14
Nov 2021
0

COVID-19 UPDATE: Cases Rise on Fuerteventura as we Move Up to Phase Two

COVID-19 , , , , , Sabrina L. Williams

Fuerteventura is the only island affected as the others remain at Phase One

The outcome of the Public Health Plenary Session held as usual on Thursday’s was for Fuerteventura to move up a phase which means that from midnight (tonight) 15th November 2021, the island is at Phase Two at least until the 25th November 2021 according to reports, however, this timeline may be affected upon re-evalution.

The rest of the Canary Islands remain at Phase One, but the overall incident over the last seven days increased by 19,3% so extra vigilance on safety protocols is needed to prevent further contagion. All the islands enjoyed a number of weeks at Phase One, but this does not mean we can relax the rules as this result has proved.

What Are the Rules for Phase Two?

  1. Capacity: The maximum capacity in open-air space is 75% of normal and in interior spaces, 50%
  2. Groups: In both indoor and outdoor areas as well as public and private spaces; the maximum number of persons is 8 unless the group in question is made up of persons who reside under the same roof. If the group is mixed, i.e., some persons reside together and others do not, the maximum of 8 applies
  3. Closing Times: Establishments and activities that prior to the pandemic did not have a fixed closing time or the closing time was later than the one set for this Phase, are required to close at 2am along with everybody else
  4. Night-Life: Clubs, cocktail bars, karaokes and similar activities authorized to be open at night may operate as per the conditions authorized on their Opening Licences, however, dancing is not permitted. These establishments must collect information on employees and customers (full name, ID number, telephone number, date and time of service) in order to track and trace affected persons in the event of an outbreak. This register must be kept for at least one month after the date and made available to the authorities if required
17
Oct 2021
1

COVID-19 UPDATE: Fuerteventura Moves Down to Alert Level One

COVID-19 , , , , , , Sabrina L. Williams

Not only has Fuerteventura moved down to Phase One, but the rest of the Islands have as well

The Canarian Government held their weekly Thursday evaluation and concluded that Fuerteventura’s numbers showed sign of improvement that warranted lowering restrictions. During the last week, the number of new cases decreased and the number of positive PCR tests increased. When you couple that with the fact that Covid related incidents at the General Hospital and in the ICU are also on the decline, it adds up to great things for the island.

The other Islands have also shown massive improvement, although Lanzarote had a slight increase over the last seven days that has since stabilized also.

The weekly statistics showed that between the 6th and 12th October, 368 new Covid cases were recorded; a decrease of 17,5% on the daily average from the previous week.

What Are Phase One Restrictions?

  1. Occupancy: In open-air spaces it is 100% of the stipulated maximum and 75% in interior spaces
  2. Groups: This must not exceed 12, except if the group is comprised of persons that co-habitate. If the group is mixed, the maximum is still 12
  3. Closing Times: For those establishments that did not have a set closing time or one that exceeds the time set for Phase One, the maximum authorized by the Government is 3am
  4. Night-Life: Establishments such as clubs, cocktail bars, karaokes and similar that have the appropriate Opening Licences may operate as per said licences, which means that live music is allowed but dancing is still prohibited. These establishments must still collect staff and customer information (DNI/NIE, telephone number, date and time of service) in order to trace possible outbreaks. These records must be kept for at least one month in case the Authorities request them
  5. The sale of alcohol is prohibited on public streets, parks and open-air recreational areas

On another note, the Canarian Government has also suspended the obligation for guests at tourist accommodations to provide certification to prove they are Covid-free, whether this is by means of PCR tests, a vaccine certificate or sworn declarations that show the guest has already had Covid or have not left the Islands in the 15 days immediately prior to check-in. This measure should in theory stay in place until 31st January

16
Jul 2021
0

COVID-19: Update. Fuerteventura’s Rising Cases Sends the Island Back to Alert Level 3

Yesterday, Thursday 15th July 2021, the Health Department convened to discuss progres on each island based on reports

COVID-19: Update. Fuerteventura’s Rising Cases Sends the Island Back to Alert Level 3

Business Owners , , , , Sabrina L. Williams

Yesterday, Thursday 15th July 2021, the Health Department convened to discuss progres on each island based on reports on the number of recorded cases and unfortunately for us, Fuerteventura joins Tenerife at Level 3. The only other change made was to La Palma whose increasing cases sees the island go up to Level 2 whilst the remaining islands stay where they are.

According to statistics between the 30th June and 13th July, 352 COVID-19 cases were reported on Fuerteventura; this represents an average of 25 new daily cases. This means that Accumulated Incident Index went from high risk to very high risk on 9th July. Fortunately, no associated deaths nor ICU inpatients have been recorded, however, this apparent outbreak raises concerns.

As we are all aware, each level has specific restrictions, so lets quickly summarize what that means for us here on Fuerteventura. According to the Official Canary Islands’ Bulletin (BOC) published on 9th July 2021, at Level 3, the following limitations apply:

GENERAL LIMITATIONS

  1. In public or private areas, social gatherings of up to four people except if they reside under the same roof
  2. Nightclubs must remain closed
  3. Parks and beaches will close before 10pm to avoid people meeting up to drink (botellones). Shops are prohibited from selling alcohol after 10pm
  4. Maximum occupancy in shopping centres is 25% (if customers don’t overrun shops in the sales!)
  5. Public events are not permitted
  6. Maximum occupancy on public transport is reduced to 33%
  7. Visiting patients in hospital has been suspended for the time being unless special circumstances warrant them
  8. Curfew from midnight to 6am bar exceptions detailed under regulation

HOSPITALITY SECTOR

  1. Bars, restaurants, terraces etc must ensure a 2 metre distance between different tables or groups of tables is maintained at all times to include spacing for clients sat at the bar.
  2. 75% of maximum occupancy must not be exceeded on terraces and outside areas
  3. 40% of maximum occupancy must not be exceeded in interior areas. This may be increased to 50% if at least 10% of the customers have been fully vaccinated
  4. Occupancy per table or group of tables
    • Outside areas: 6 persons per table
    • Interior areas: 4 personas per table if not vaccinated and 6 persons per table if fully vaccinated
    • Bar: 2 persons per group of customers
  5. Buffet service in interior areas is prohibited
  6. All establishments must close before midnight
  7. Delivery services remains the same for all Alert Levels and may continue until midnight
  8. Customers may ring in food orders to be collected from the establishment but times must be given to avoid too many people arriving at the same time. The establishment must have a clearly sign posted designated area for customers to pay for and collect their orders
  9. Masks must be worn at all times except for when food and drink are being consumed
  10. Customer Logs must continue when customers are served inside
  11. All other protocols regarding menus, servillets etc remain as before

This is a massive blow as it feels as though things were just starting to pick up again but this virus is here to stay so if we all do our part, we can curb the numbers and hopefully go back down to a safer level soon.

21
Mar 2021
3

COVID-19: Fuerteventura Moves Up to Alert Level 3 Again

Who would have thought two years ago that we would live in a world where we would experience

COVID-19: Fuerteventura Moves Up to Alert Level 3 Again

Business Owners , , , , Sabrina L. Williams

Who would have thought two years ago that we would live in a world where we would experience lockdowns, curfews and restrictions where we are prohibited from seeing our own family and friends? This is our new reality and we must get used to constant changes in what we are permitted to do at any given moment.

To be honest, this year, I have not really wanted to write as much because I’m COVID-out, but I have to suck it up and keep reading the daily law changes. So here is the latest I’m bringing to you after it was approved on Friday and comes into effect from tomorrow, Monday 22nd March 2021. What are the restrictions for Alert Level Three?:

  1. Travel: Restricted travel and movement of persons to and from the island except justified travel (work, emergencies…). Those who have can prove they have pre-booked in tourist establishments will be authorized entry as per Decree-Law 17/2020, 29th October.
  2. Public and Private Areas: Maximum gatherings of four people except those who reside in the same home.
  3. Curfew: We must make sure to be home between 10pm and 6am every day except for essential activities (article 5 of Royal Decree 926/2020, 25th October).
  4. Hospitals: Visits are prohibited except for patients who are minors, pregnant, terminal or in similar circumstances.
  5. Hospitality Sector: Maximum of four persons per table. The security distance between tables is the usual 2 metres. Occupancy on terraces is lowered to 50% and unfortunately service in the interior of establishments is not permitted. Nobody is allowed to be seated at the bar. Interior buffets are not permitted, however, they may take place outside. Restricted areas must be clearly marks and activities that do not allow for the safety distance between patrons are not allowed. All establishments must be closed before 10pm allowing time for staff to get home.
  6. Sport: All interior sports activities are prohibited, however, they are allowed outside as long as occupancy is decreased to 50% of the normal number of people. Groups are limited to a maximum of four including the monitor if the minimum security distance cannot be guaranteed.
  7. Transport: Obligatory use of masks and it is not permitted to eat, drink or smoke onboard. Singing, shouting, initiating conversations with other passengers and phone conversations are restricted as well (breathing is optional!!!!). We are encouraged not to travel at peak times except for essential activities.

Good luck everybody and stay safe

16
Jan 2021
2

COVID-19: Fuerteventura Enters Alert Level II

After the fiasco that was this week in La Oliva after our Mayor, Pilar González Segura issued an

COVID-19: Fuerteventura Enters Alert Level II

Business Owners , , , , , , Sabrina L. Williams

After the fiasco that was this week in La Oliva after our Mayor, Pilar González Segura issued an authorized increase from alert level II to level III of the municipality only to revoke it a day and a half later, there are more changes to the island’s status, only this time from the correct source.

Following on from the temporary measures decreed throughout the Canary Islands last week, yesterday, Fuerteventura has officially gone from Alert Level I to Level II due to increased cases that are no doubt a result from illegal mass gatherings and parties since Christmas and especially over New Year’s where standard security measures have not been properly observed.

A Plenary Session of the Canarian Government was held on Thursday 14th January 2021 to amend the alert levels of Lanzarote (increased to Level III), Fuerteventura (increased to Level II) and La Gomera (reduced to Level I) and came into effect yesterday, Friday 15th January until Thursday 28th January inclusive as can be seen on the released Announcement.

Restrictions for Alert Level II are:

  • Curfew: Freedom of movement is limited between 11pm and 6am every day
  • Limitations of groups of people in public and private areas: This is restricted to a maximum of FOUR persons except in the cases of co-habitants. If the group is a mixture of both co-habitants and non co-habitants, the maximum is still FOUR.
  • Specific measures for the Hotel and Restaurant Sector (terraces, bars and cafes): The maximum number of persons permitted per table is reduced from six to FOUR and the establishment must close to the public by 11pm. Activities that do not allow the required 2 metre safety distance are not permitted in terraces or other open-air spaces attached to the establishment, i.e., dancing, karaoke and similar
  • Sport Activities: Group or team sports practiced in indoor installations and sports centres that do not allow a permanent safety distance of 2 metres between persons is restricted to a maximum of FOUR persons per group including the instructor. In open-air areas, team sports that do not guarantee a permanent safety distance between participants at all times are not permitted. Group activities where it is not possible to maintain a permanent 2 metre security distance are restricted to a maximum of FOUR persons per group including the instructor (Personal Note: This last part for open-air activities seems contradictory because it is either not permitted or restricted so use discretion here)
  • Hospitals and Public Health Centres: Visitation is limited and must be supervised by health care specialists within the centres. Proper clinical face masks must be used otherwise entry will be refused.
  • Public Transport: In regular public road transport, the maximum capacity has been reduced to 50%. Police forces will be extra vigilant during peak times/ rush hour to prevent crowds from gathering at bus stops etc., and request only essential travel at these times. The frequency of bus routes will be increased and as before, food and drink may not be consumed on board and masks must be used correctly (not under the nose or chin)

These measures will be reviewed again around 28th January to see whether they have been successful or not and if the number of cases decrease, Fuerteventura may return to Alert Level I.

Personally, I am not one for checking the daily statistics of the Canary Islands as I find it too depressing to be so immersed in everything COVID-19, but since we are on the subject, the latest report of the last 24 hours shows the following:

There have been 368 new cases which takes the total number of accumulated cases in the Canary Islands to 30.946 of which there are 7.825 active cases (55 remain in Intensive Care; 300 are hospitalized and the remainder are quarantining at home). There have been four deaths (two males from Tenerife and two from Gran Canaria) aged between 49 and 82 and all with pre-existing medical conditions.

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