a hold. Many people are noticing weight gain and are really getting worried, and scared they won’t fit into their clothes when the time comes to return to work,” he tells the Olive Press. “But let’s remember, the reasons people put on weight are always psychological. “My advice is every time you go to the fridge, think. Is it because you are hungry? If it is because you are bored, tired or stressed, do something else.” Martin and his wife Marion run the Gastric Mind Band clinic, in Fuengirola, which has gained a world-wide reputation for weight loss techniques. Thanks to their many appearances on UK TV show Good Morning Britain among many other programmes, they have been very busy during the lockdown. “We have been submerged by inquiries. Many are booking appointments from May 11 when we reopen, while others have been booking remote sessions via Skype.” Have you put on a Corona Stone? Tell us your experience of the lockdown - We want to hear from you if you have succumbed, or if you have beaten the bulge, give tips to our readers on escaping the dreaded expanding waistline. Email newsdesk@theolivepress.es For more information visit gmband.com
HEALTH Paws for thought
SPAIN has registered its first feline victim of COVID-19. Negrito, a four-year-old cat in Catalunya, caught the disease after its owner died from the virus. It is the sixth cat in the world reported to have caught COVID-19. The cat had to be euthanised after suffering severe heart disease, reported La Van-
First feline death in Spain as Catalan cat catches COVID
guardia. “He is a collateral victim of the disease in humans,” said Joaquim Segales, a researcher at the Centre for Research in Animal Health (CReSA). Negrito had one of the most common heart diseases in
LOCKDOWN’S devastating impact on the mental health and abuse of children has been laid bare, following a spike in emergency calls. From March 23 to May 3 there was an 11.6% rise in the proportion of youngsters reporting violence at home. Leading non-profit organisation the ANAR Foundation (Ayuda a Niños y Adolescentes) received 1,441 cries for help from kids during this period. Around 47.7% of these were for violence, the group said, compared to 36.1% for the previous month and a half. Psychological issues (including anxiety, sad-
cats, which is usually genetic. He was taken to a veterinary hospital with breathing difficulties, a temperature of 38.2C, low blood platelet levels and heart failure. After he was put down, vets sent the body to CReSA to be
Breaking point ness and self-harm) make up 23.5% of reports to ANAR. Suicidal thoughts and attempts have made up 8.3% of calls during the crisis, compared to just 1.9% on average throughout 2019. An ANAR spokesperson said: “Without a doubt, these psychological problems should make us think about the despair which many children and adolescents are experiencing.” For more information visit anar.org
analysed. It was there that experts discovered the RNA of COVID-19 in samples taken from Negrito’s nose and digestive tract. “The viral load was low and none of the lesions he presented were compatible with the virus,” added Segales, “The cat was already suffering from cardiomyopathy and later became infected with COVID-19.”
Disease
Five other cats around the world have been known to test positive for coronavirus. Eight lions and tigers also tested positive at the Bronx Zoo in New York. Most of the animals showed mild symptoms of respiratory disease and have recovered without problems. Natalia Majo, director of the CReSA, said: “The possibility that a person infects a cat is extremely low.”
On my final Mo Farah lap
I
SAW with awe the sheer will and determination that 100-year-old Colonel Tom Moore showed when he began his 100 laps of the garden for the NHS. I glanced at my tiny balcony here on the Costa del Sol and realised lapping was going to be impossible and clapping every night at 8pm would have to suffice. It did give me inspiration though, so I decided it was finally time to put Project Lisa into action and insist I had the next series of tests to check whether life-saving breast cancer treatment was working. With two vital tests postponed since September - one due to radiotherapy burns and one due to COVID-19, in April - I knew I had to take up the Colonel Tom baton. So I forged ahead with a flurry of phone calls to the hospital, emails to the AECC cancer association and to its patron, Queen Letizia. Something worked and, miraculously, I got an appointment for May 6 and was met by a female doctor who was not my usual oncologist. Elvis had left the building, clearly, and neither I nor my partner Joffrey, who speaks good Spanish, got anywhere
Olive Press columnist Lisa Burgess finds strength in heroes to keep on going and finally gets those vital cancer tests
in finding out where he was. Where is a rich Either way, my new oncolo- Russian, Norgist is superb and told me wegian or SauI was on my ‘final Mo Farah di when you lap’, as she appropriately need them? I doubt Putin put it. will be landing his helicopter The key tests are all now or- anytime soon near La Zagganised for June, so watch aleta but I believe someone this space. A request has out there in the universe will been put in for my new help us. boobs which come with a Joffrey once cooked for complimentary tummy tuck, Prince Charles, not to menapparently. I tion the British know patience ambassador is necessary here in Spain. I became like but when I am But here at Julie Andrews Casa de Buddone, Barbie can eat her Lockdown, to his grumpy get heart out. chef faces One project challenges. Emmanuel ticked off, next I have chickMacron one to go. Projpea, roasted ect Joffrey, my tomato, spinlong-suffering ach & coriGallic partner. I just got his ander curry nestled in my CV sorted and he is at the fridge along with a batch of ready to work as a private homemade tomato sauce to chef in a home in Marbella eat as I enviously watch my or Mijas. neighbours splashing about His dream is to open another in their pool. Joffrey’s in Marbella (his last At least we could finally go one in Mijas was amazing but out at the weekend. While was just not a good location) Joffrey gets a bit sulky on but this is not the time. a walk (he’s more of a gym
OP Puzzle solutions Quick Crossword Across: 7 Axe, 8 Yearning, 9 Nail file, 10 Rag, 11 Hilly, 12 Success, 14 Astride, 16 Admit, 18 Ash, 19 Boldness, 20 Magnetic, 21 Ewe. Down: 1 Canaries, 2 Cellular phone, 3 Lyric, 4 Maseru, 5 Unprecedented, 6 Snug, 12 Sue, 13 Spinster, 15 Debate, 17 Elect, 18 Away.
SUDOKU
14
Lisa Burgess and boxing guy), being let out after two months indoors was a breath of fresh air and I quickly became like Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music to his grumpy Emmanuel Macron. The highlight of the lockdown has been watching so many old movies. Remember Chariots of Fire? This great classic got me thinking about giving it your all, and while trying to nurture myself back to health and help Joffrey in his new projects, I am also trying damn hard to assist on various UK and Irish TV projects. I have worked in TV for years and just finished helping a friend with a documentary on Andalucia. Now I’m doing one on Valencia - a progressive and forward-thinking virtual project. However sometimes you must look back and learn from history. Like Eric Liddell, who won gold in the 1924 Paris Olympics. Played by Ian Charleson in Chariots of Fire, his words moved me about winning not being everything. Now, as I face my own final lap, I look to that famous Scottish athlete and well up to his wonderful line: “In the dust of defeat, as well as the laurels of victory, there is a glory to be found if one has done his best”. I’m trying. Write to Lisa at lisa.foley13@gmail.com
COLUMNISTS We’re going to Mallorca!
15
May 15th - May 28th 2020
Terenia Taras Telling it like it is
Like a Marvel hero, Terenia Taras is swooping home to help save the travel industry from the brink of destruction
I
DON’T want to speak too soon because last time we booked flights to return, they were cancelled by British Airways. I know! Fingers crossed they don’t offload a few thousand crew before we’re due to fly! So all being well, I’ll be back in the beautiful Balearics on May 28 and the best news is that things should start to have opened up by then. One of the first things I want to do, apart from eat burrata in any branch of Cappuccino, accompanied by a glass of pink fizz (remember that simple pleasure of dining out), is to try and help out the tourist industry. Spain relies massively on travel and tourism and in my day job as a PR consultant I prefer to use the power of the press as a force for good. My background is journalism and let me tell you, I’ve more than earned my stripes working at the sharp end of that grubby stick. Yes, I worked for The News of the HEADING BACK: Tere- World where I was a news and investigania and partner Paul tions journalist. I have
written for the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror, and all the other national press. There’s a whole lot more to my own story here but that’s for another time. So back to Spain and my ambitions of becoming a Marvel hero, swooping in to save the travel industry from the brink of destruction.
Mission
It doesn’t take a lot of working out that the airline and hospitality industry are going to be right at the back of the recovery queue, way beyond the one we’ll all be standing in for surgical masks when they become compulsory. Even when ISLAND LIFE: Terenia is itching to return to Mallorca and sample its culinary delights after a hiatus in Yorkshire we’re officially able to move about freely again, on maxing it out. But what we also mustn’t do is which is to travel and see some of the wonderful some people will still be nervous about venturing give in to the virus. It has already stolen too much, places around the world. What we all need to do beyond their front door, never mind trying to navi- too many loved ones and far too much control over next is help as many businesses to survive and gate through an airport, dodging passengers. The everyone’s lives and livelihood. We’ll have come thrive and that means not being afraid. rest of us will probably rather take our chances out of a war - maybe a tad dramatic, but it’s had the So when I get back, I’m making it my mission to try with Corona then spend any more time cooped up same destructive effect so I’m calling it that. When to help people feel confident again, to venture out indoors. Even when we do eventually come out of it’s safe, and because now more than ever we truly like me, out of this dark time into the sunshine. lockdown, we can’t all run around like we’ve just value our liberty, we need to feel free again. been handed our get out of jail free card and bent I for one won’t let this crisis alter what I enjoy doing, @tereniataras
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Tweet hurts FAR right political party Vox has said it will sue Twitter after #killabascal in reference to its leader started trending on the social media site.
FINAL WORDS
Whats prats POLICE have reported 18 people – who face fines of between €601 and €30,000 – for setting up a WhatsApp group to warn members of coronavirus lockdown checkpoints.
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Vol. 4 Issue 80 www.theolivepress.es May 15th - May 28th, 2020
Dog days aren’t over Sexpert warns against snogging, saying ‘doggy style’ is safest post-covid position
A SPANISH sex expert has warned against French kissing and ‘rimming’ amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. As the country begins to open once more, director of the Andalucian Institute of Sexology says it’s not time for our legs to follow suit. In fact there are several activi-
DJ dimwits AN incredulous cop has asked 18 ‘foreign’ revellers ‘do you know the situation in Spain?’ when he found them partying complete with DJ and buffet in Ibiza.
By Laurence Dollimore
ties Francisco Cabello has advised against if we want to prevent another wave of infections. “Of all the sexual relations that could take place during this period, the most dangerous is kissing with tongues,” said Ca-
bello, “since the highest concentration of the virus is in the saliva.” He advised that couples who have not been living together should take precautions when reigniting their sex lives. Because one of the two may be asymptomatic, Cabello advises the avoidance of mouth-to-
George, dinner’s ready! BRITISH F1 star George Russell (left) has raced to victory in the Spanish Grand Prix – without leaving his bedroom. The 22-year-old Williams driver from King’s Lynn secured a dramatic late win in the virtual event as his Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc picked up a time penalty. The race at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya featured a host of other sportsmen out of action due to coronavirus, including Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero, Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois and English golfer Ian Poulter.
mouth contact. To make this easier, he reccomended ‘doggy style’ or ‘spoon’ style sex as safest. He added that while no germs have been found in sexual fluids as of yet, it is still accepted as a possibility and therefore it is best to avoid oral sex. It is particularly important to avoid oral-anal sex, he said, also known as ‘rimming’, given that a ‘large amount’ of the virus can be found in faeces. The sexologist added that if symptoms begin to appear, it would be ‘tremendously risky’ to have sex, advising to opt for masturbation – solo or together, while maintaining a safe distance. For couples who have been going through the lockdown together, sex is ‘totally safe’, however extra hygiene precautions should be taken, said Cabello.
A CONTESTANT on Masterchef Spain has been kicked off the show after serving judges a whole, uncooked, unplucked partridge. The panel were left dumbstruck when the less than appetising dead bird was served up to them – complete with a cherry tomato garnish and sauce. Saray Carillo – who describes herself as a 27-year-old transgender Gypsy - made a stand after she was left spitting feathers by previous comments from the judges.
113 not out MARIA Branyas, who at 113 is Spain’s most senior citizen, has overcome COVID-19. Born in San Francisco in 1907, where her father had gone for work after spending some time in Mexico, Maria currently lives in the Santa Maria del Tura care home in Olot, in northern Catalunya. The centennial grandmother has spent the last 20 years living in the residence without cognitive problems or serious illnesses. The centre confirmed 17 coronavirus-related deaths among its elderly residents on April 1.
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