Corona Virus in Spain – Where do I stand?
Corona Virus is the latest international virus, now termed pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO), to hit since 2009 and it appears to be travelling fast. What we really want to know is, is it safe to travel? Should I cancel my holiday and do I need to buy 50+ rolls of toilet roll? How is the Corona virus in Spain now?
For us here in Spain, life goes on. Of course, precautions must be taken and perhaps, more importantly, we can all learn a lesson on personal hygiene! Visits are still taking place and spring has arrived in full swing.
Safety
The first and most important considerations advised by The WHO to contain the virus are:
– Wash your hands regularly with alcohol gel or soap and water; – Limit touching of nose and mouth; – Cough into a tissue (and dispose of this tissue adequately); – Avoid those coughing and sneezing.
And what about getting on the plane?
Travel Advice
Each country is publishing their own travel advice on affected areas and these must be monitored to decide your next moves. You can follow the number of cases produced by a British press centre, with WHO data, here and get more information.
Travel Insurance is of course a must; whether or not you are covered will often depend on the travel advice given by your country. On 4th March 2020, The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends avoiding all but non-essential travel to China, Iran, South Korea and Italy with additional advice for those with chronic medical conditions to avoid travel to Japan. On March 11th President Trump placed restrictions on travel to the US from Europe.
The elderly and those with respiratory problems are those most at risk and should more seriously rethink their travel plans.
At this current moment it seems travel is not the wisest, thinking local and of those around you is of the utmost importance. It is a time for deep reflection on the level of global connectivity which we are able to so freely enjoy, what this means and how quickly it has been put on hold. The term ‘pandemic’ derives from the Greek translation: ‘all people’. As we close schools and public places, we see the power of a few small changes to help the many.
The Now
While the international climate is full of fear and bad news, we take these moments to look around. It is easy to forget that in this amazing historic city there is so much day-to-day life to be appreciated. Life in Spain continues. Every plaza is humming in the evening sun, markets are bustling and spring approaching.