I hope that you are all well and that it will not be too long before we see each other again in person in the sunny Lecrin Valley. In the meantime, I thought I should give you an update on the fast-moving conditions here as we move towards a new normality…
As you know, we have been on a total lockdown since March 15th and this weekend we will begin a period of de-escalation.
The current plan of the Spanish government is aiming to arrive at a stage of ‘new normality’ in all functions on a national level within approximately 8 weeks. The situation is being re-evaluated every two weeks, both nationally and for the different regions.
Andalusia has been one of the lesser affected regions and we hope this will help with a smoother return to ´the new normal´.
After the younger children regained some freedom last week, this Saturday adults will be allowed to leave the house for walking and to exercise (individually and for a maximum of one hour).
With small steps at a time, they plan four phases for the transition to a new normality.
PHASE 0 (the current situation): permission to exercise (May 2) and the opening of certain commercial premises.
We will be allowed to visit houses for sale with you from Monday next week (May 4) onwards and will implement special procedures to make sure this happens in the safest manner possible. Please contact me for more information and/or for an appointment.
PHASE 1: SMALL SHOPS AND BAR TERRACES (In most areas from May 10)
The opening of small shops under strict security conditions (not large shopping centres). Terraces can also open to 30% occupancy and tourist accommodation will open with certain restrictions. There will be a preferential schedule for those over 65 years of age. In the agricultural and fishing sectors, activities will resume, and religious services can recommence with 30% occupancy. Hotels will also be able to reopen, but there will be no common areas available to guests, such as the buffet.
We will also be able to meet with friends or family in their homes if they are in the same province, but the details of how many people can meet and the conditions are yet to be determined and keeping two-metre distance in general is always a good idea.
PHASE 2: CINEMA AND THEATRES
The opening of hotels and businesses in the rural interior at 30% of its capacity. Cinemas, theatres and auditoriums will also reopen with a similar limit on capacity, as well as monuments and exhibition centres.
Visits to people in homes with disabilities will be allowed, but not to seniors.
The provinces with the best Covid-19 indicators could enter this phase on Monday, May 25.
PHASE 3: CIRCULATION BETWEEN PROVINCES
Phase 3 will see the relaxation of restrictions of movement, the reopening of trade in general, with limit of 50% capacity, albeit with a continued recommendation to wear masks outside of the home, and above all, on public transport.
This phase is likely to be implemented in mid-June, and will allow for visits to senior homes, under conditions that will be established at a future date. Bars will be able to open with a limit of 50% of capacity.
“Movement between provinces will arrive when we get to the new normality,” said Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at a press conference.
But some provinces could get to this stage before others, meaning that travel between them will only be possible if they are both in the same situation.
I know many of you are waiting for the opportunity to travel internationally to finally visit your (new) home on location or to plan a viewing for property you have seen and are hoping to buy.
Unfortunately, it’s unlikely you will be allowed to travel from abroad until at least the end of Phase 3.
However, we have very good news for people who can´t wait to visit the houses for sale, because we now offer live-streaming visits to make it possible to be on location with us, virtually, to be in charge of the camera to point it into the direction you want to.
Please contact us for an appointment and more information about this new service.
More good news is that we have been able to complete on most of the sales already agreed on before the lockdown and so we’d like to say a big thank you to the notaries accommodating us during these difficult times.
Stay safe and see you soon.
Danielle
Photo credits: Manuel Gil and Andalucia.com
At Home in Andalusia 