As with any populated area worldwide, concerns about safety and crime rates naturally arise. But despite moderate rises in the rate of crime throughout the country, Spain remains a remarkably safe place to live.

Nationwide, reported crime over the last year increased by 5.7%, with technology-related cybercrime and computer fraud showing the most significant quantitive increase in the country.

Nonetheless, Spain maintains a low annual crime rate, and the latest official data from the Spanish Government notes that there were 48.8 reported crimes per 1,000 people throughout the country in 2022.

By comparison, Germany recorded 60.7 criminal offences per 1,000 inhabitants during the same period, Belgium reported 74.8 crimes, and the United Kingdom noted 79.5 offences using the same international metric.

South Costa Blanca, one of the lowest crime rates in Europe

Spain's crime rate compares well with other countries in the Europe, but local crime rates are somewhat lower. The crime rate in the municipality of Orihuela is 24.8 offences per 1,000 people – almost half of the national average crime rate and comparable to the country or Ireland.

Our closest city, Torrevieja, also maintains a crime rate below the national average, recording 41.7 reported crimes per 1,000 residents. And the provincial capital city of Alicante reports a crime rate of 29.0 during the 2022 year.

Local and national crime rate data is collected and published by the Ministry of the Interior in Spain. The Government body produces a Crime Balance report at the end of each year, and publishes statistical indicators of crime used by the European Statistical Office (EUROSTAT).

In 2022 (the most recent complete year of data), most recorded crimes in the Orihuela municipality were minor offences. There were 59 reported incidences of robbery in 2022 and 611 reports of home burglary.

Residents were more likely to be victims of technology-related crimes than house thefts, with 378 incidences of cybercrime and 333 instances of computer fraud recorded during the year. 69 vehicle thefts were reported, and serious assaults accounted for 52 cases.

Low crime rates in Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja

In the neighbouring city of Torrevieja, minor offences also represent the majority of recorded crime. From January to December 2022, there were 160 reported incidences of robbery and 1,148 reports of home burglary. 108 vehicle thefts and 104 cases of serious assault were reported during the year.

Overall, Orihuela Costa and South Costa Blanca maintain a relatively low crime rate compared to many other regions. But like many popular destinations in Spain, the area can experience instances of theft and burglary, particularly during the busy summer holiday season.

Residents and visitors must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their belongings, just as they would at home or in any other part of the world.

The Costa Blanca boasts a relatively low crime rate, making it a desirable place to live and visit. While no location is entirely free from criminal activity, the area benefits from a proactive Police presence and a vibrant, safe community.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com

For two weeks commencing this coming Monday 26th April, the new rules allow bars, restaurants, and retail outlets to open later into the evening.

Bars and restaurants, currently forced to close their doors at 6:00 pm, will be permitted to serve customers until 10:00 pm, with 100% of the outside terrace space and 30% of the inside space available. Shops will also be allowed to open until 10:00 pm.

The permitted capacity of cultural activities such as theatres or museums will increase from 50% to 75%, while ceremonies such as weddings may proceed with a maximum capacity of 50%.

Other restrictions remain in force including limits on the number of people who may meet together. Only 6 people may meet in any public space (including bars and restaurants), and meetings at home, either in gardens or any other private space are limited to a total of 2 family groups.

The nighttime curfew remains in effect from 10:00 pm each day, and the land borders of the Valencian Community will remain effectively closed.

Positive signs of summer for residents and visitors to the Costa Blanca

However, on Wednesday, local news outlet “Informacion” reported that Ximo Puig, the President of the Valencian Community, suggested that the land borders of the Community should be opened once the national State of Alarm expires on Sunday 9th May 2021.

Just yesterday, the same publication reported that the Valencian Regional Secretary for Tourism, Francesc Colomer, had spoken with representatives of the United Kingdom about creating a travel corridor between UK destinations and the Costa Blanca.

Alicante Airport has registered a noticeable increase in daily flight arrivals and passenger traffic – particularly since the beginning of April.

Just today, the airport will welcome a total of 29 flights from The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, France, Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, in addition to domestic services from Bilbao, Ibiza, Mallorca, Tenerife, Barcelona, and the Spanish capital city of Madrid.

The latest data from AENA reports that the airport catered to the needs of almost 62,000 passengers in March, bolstered in part by a promotional campaign that brought more than 30,000 tourist arrivals to Spain from northern Europe over the Easter period.

That´s still a world away from pre-pandemic arrival numbers. Alicante-Elche airport handled 996,439 passenger movements during March 2019 and passenger traffic remains 94% lower than usual for this time of year.

No spike in COVID infections in the region after the Easter holidays

Delivering his statement yesterday, Ximo Puig reflected on the low cumulative incidence of COVID infection (CCI) within the Valencian Community.

“It is six times lower than the Spanish national average rate of infection, and we are the only community in the country at a low level of assessed risk,” said the President, who added that “there must be no total relaxation, the virus is still with us”.

According to the latest government data, the 14-day CCI rate in the Valencian Community stands at 40.1 cases per 100,000 compared with a national average CCI of 235.5. The 14-day incidence in Orihuela is 37.4 and Torrevieja´s CCI is 34.8.

Spain´s vaccination campaign has gathered pace over recent weeks and medical teams have administered 14.2 million vaccinations, with 21.9% of the population receiving at least one dose and 3.8 million people vaccinated with both required doses.

The majority of inoculations have taken place using the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, with additional vaccines supplied by AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Janssen.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com

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After a period of record low air traffic, Alicante-Elche airport will welcome 32 inbound flights today, with European tourists arriving in considerable numbers this weekend for the first time this year.

In addition to Spanish domestic flights from Madrid, Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela, Ibiza, and three services from Palma de Mallorca, the airport is expecting its second busy day of the spring season, with international flights arriving into the early hours of Monday morning.

European arrivals are expected from Stockholm and Gothenburg (Sweden), Amsterdam and Eindhoven (The Netherlands), Copenhagen (Denmark), Paris in France, and three inbound scheduled services from Brussels operated by TUI and Ryanair.

Ryanair will also provide direct services from the United Kingdom today, with arrivals expected from London-Luton, Bristol, and Newcastle regional airports.

Other airlines expected to land aircraft at Alicante airport today include services provided by Eurowings, Transavia, Qatar Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, and domestic Spanish low-cost air carrier, Vueling.

Increased travel links between Germany and Alicante airport

Notably, six flights are scheduled to arrive today from Germany. The Costa Blanca will welcome visitors from the German capital city of Berlin, in addition to services from Munich, Dusseldorf, Nuremberg, and two services from Frankfurt operated by Ryanair and Lufthansa.

The German Government lifted the ban on travel to the Valencian Community nearly three weeks ago, due to low levels of COVID contagion within the area.

Last Wednesday, Alicante airport reported that nine air links had been established with Germany with a capacity for 4,000 tourist arrivals per week effective from today. Ryanair, Lufthansa and Eurowings are expected to provide 25 regular scheduled flights each week.

The prominent increase in the number of German tourists is expected to counteract the absence of British visitors to the Alicante Province, with UK holidaymakers expected to remain absent in considerable numbers until the end of May 2021.

With virtually all EU destinations now appearing on Spain's list of risk countries, all incoming passengers will need to present a diagnostic test certificate proving negative active SARS-CoV-2 infection.

And regardless of nationality or country of departure, all arrivals will be subject to a visual assessment, a physical temperature check, and the completion of a health control form before authorised entry.

International travel, but no domestic tourism on the Costa Blanca

Alicante-Elche airport is expected to handle the travel needs of thousands of passengers over the next 24-hours, although numbers will remain significantly below previous records set during the 2019 season.

Today´s busy schedule of arrivals contrasts sharply with headlines just two weeks ago, when reports noted that Alicante airport was left without international flight connections for the first time in thirty years.

The contrast is just as marked nationally, with community borders remaining closed in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus contagions. Spanish residents are prevented from travelling outside of their communities, whilst visitors from the EU can cross the international border into the country.

The provincial news and media outlet, Información, reports that the Ministry of the Interior is mobilising 4,000 National Police and Guardia Civil officers in the Alicante Province, to ensure compliance with the restrictions on mobility between autonomous communities over the Easter period.

2,440 Policia Nacional and 1,531 Guardia Civil officers will establish 209 control points coordinated with authorities in neighbouring communities such as Murcia and Castilla La Mancha, working alongside Policia Local officers in each region.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com

The prohibition was originally introduced on 21st January to combat the spread of COVID-19. For almost six weeks social venues have been able to open their indoor or outdoor spaces to members of the public, with a permitted exception for the provision of takeaway food and drink to be consumed off of the premises.

But Spain's Ministry of Health has confirmed that people will be able to return to the terraces from next Tuesday 2nd March, following confirmation that the current special health measures will remain in force until 23:59 this coming Monday evening.

The reactivation of the hospitality industry will be welcome news for restauranteurs and bar owners across the Costa Blanca, but the relaxation of the restrictions comes with certain caveats designed to ensure the community's recovery from the Coronavirus Pandemic continues.

Bars and restaurants reopen with restrictions from Tuesday 2nd March 2021

Earlier this week industry representatives had requested permission to reopen their businesses with partial use of indoor and outside spaces, and a requirement to be able to trade within the limits of the current curfew and close their premises at 22:00.

Hostelry sector trade associations met with Health Councillor Ana Barceló yesterday (Tuesday) to discuss the measures.

However, Valencian Government authorities have stipulated that the inside public spaces must remain closed, terraces may reopen with 50% of their mandated seating capacity, and terraces must close no later than 18:00 each day.

The president of CONHOSTUR and Hostelería Valencia, Manuel Espinar, said “We were closed when there was an incidence of around 1,500 infections per 100,000 population and we are going to reopen with it below 250 infections.” He added, “it is inappropriate that health authorities want us to only open the terraces now that the level of incidence is well below what it was when we were closed.”

Golf courses and outdoor sporting venues are also to reopen

He warned that with these restrictions in place “many companies will not be able to open, either because they do not have a terrace or because opening their business would be financially unviable.”

Valencian health authorities have called for a new meeting on 9th March to address the extended reopening of the hospitality sector, at which time it is considered that it will agree to indoor reopening with a limited capacity of between 30% and 50%.

Outdoor sporting venues such as golf courses will also be permitted to open once again this coming Tuesday, but indoor sports centres and gyms will remain closed for the time being.

The President of the Valencian Community, Ximo Puig, will meet with other government members tomorrow, Thursday 25th February, to assess whether the current weekend perimeter closure of large cities could be abandoned.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com

The new public health regulations apply to municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants, affecting the region of Orihuela (including Orihuela Costa) and the neighbouring city of Torrevieja in our locale.

Each municipality will be separately confined from 15:00 CET each Friday until 06:00 the following Monday. During these weekend times, from Friday afternoon until the early hours of Monday morning, crossing the municipal boundaries won't be permitted, except in specific allowable circumstances.

The regulations mean that people living in Orihuela Costa or Torrevieja cannot leave their municipalities. People living outside of those areas cannot enter the beachfront city or the Orihuela coastal areas during the period of confinement.

Police forces are expected to establish controls on the main entry and exit routes to the affected locations, including monitoring public transport services with inspections of passengers in transit at bus and train stations.

Mobility restrictions, understanding the boundaries of Orihuela Costa

With a population exceeding 77,000 people, residents of Orihuela and the Orihuela Costa region won't be permitted to leave the municipal area whilst the weekend mobility restrictions remain in force.

Orihuela Costa's northern-most coastal boundary is defined by Calle Escorpiones and Avenida de las Olas, the street that leads down to the beachfront and Restaurante Nautilus in Punta Prima.

The northern side of each avenue is within the territory of the Mediterranean city of Torrevieja, whilst properties to the south of the street are located within the municipality of Orihuela.

The southernmost territorial boundary of Orihuela Costa ends at Playa de Vistamar Mil Palmeras, with the Cañada Matamoros separating the coastal community from the neighbouring Pilar de La Horadada community and the main Playa de Mil Palmeras beach.

Geographically, Orihuela stretches almost 40 km inland northwest of the coast with the municipal boundary enclosing the city that lends its name to our locality.

Permitted movement and exemption from the new safety regulations

The legal exemptions to the prohibition to enter or leave locations subject to confinement are identical to those already permitted by the closure of the wider Valencian Community borders, and the new health regulations do not apply to people who are :

• Attending scheduled appointments in health centres or at a hospital
• Travelling for documented commerce or employment
• Returning to a usual habitual residence
• Travelling to the nearest petrol station to refuel a vehicle
• Taking part in educational activities for a school or university
• Caring for elderly or vulnerable people, children, or persons with limited mobility
• Going to the bank, an insurance company, or another financial institution
• Required to attend a public judicial appointment or notarial body
• Taking official exams or tests that cannot be postponed
• Acting due to an unavoidable emergency

I live in Torrevieja, can I go shopping at Zenia Boulevard on Saturday?
No, during the period of confinement only residents of Orihuela or Orihuela Costa can shop at Zenia Boulevard or travel within the Orihuela municipality.

I live in La Zenia, can I go shopping in Torrevieja on Sunday?
No, Torrevieja is subject to weekend confinement. Residents outside of the city cannot cross the boundary except for the legal exemptions listed above.

Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja weekend confinement

I don't live in either Torrevieja or the Orihuela region, can I go shopping at the Habaneras shopping centre?
Residents who live outside of Torrevieja and the Orihuela municipality can go shopping at Zenia Boulevard or the Habaneras centre from Monday until 15:00 on Friday, but not at the weekend.

The special public health measures also apply to bank holidays. In the event of a public holiday, the area restrictions will take effect at 15:00 on the day before the bank holiday and remain in effect for 48-hours until 15:00 the day after.

The new mobility restrictions apply to 15 locations in the Valencian Community, including Orihuela, Torrevieja, Elche, Benidorm, Alcoy, Elda, Petrer, San Vicente del Raspeig, and the city of Alicante in the Alicante Province.

The regulations are designed to further combat the spread of Coronavirus. They were introduced earlier this week on Monday 25th January by the President of the Generalitat, Ximo Puig, and are expected to remain in force until at least Monday 1st March 2021.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com

The original public health regulations for the Christmas season were announced just 12 days ago, suggesting a modest relaxation of some of the safety measures including a later curfew for Christmas Eve and New Year´s Eve to allow traditional late-night celebrations to take place.

But with health authorities reporting an increase in transmission of COVID-19 across the Costa Blanca, the President of the Valencian Government, Ximo Puig, announced a raft of new Christmas restrictions yesterday evening.

The previous plan to allow residents and visitors to cross-regional borders to visit family members and close friends has been scrapped.

Instead, the external borders of the Valencian Community will remain closed except for justified reasons such as work commitments or to return to a habitual residence, and festive visits to friends or relatives outside of Alicante, Valencia, or Castellón will not be permitted.

Christmas restrictions, visiting friends and family in Murcia prohibited

In particular, this means it won´t be possible for people on the Orihuela Costa to visit friends or family members in the neighbouring Region of Murcia over the Christmas period.

The borders of the Valencian Community will remain closed and limitations will be in place to control movement both in and out of the autonomous community.

Current public health measures limit social gatherings to 6 people, both in public and private spaces (including private homes), except in the case of those who reside together.

Special rules were originally proposed for key dates over the Christmas and new year period that would increase the limit to 10 people, but yesterday´s announcement reverses the policy.

Further, the new safety measures limit social groups to just two residential households with no exceptions for any festive occasions. This means that meetings between families or friends on Christmas day (or at any other time over the festive season) will be limited to a maximum of 6 people from 2 households.

A tighter curfew, with no Christmas or New Year´s Eve exceptions

The nightly curfew that starts from midnight will be drawn back by one hour to 23:00. Between 23:00 and 6:00 the following day, people must stay at home and cannot be in a public place without a lawful reason.

The curfew was planned to start at 1:30 on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve to allow people to enjoy the festivities, but these exceptions have been removed.

Instead, the curfew will begin one hour later from midnight on Christmas Eve and New Year¡s Eve, and residents are being urged to welcome the new year an hour earlier than usual.

The safety measures were announced by President Ximo Puig and the Minister of Health, Ana Barceló. “We do not like to generate uncertainty or correct the measures we take” stated President Puig, “but we have to adapt to the situation to combat the virus because it would be worse not to do so.”

The new Christmas restrictions are intended to control the spread of the Coronavirus over the forthcoming weeks, and come into force from this Monday 21st December, remaining in effect until Friday 15th January 2021.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com / Alexander Pichlmayr

The new rules come into force later this month, with some existing travel restrictions relaxed for two weeks between Wednesday 23rd December and Wednesday 6th January 2021.

The health measures are aimed at preventing the spread of Coronavirus whilst allowing people to enjoy a “near normal” Christmas and New Year. But they have raised a series of questions on what will, and will not, be permitted during the festive season.

Here are some of the most common questions answered for residents in the Orihuela Costa, or those planning a trip to this part of Spain to visit family and friends abroad this Christmas and New Year.

Can I still travel to Spain?

Yes, Spain's national borders are open with COVID-19 safety measures in place. Arrivals by air need to provide a negative PCR or TMA test, but passengers arriving in the country by train or by road are exempt from the new entry requirements. Children younger than 6-years don´t need to provide a test.

The Valencian Community borders will remain closed until at least Friday 15th January 2021. This means that holiday home owners won't be permitted to drive to their property before this time unless they are documented Spanish residents, and their home in Spain is their primary habitual residence.

Are bars and restaurants open in the Costa Blanca?

Yes. Bars and restaurants are open for business with limited capacity inside and outside. Patrons are not permitted to stand at the bar and food and drinks must be consumed at the table.

The restricted capacity won't cause problems during the main summer season, but reservations for special dates such as Christmas Day should be made as far in advance as possible.

The situation in neighbouring Murcia is more complicated, with some municipalities reopening social venues earlier this week while others remain temporarily closed.

Are the beaches of Orihuela Costa open?

Yes, all of Orihuela Costa's beaches are open to members of the public. The chiringuito beach bars on La Zenia's Cala Bosque beach and Cabo Roig's La Caleta are open every day all year-round.

Will the La Zenia beach Christmas Day party take place this year?

No. Typically, in previous years thousands of residents and visitors flock to La Zenia on Christmas Day for the “Gran Fiesta de Navidad” party on Cala Bosque beach.

However, current regulations prohibit large public gatherings, and although there has been no official press release about the event specifically, it's extremely unlikely that the La Zenia beach Christmas Day party will take place in 2020.

Are shops and Zenia Boulevard open?

Yes, shops and the Zenia Boulevard shopping centre are open as usual, with the Costa Blanca's largest mall open until 23:00 each day.

Government advice is to organise shopping in advance, and time your shopping trips to avoid crowds where possible and minimise the risk of Coronavirus infection.

The sale of alcohol in shops and other non-hospitality venues is not permitted between 22:00 and 8:00, but this does not apply to bars, restaurants, or hotels.

It's worth remembering that drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited 24-hours a day, except for bars or restaurants with a terrace incorporated into the street.

Are the Christmas lights being switched on this year?

Yes, the Christmas lights on the Orihuela Costa will be rather unceremoniously turned on this evening. The Town Hall is keen to avoid crowds so the lights will be activated automatically from 18:00 later today, Friday 4th December.

Our neighbouring city of Torrevieja will be adorned with festive lighting a little later than usual, due in part to contractual issues.

Zenia Boulevard's magical lights and Christmas tree are already in place, but current legislation will likely prohibit the spectacular parade we're used to enjoying from taking place later this month.

Will the Christmas parades take place?

Whilst the central Spanish Government hasn't specifically ruled out parades, regional authorities won't allow events that draw large crowds unless public safety measures can be guaranteed.

Instead of processions, authorities are asking for static parades to be held in a single location where attendance numbers can be more readily monitored.

How many people can I meet with at Christmas?

Current public health measures limit social gatherings to 6 people, both in public and private spaces (including private homes), except in the case of those who reside together.

Special rules over Christmas and the new year period increase the limit to 10 people, but only on Christmas Eve (Thursday 24th December), Christmas Day (Friday 25th December), New Year's Eve (Thursday 31st December), and New Year's Day (Friday 1st January 2021).

Despite national news outlet, El Pais, labelling the measures as “impossible to enforce”, authorities are recommending keeping these gatherings within the same household group where possible, and the 10-person limit includes children of any age.

The second day of Christmas isn't celebrated in Spain, so European and British visitors should note that there is no concession for Boxing Day, Saint Stephen's Day, or Zweiter Weihnachtsfeiertag on Saturday 26th December. The existing limit of meeting with up to 6 people will apply to this day.

What about the curfew and New Year´s Eve?

A nightly curfew applies to all roads and other public spaces between midnight and 6:00.

Between these times, people must stay at home and cannot be in a public place without a lawful reason. Bars and restaurants cannot permit new customers after 23:00.

However, on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, the curfew will be an hour and a half later, starting at 1:30 on Friday 25th December 2020 and Friday 1st January 2021, to allow traditional Christmas and new year celebrations to take place.

When do I have to wear a mask?

You have to wear a mask in all inside and outside public spaces including roads, shopping centres and shops, whether or not you can maintain a safe distance from others. You don't have to wear a mask whilst sitting on the beach or walking within 6 metres of the waterline.

The use of a face mask is mandatory at all times in bars and restaurants unless sat down to eat or drink. You must wear a mask to place your order, to use the public bathroom, and at any other time on the premises.

Can I attend a religious service or Midnight Mass?

Religious services held in indoor spaces will follow the rules on capacity established by regional authorities.

Traditional events such as the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve will not be exempt from the curfew restrictions, and church officials are being urged to offer alternative services online or via television broadcast.

Can I travel to another region of Spain?

The borders of the Valencian Community are currently temporarily closed, so people are permitted to travel only inside the provinces of Alicante, Valencia, and Castellón without a legitimate cause, such as for reasons of work or to return to a habitual residence.

However, over the Christmas period beginning on Wednesday 23rd December, residents and visitors to Spain will be permitted to cross-regional borders to visit family members and close friends.

This includes people who may not have family ties in the traditional sense of birth or marriage, but who share affectionate bonds of friendship.

The special travel arrangements will be in place until Wednesday 6th January 2021.

What´s the weather like at Christmas time in the Costa Blanca?

Typically, our part of Spain is relatively dry with just 5 days of rain on average. The second-coolest month of the year, daytime temperatures are usually around 17°c whilst overnight temperatures fall to around 7°c.

Direct sunlight can add 10°c to the real-feel temperature, and with a median average of 6 hours of sunshine every day, the weather in December feels mild and very pleasant compared with more northerly climates at Christmas time.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com / Alexander Pichlmayr

The mammoth undertaking to effectively patrol the city's 20 km-long coastline will be overseen by a team of city hall-appointed employees.

Torrevieja Council will employ 100 currently unemployed people to take charge of the municipality's beaches, provide surveillance, and control access.

The specialised team will be charged with ensuring the safe management of the beaches to ensure they remain crowd-free at all times.

Deemed essential for the safe enjoyment of the beaches this coming summer, members of the team will enforce the public safety measures issued by the Valencian Government – a 63-page raft of recommendations published last month.

Work is underway this weekend to implement a physical system that can maintain control over access to the city´s many beaches.

Torrevieja beaches, maximum security protocols for summer 2020

City Hall is planning to create a telephone reservation system or a mobile app that can authorise permission for residents and visitors to visit the beaches.

The new system will be able to monitor the real-time use of each beach, the duration of each stay, and the types of users that access the beaches.

Work is expected to take place at Torrevieja's main beaches: Playa del Acequión, Playa del Cura, Playa de Los Naufragos, Playa de Los Locos, and possibly even Playa de La Mata to the north of the city.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com

The extraordinary measures intended to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection include a reduction in public transport services throughout the Orihuela Costa from today.

Local bus and coach services are being reduced by 50% whilst the public safety measures remain in force. So what´s happened over the weekend, when are you allowed to leave your home, and what for? Here´s what we know.

Alicante province registers 151 positive CoVid-19 infections and one death

Locally, the Alicante Province has diagnosed 151 people with a positive coronavirus infection, a sharp increase over the previous 24 hours. The province has registered one death to date, an older patient with previous health complications.

Nationwide, Spain has 7,844 confirmed cases of patients that have tested positive for CoVid-19 coronavirus (an increase of 2,091 over 24 hours), and 292 people have tragically lost their lives to the disease. 517 patients have recovered.

The vast majority of those with a positive coronavirus diagnosis are located in the Spanish capital city of Madrid (3,331 active infections), or central Northern provinces such as Álava and La Rioja, with an increased risk of the virus spreading to the northwestern autonomous community of Galicia.

Globally, Spain has nearly as many active SARS-CoV-2 infections as South Korea (8,236), followed by Germany (5,813), France (5,423), and the United States (3,777).

The United Kingdom registered the largest rise in deaths since the coronavirus pandemic began with 1,372 positive infections and 35 lives lost, with the government suggesting that persons over the age of 70-years might be quarantined within their homes for up to four months.

Flights to Spain cancelled at Alicante airport today

British scheduled airline Jet2.com has cancelled all flights to Spain, with a repatriation service for affected passengers. However, today´s scheduled arrivals from Glasgow, Belfast, and Newcastle have been cancelled.

Irish budget carrier Ryanair announced a reduced service to Spain just yesterday, with cancellations to Alicante-bound flights from Cologne in Germany, and Kraków in Poland later today.

Low-cost Spanish airline Vueling has cancelled today´s services to Paris in France, and the 17:25 service from Alicante airport to the Belgian capital city of Brussels.

And easyJet is flying a full Spanish schedule today only, with all future flights cancelled from Tuesday morning until at least Sunday 29th March.

State of Emergency, restrictions on travel and the freedom of movement in force

With the State of Emergency entering its third day today, more information about the public safety measures is coming to light, providing additional clarity about what is permitted and what is prohibited.

Residents and visitors to the Orihuela Costa and South Costa Blanca may leave their homes for the following essential purposes only:

• To go to work, or to return to their habitual place of residence
• To go to a supermarket to purchase food, beverages, and personal care products
• To go to an optician or to visit an orthopaedic doctor
• To go to a pharmacy to purchase or collect medication
• To attend a hospital, health centre or doctors surgery
• To visit an insurance broker, a bank, or to use an ATM
• To care for elderly or dependent persons or those with limited mobility
• To walk or exercise a pet, to buy food for a pet, or to visit a vets surgery

Dogs can be walked without prohibition but must be walked individually (on your own), and respecting the one-metre safe distance from other pet owners.

Visits to tobacconists and dry cleaners are allowable (the latter for sanitary reasons), and hairdressing salons which were previously spared prohibition, were ordered to close down just yesterday.

If you need to go shopping, to the bank, or anywhere else, go alone. Don't go as a couple, or as a family, or with friends, unless it is essential that others go with you. For instance, you may wish to help an elderly relative attend an appointment at the health centre if they suffer from personal mobility issues or they can't drive, but if you are unable to demonstrate an essential purpose for your presence you should not be there.

For reasons of public safety, unnecessary travel is not permitted

If in any doubt stay at home and continue to self-isolate. Avoid crowds at all costs, and maintain a distance of at least one metre from other people at all times if you do need to venture outside.

Remember that unnecessary travel such as visiting neighbours, family or friends, jogging, taking part in sports or riding a bicycle purely for recreational purposes, is strictly prohibited whilst the State of Emergency remains in force. Those found violating public safety measures face the possibility of serious consequences.

Locally, Isabela's Italian Restaurant in La Fuente commercial centre is offering home delivery and take away services in association with Costa Delivery. The restaurant remains closed to the public, but evening food orders can be made via the Costa Delivery website.

Meantime, if you or someone you know thinks they have any symptoms of coronavirus infection or any flu-like symptoms whatsoever, do not go to a medical centre, a doctor's surgery, or a hospital. Instead, call +34 900 300 555 for assistance.

For more information about the State of Emergency, the extraordinary public safety measures, and a list of closed businesses click here.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com

The comprehensive work was announced earlier this week with a presentation at the Quiron Salud Hospital in Torrevieja.

Created by a team of serving traffic police officers led by Francisco Javier Morales Herrera, a police motorcycle patrol officer in Torrevieja, the title aims to inform residents and visitors of the laws that govern the roads and highways of the province.

Reflecting upon his years of experience, Officer Herrera stated, “Access to information must be a right to which all citizens have, regardless of their country of origin, so I decided to carry out a translation of the Spanish Road Safety Act into English”.

He added, “By publishing this information I hope that fewer violations or accidents occur due to a lack of knowledge, and thus we hope to improve safety on our roads”.

Edited by Mark Nolan, an experienced journalist and radio presenter, and with the assistance of a team of dedicated volunteers, the international collaboration has resulted in a comprehensive collection of Spanish traffic law, the first of its kind anywhere in the country.

Stretching 514 pages, the comprehensive eBook explains everything from road markings and signage, the rules regarding your responsibilities to other road users, and what to do in the event of an accident.

Current Spanish traffic law explained

The title contains some graphic illustrations of what can happen to those that choose to use the roads in an irresponsible manner and provides professional advice for safe and legal road usage in Spain.

The N332 road safety groups website publishes regular articles that aim to explain the rules of the road in the English language and debunk the myths that tend to disseminate throughout the expatriate community.

A member of the European Road Safety Charter, the group's Facebook page offers news and information related to Spanish traffic law. With nearly 130,000 followers the page is exceptionally popular.

The new eBook is provided free of charge and will prove invaluable reading for residents and visiting drivers across the Iberian peninsula.

With more than 5,000 copies of the title downloaded during the first 24 hours of publication, the new book is highly recommended reading. Click here to download your free copy (PDF file, 157Mb).

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: DGT España