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Costa Blanca – the new normal

After 58 days of one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe, on Monday 11th May the rules were lifted slightly when the Spanish government introduced Phase 1 of the de-escalation plans to allow greater freedom of movement to citizens in the country.

People across Spain were overjoyed to finally be able to leave their houses and see friends and family, and begin to get back to a bit of normality again. However, as with the previous lockdown rules, there has been some conflicting information and many confused Costa Blanca residents!

If you are worried about what you can and cannot do in Phase 1 of lockdown in Spain, or where you can go on the Costa Blanca, here we will try to clear up some of the confusion for you so that you can enjoy the lifting of lockdown safely. What does this ‘new normal’ mean for residents on the Costa Blanca?

What is Phase 1?

Phase 1 is part of the Spanish government’s de-escalation plan to bring the nation out of lockdown gradually. There are 4 phases in the plan, starting at Phase 0 and ending with Phase 3.

With each Phase there will be new rules around what people can and cannot do, which businesses can open, and what health and safety measures need to be put in place.

The introduction of the phases depends on a ranking based on four criteria – the number of cases, deaths, hospital admissions and critical care unit occupation within each healthcare area.

Which areas of the Costa Blanca are in Phase 1?

Only half of Spain moved into Phase 1 of the de-escalation plans on 11th May. Here in the Valencia region, some parts of the Costa Blanca are moving to Phase 1, while others will remain in Phase 0 as they do not meet the criteria mentioned above.

The designated healthcare areas of Vinaròs (Castellón), Requena (Valencia), Xàtiva-Ontinyent (Valencia), Gandia (Valencia), Alcoy (Alicante), Dénia (Alicante), La Marina Baixa (Alicante), Elda (Alicante), Orihuela (Alicante) and Torrevieja (Alicante) will move forward in Phase 1.

The cities of Alicante and Elche (Alicante) will be held back in Phase 0 until further notice.

If you are unsure whether your area is in Phase 0 or Phase 1, we recommend contacting your local town hall for more information.

Where can I travel in Phase 1?

You cannot travel to another province or healthcare area during Phase 1. You also cannot enter an area that is still in Phase 0.

You are able to travel to other towns and villages as long as they are within your healthcare area.

What can I do in Phase 1?

During Phase 1 you will be able to visit loved ones, go shopping, and have a drink outside at a café or bar. This is all part of the ‘new normal’ way of living.

You are able to share a car with members of your household, but when shopping only one member of the household is allowed into the shop.

In bars and cafés only 30% of tables outside can be occupied and there must be a minimum distance of two meters between tables.

You can meet in a group of up to 10 people, both outside, in bars and cafés, and in private homes.

It is permitted to visit bars, café’s, shops, and friends & family outside of your town as long as they are still within your healthcare area.

Some markets will reopen with a limit of stalls to 25% of the total capacity and a distance of two meters between customers and between each stall.

Places of worship may open at 30% capacity.

When can we go out in Phase 1?

The timetables previously set do not apply for shopping, meeting up with friends, or visiting bars, however they will still apply for exercise.

Regional governments can adapt and include specific details in their plans, for example altering the times that children can exercise.

When will Phase 2 start?

Unless there are any exceptional circumstances, areas will remain in Phase 1 for two weeks at which point there will be updates from the government regarding moving into the next phase.

While getting used to this ‘new normal’ on the Costa Blanca don’t forget that social distancing and protective measures still apply. You must keep a distance of two meters away from others wherever possible, and it is still recommended that you wear facemasks and gloves when entering shops and offices.

Many businesses will only be serving customers by appointment only, so it’s advised to call first.

Estate agents on the Costa Blanca are now allowed to open, and here at Benigest Real Estate we are open for appointments only with capacity limited to 30%. We will be respecting all health and safety measures, with a minimum distance of two meters between clients at all times and a special schedule for people over 65 years old.

If you have any questions about buying or selling a property on the Costa Blanca please get in touch.

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