The lapsing legislation will deprive authorities of two legal tools they have relied upon to enforce public safety measures over the last half-year, but what's expected to happen when the state of alarm comes to an end?

The President of the Valencian Community, Ximo Puig, has already clarified that the perimeter confinement will come to an end this Sunday.

The community land border has been permanently closed for all but essential travel since last October, both inbound and outbound, in a bid to reduce unnecessary mobility.

With Spain's national land border with France open, the Alicante Province will be an open part of the Schengen Area for the first time in more than six months.

From Sunday, Spanish nationals will be able to travel from other parts of Spain to visit locations within the Valencian Community, and international travellers and tourists arriving from the EU will be permitted to enter the Costa Blanca locality unhindered.

State of alarm, the end of the curfew on the Costa Blanca?

The state of alarm provides regional authorities with the legislative powers they need to enforce the curfew, and questions have been raised over its legitimacy once the state of alarm expires.

Ximo Puig has indicated that he intends to maintain the nighttime mobility restrictions as part of a progressive de-escalation process, with the assistance of the judiciary if that proves necessary.

The superior courts of the Valencian Community could be called upon to determine whether measures that affect fundamental rights are proportionate and can be applied. If these restrictions are rejected, it will be the Supreme Court that dictates and unifies the measures that the autonomous authority can impose.

However, local news outlet Las Provincias reports that the President will reduce the active hours of the curfew, meaning that residents and visitors can enjoy longer evenings out.

The curfew currently starts at 22:00 and this remains in force until Saturday 8th May, but the existing legislation allows the curfew to be extended until midnight.

That's precisely what the hospitality industry is demanding, calling for an increase in both interior capacity and longer opening hours for bars and restaurants in consideration of the community's low infection rate.

Costa Blanca, the lowest incidence of COVID-19 infection in Spain

The Valencian Community has the lowest COVID-19 accumulated infection rate nationwide, and the latest official data published by the Ministry of Health indicates a 14-day CCI rate of just 42.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

That infection rate has remained stable over the last few weeks, and with only minor fluctuations (44.1 a week ago and 40.0 the week before), the Costa Blanca retains its accolade as the safest place to be in Spain.

By comparison, the Spanish national average 14-day CCI rate stands at 205.5 cases per 100,000 and the Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza come a close second to the Valencian Community, with a 14-day CCI rate of 61.3.

Locally, the recorded 14-day incidence in the Torrevieja health district (the area within which Orihuela Costa's healthcare is administered) is 41.3, and some neighbouring municipalities, such as Pilar de la Horadada and San Miguel de Salinas have recorded zero active infections within the last 14-days.

Spain's vaccination campaign has gathered pace over recent weeks and medical teams have administered 17.9 million vaccinations, with 26.7% of the population receiving at least one dose and 5.3 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´s new one-shot recombinant vaccine.

Masks will remain even after the state of alarm has ended

For the time being, the wearing of a face mask in both indoor and outdoor public spaces is mandatory and will remain so even after the state of alarm has ended. However, contrary to what may have been portrayed in some mainstream news channels, masks are not required in every circumstance.

Spanish legislation already permits the removal of a face mask in any situation where its use is simply not compatible, or if wearing a face mask makes certain essential tasks impossible.

A face mask may be removed to exercise, whilst swimming or cycling, whilst seated at a restaurant table to eat, enjoying a beverage in a cafe or bar, or sunbathing by a community pool or on a beach. Children aged 5-years or younger are not legally obliged to wear a face mask in any location or situation at any time.

People may also remove their face masks if they are experiencing difficulty breathing, and people with long-term acute or chronic breathing conditions are exempted from wearing a mask.

Families on holiday sharing a car do not need to wear face masks whilst inside the vehicle (either in motion or stationary, with or without open windows), and masks are not legally mandated in private spaces such as homes, gardens, hotel rooms, or cabins aboard passenger ships.

With the pandemic in decline and a substantial increase in passenger air traffic between both domestic and international destinations at Alicante-Elche airport over recent weeks, all eyes are on the summer, with hopes that the Costa Blanca will be open to all visitors from June.

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Originally due to expire on 30th April, the Spanish Ministry of the Interior issued an order that extends the restrictions on entering Spain by air for non-EU passenger arrivals from countries outside the European Union and the Schengen Area.

The order, signed by the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, and published this past Friday in the Official State Gazette (the “Boletín Oficial del Estado”), extends the restrictions on entry by air until the last day of this month.

The new legislation adds additional restrictions on arrivals from India, Brazil, South Africa, Botswana, Comoros, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Peru and Colombia.

Travellers arriving by air in Spain from these destinations will only be permitted entry to the country if they are Spanish nationals (with or without an accompanying marital partner) or documented residents ordinarily living in Spain.

Non-EU passenger arrivals from the United Kingdom to Spain

With effect from 1st January 2021, the United Kingdom ceased to be a member of the European Union, and the extension to non-EU passenger arrivals also applies to UK nationals until 00:00 on Monday 31st May.

Exceptions are provided for transport personnel, seafarers and aeronautical personnel, diplomatic or consular staff, members of the military or civil protection, humanitarian organisation personnel in the exercise of their functions, or travellers who can provide documentary evidence of force majeure or situation of need, or whose entry might be permitted for humanitarian reasons.

International travellers from Australia, China (including the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau), New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand are currently able to enter Spain without additional restrictions.

The ban was introduced following European Union legislation passed in June last year that aimed to place temporary restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU by travellers from third countries outside of the Union.

At that time, the prohibition sought to limit the spread of the pandemic with legislation introduced on the grounds of public health and safety.

The new order will remain in effect until Monday 31st May 2021 without prejudice to its eventual modification due to a change in circumstances or the publication of new public health recommendations within the European Union.

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Under the de-escalation plan, dubbed “the Transition Towards a New Normal”, the Spanish nation will enter an initial phase this weekend, with future phases implemented across individual provinces.

Pedro Sánchez outlined the de-escalation plan with each phase expected to last about two weeks. He said the process would take a minimum of six weeks, and hopefully no more than eight.

“Same rules, different speeds” explained the President. “The virus does not distinguish between administrative boundaries”, so each province will relax restrictions at a different pace, depending on the severity of its outbreak.

Provinces will progress to less restrictive phases based on their infection rates, local hospital capacity and readiness, regional mobility data, and how well social distancing measures were being observed and implemented.

Local authorities are responsible for monitoring the conditions in their regions, but the national Health Ministry will have the final say on whether or not a province moves forward.

De-escalation: Spain returning to the “New Normal”

The country has already taken an early step, allowing workers in manufacturing, construction and some services to return to work from 13 April.

This past Sunday, 6.3 million Spanish children under the age of 14 were finally permitted to leave their homes for the first time in six weeks – for one hour a day, between 09:00 and 21:00.

And from this Saturday 2nd May all adults will be able to go outside for a walk or to take part in individual exercise.

Phase Zero: small steps, takeaway food and hairdressers

The Spanish nation will enter the first phase, this coming Monday 4th May.

From Monday hairdressers will be able to open their doors after 44 days of enforced closure, but strictly for customers with pre-booked appointments.

Restaurants and cafeterias will be permitted to open to provide a takeaway service only, with food being consumed off the premises.

Phase One: reopening shops, bars, and restaurants

Scheduled to start on Monday 11th May, phase one will allow healthy people with no underlying medical conditions to socialise together in small groups, while family members will be permitted to attend funerals. Places of religious worship will reopen during this phase.

Small businesses and shops may reopen, but excluding large shopping centres or malls such as Zenia Boulevard. Hotels will reopen but inside common areas such as public lounges will remain prohibited.

Bars and restaurants can open their terraces and outside spaces limited to 30% of the licenced capacity. Establishments may apply to their local Town Hall to increase the size of the terrace, for instance, by occupying part of the street scene such as an adjacent path or roadside parking area.

Phase Two: more freedoms and moving toward the “new normal”

Possibly as early as Monday 25th May, bars and restaurants may provide table service for seated patrons inside the premises, with a limitation of one-third of the licenced capacity.

Indoor public events with less than 50 people and open-air events with a maximum of 400 attendees will be permitted.

Museums, public exhibitions, cinemas and theatres that offer seat reservations may open but will be limited to one-third of their licenced capacity.

Phase Three: beaches, nightclubs, and the last steps

Capacity limitations in bars and restaurants will be increased to 50% and people will be allowed to stand in saloon or bar areas. Discos and nightclubs will be able to reopen.

The beaches will be reopened in time for the summer season either at the start or end of phase three, with beachgoers required to maintain social distancing rules.

According to El Mundo, phase three could begin during the week of Monday 8th June, meaning that Spain, or at least selected provinces within the country, might potentially return to the “new normal” two weeks later around Monday 22nd June, with the termination of all special safety measures.

Total freedom of movement won't be restored until phase three is complete, meaning people won't be free to travel outside of their residential province until at least Monday 22nd June.

Both Ryanair and Jet2 have confirmed that they will be recommencing their scheduled flight programmes from Wednesday 17th June, although at this time neither company have revealed their complete schedule.

President Sanchez told Spaniards, “We are starting to glimpse an outcome that will be a reward for the huge collective effort made over the past weeks”. But he warned that “the virus is still lurking”.

“It's up to the people now, we are embarking on a journey without a precise route map. What we've accomplished is enormous, but it could all be lost if we don't look after each other”.

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For the first time since the implementation of the public safety measures introduced at midnight on Friday 13th March, children under the age of 14 are permitted to venture outside accompanied by a responsible adult.

The relaxation of public safety measures comes as the country recorded its lowest level of daily mortality for over a month.

The Spanish Government announced the relaxation of quarantine rules for children less than 14 years old this past Tuesday, and on Thursday Vice-President of the Government, Pablo Iglesias, and Minister of Health, Salvador Ilya, announced the conditions for going outside with children.

The new regulations apply only to the 6.3 million Spanish children of 13-years or younger …

• Children accompanied by one adult can leave the home to walk in the streets and visit public places without any other lawful reason, remaining fully compliant at all times with the necessary safety and hygiene measures.
• The adult accompanying a child should live with him or her. This can be one of the parents, a grandparent, a legal guardian, or a brother or sister who is at least 18. If the responsible adult is not related to the child or bears no direct legal responsibility, documentation giving consent will be required from a parent or guardian.
• Outside activity may take place at any time between 09:00 am and 21:00.
• Only one walk per day is allowed.
• The walk must not exceed one hour in duration.
• Children and responsible adults must remain within one kilometre of the family home.
• The walk can take place in a group, with a maximum of three children and always just one responsible adult.
• It is imperative to always maintain a safe distance of two metres between the adult and the child (or children), and any other parent or child.
• Children are permitted to run, ride scooters, or play with a ball, but never with other children or adults outside of their family group.
• If any child is showing even the slightest signs of coronavirus or any other respiratory infection, or if he or she was in contact with a person who has been diagnosed with coronavirus, that child must not leave the home.
• Children are not allowed to visit playgrounds or other children's play areas but may go to public parks or other green spaces if they are located within a radius of one kilometre from the family home.

Lockdown, relaxation of rules and further relief for residents in Spain

The Department of Beaches for Orihuela Town Hall confirmed late last night that the region's beaches would remain closed for reasons of public safety, subject to potential clarification over the forthcoming days.

But in a further positive step, President Pedro Sánchez announced yesterday afternoon that from next Saturday 2nd May “individual physical activity” and “walks with people who live in the same home” will be permitted, provided that the evolution of the pandemic continues in a favourable direction “as it has been so far.”

If approved, the move would allow Spanish residents greater freedom of movement, and a right to exercise and congregate with family, at a very important time given the recent improvements in the springtime weather.

The Council of Ministers are expected to approve a de-escalation plan on Tuesday which will cover the entire month of May, and could be extended into June.

The plan will be based on the report of the experts who advise the Government and on the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), and will indicate a way forward following the expiry of the State of Emergency on 9th May.

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The extraordinary public safety measures intended to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus contagion were introduced at midnight last Friday 13th March and were originally intended to last until at least Sunday 29th March.

But an additional extension will mean the country will face a lockdown that extends for 15 days longer, potentially meaning residents and visitors won´t be able to leave their homes, except for legally sanctioned essential purposes, until Sunday 12th April.

Alicante province registers 479 positive CoVid-19 coronavirus infections and 30 deaths

Locally, the Alicante Province has diagnosed 479 people with a positive coronavirus infection, a sharp increase of more than 100 patients over the previously reported 24 hours. The province has registered 30 deaths to date.

Nationwide, Spain has 25,496 confirmed cases of patients that have tested positive for CoVid-19 coronavirus (an increase of 3,925 over 24 hours), and 1,385 people have tragically lost their lives to the disease.

On a more positive note, the number of successfully treated and recuperating people has also increased sharply, with the latest data showing 2,125 patients have recovered from coronavirus contagion.

Spanish SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus State of Emergency, the global picture in numbers

The vast majority of those with a positive coronavirus diagnosis are located in the Spanish capital city of Madrid (6,931 active infections), or central Northern provinces such as Araba and La Rioja, with the latter showing the highest rate of contagion at 147 cases per 100,000 people.

Globally, the United States now has more active cases than Spain with 27,111 infections, whilst Germany registered 22,530 SARS-CoV-2 infections.

The United Kingdom has registered a large rise in contagion since the outbreak began with 5,018 positive infections and 233 lives lost, with the government progressing toward a public health policy designed to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease.

Worldwide, the pandemic has affected more than 300,000 people thus far, of whom more than 13,000 have died and more than 90,000 have recovered.

The decision to extend the state of emergency in Spain will need the approval of the Spanish Congress, but this is thought to be a formality given the extraordinary circumstances.

If you or someone you know thinks they might 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.

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.

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For only the second time since 1978, the Spanish government under the leadership of President Pedro Sánchez has declared the highest state of emergency, introducing extraordinary measures intended to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection by limiting groups of people and encouraging residents to remain in their home.

The new rules are temporary, but they will affect visitors and people living in the Orihuela Costa community. So what's happened over the last 24 hours and how do the new public safety measures affect you?

Alicante province registers 36 positive CoVid-19 infections and the first death

Locally, the Alicante Province has diagnosed 57 people with a positive coronavirus infection, an increase of 31 over the previous 24 hours. Crucially, our home province also registered its first death.

As a precaution, the University Hospital in Torrevieja has brought in measures prohibiting patients from receiving visitors, and people attending the hospital or seeking treatment must do so unaccompanied.

Nationwide, Spain has 6,043 confirmed cases of patients that have tested positive for CoVid-19 coronavirus (an increase of 1,266 over 24 hours), and 191 people have tragically lost their lives to the disease. 517 people remain in hospital for treatment.

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

State of Emergency: bars and restaurants closed in Orihuela Costa for 15 days

At 20:00 yesterday the Valencian government ordered the closure of leisure amenities throughout the province. Taking effect from midnight last night (Friday), the closures are aimed at halting the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The extraordinary measures affect all non-essential businesses across the local Orihuela Costa community and will remain in effect for 15 days until Sunday 29th March. Realistically, this means most businesses won't be operating normally until the following day, Monday 30th March.

The closures affect all commercial enterprises, including:

• Restaurants, bars and cafeterias
• Bakeries, hairdressers and florists
• Shops, shopping centres, retail outlets and all types of commerce
• Open-air shows and concerts, fairs, theme parks and amusement parks
• Gymnasiums, swimming pools and sports centres
• Theatres, concert halls and cinemas
• Libraries and museums
• Discos, ballrooms, nightclubs and pubs
• Casinos and bingo halls

Businesses that provide essential products and services required for everyday life are excluded from the temporary prohibition and may continue to open to the public: supermarkets, pharmacies, and petrol stations (for the sale of vehicle fuels only).

Coronavirus: beaches in Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa off-limits

In a statement issued by the mayor of Orihuela, Emilio Bascuñana, the beaches of the Orihuela Costa will remain closed from 07:00 this morning whilst the national State of Emergency measures remain in effect.

The prohibition includes parks and children's playgrounds, and signs have been installed on the beaches warning people to stay away from the beaches. The city hall of Torrevieja has introduced similar rules to prevent access to the beaches throughout the city.

Meantime, a dedicated line has been announced for the pandemic. If you or someone you know thinks they might 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.

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.

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It sought to implement additional measures of protection for any animal which might usually be considered a domestic pet and introduced new rights and responsibilities for animals and their owners.

Ratification of the European Council's convention was originally proposed in Spain in 2007, but the text didn't pass into Spanish law until Thursday.

The new legal provisions provide significant safeguards for pets in Spain, banning any unnecessary medical procedure such as the docking of tails, clipping ears, or removing teeth or claws without genuine medical grounds.

New animal law, protection for domestic pets in Spain

Only a veterinarian can legally euthanize a pet animal, and the legislation prohibits any other person from causing the death of a pet either deliberately or through negligence, except in legally mandated circumstances.

It will also be against the law to offer pets as prizes, or to sell pet animals to children under the age of 16, and creates new offences for causing a pet unnecessary pain or purposely abandoning an animal.

The new animal law applies to all cats and dogs across the Iberian peninsula, including stray and homeless pets. Autonomous communities nationwide have been checking local legislation to ensure that it complies with the new law.

In Torrevieja, the local town hall has set up Proyecto CES Torrevieja, a new initiative to manage and care for the colonies of stray cats around the city.

Established last year and staffed by a team of 140 volunteer animal carers, the organisation provides food, water, and safe areas for the cats to live, and carries out a program of sterilisation to control the numbers of feral felines.

Torrevieja local town hall responds to new animal law

Subsidised in part by the Provincial Council, the organisation has sterilised more than 500 urban cats.

Cats with a placid and friendly nature that might be suitable for domestic living are placed in foster care through a network of animal shelters and local charities, with the ultimate aim of finding permanent homes.

Mark Lewis, who established the registered animal charity Pets in Spain more than ten years ago, said “We are so pleased that this legislation is changing the way people think about animal care in Spain”.

“A new animal law which places an emphasis on responsible ownership and care is much needed, and we're hoping that with the assistance of municipal authorities, we can help to improve the prospects of homeless and abandoned animals across the Costa Blanca” he added.

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