Coronavirus

[fil6699]

We have been visiting PP since 1985 at least twice a year. We treat PP like home and have always abided by and respected the law and local traditions.

In Scotland the Police have been known to stop vehicles and speak with walkers just to check we are within the 5 mile radius that we were allowed to walk/travel/exercise once a day within the main lockdown period. All of my friends, family and neighbours adhered to the rules. During the lockdowns both at home and in PP we have recognised the difficulties and how hard it was for Spain.

At home in the UK (Scotland), all of our friends and family have obeyed the lockdown rules and beyond and intend to do the same when visiting PP. We want to do the best for the community in PP. However, with respect, if locals feel we should wait until 2021 please let us know? I would not want to offend by arriving when we should stay at home for this year?

The Port needs people please everybody come even if only for short visit help get the ort bck on its feet eat drink and be merry

 

[ragdollabbi]

I understand your sentiment but trust me you have had it easy. Yes we have had very few cases and deaths on the Island .But Lockdown was exactly that Police road blocks checking you had a receipt for your shopping to prove you had been shopping .NOT allowed out for any form of exercise . Imagine families with children in small apartments the children not allowed out for anything and only 1 family member allowed to go to the pharmacy or supermarket . and having to endure the Police and Guardia checks. And through all this the worry that by far the biggest and in most cases only form of income here comes from tourism and that not happening So a bleak future .
Its easy to say the Government in the UK was incompetent. But they were dealing with a situation that was unprecedented . And at the same time a large proportion of the population who have scant or no regard for authority , So it was difficult for them to enforce what was needed .without anarchy ensuing.
The difference here is the people buckled down and did as they were told because they knew it needed to be done . The spirit was amazing EVERY NIGHT at 8pm YES EVERY NIGHT NOT ONCE A WEEK all took to the balconies and windows to play music and applaud. The police and emergency services drove round sirens going to greet the applause . I wish that spirit could be bottled.They all banded together and faced the difficulty. The world could learn allot form the people of Puerto Pollenca and Pollenca . When Sparky says it was tough she is 100% correct it was the toughest time and at the same time an enlightening time . When you all come out again . Please remember give an extra smile to the people here the deserve and need it .

There were times......a lot of times...... when I wished that I was in PP during lockdown. Not for the location, or the weather, or anything holiday related, but purely because of the way lockdown was embraced by the whole community including the police. Yes, it must have been really difficult, especially for families with children, but everyone did as they were asked and respected the tough lockdown rules. Having seen lots of the videos of the 'evening clap' it made me want to be part of that community. Here in the UK, the government and police have taken the 'softly softly' approach resulting in an extremely high death toll. People of PP.......you should be proud of yourselves! Hopefully we will get back out next year. Take care everyone

 

[Rosie34]

Problem here is that the government asked and advised not to gather in large groups etc but so many people just ignored them and there was no enforcement so just hope that the casualties don't go up again. In Spain it seems that people respected and abided by the law etc and hopefully are now reaping the rewards. And they deserve it

 

[Disorderly]

Forgive me, but I’m getting a bit tired of the “knock the Brits” dialogue. My family, like millions of others, have totally followed our Lockdown Guidlines to the letter, and whilst there are idiots in our country, I’m sure we’re not alone in that.

Adjusted for population the death rate per million (so far) is 606 for the U.K. and 645 for Spain. Given our population density I think that compares more than favourably.

Mallorca is lucky to be a (relatively) small island, which seriously helps.....just look at the Isle of Man to see what I mean.

It troubles me that when we finally get a flight out to our apartment that we are seen as some virus carrying unwanted liability, when we really could not have behaved more responsibility than we have.

Sorry.......rant over!

 

[ragdollabbi]

Disorderly, we too have adhered 100% to the lockdown guidelines but it has been very disheartening to see the number of people who just couldn't care less. Too many people think that it won't happen to them and nobody is going to tell them what they can or can't do. They most probably are in the minority but nevertheless these are the ones who will keep this virus spreading. The UK government and the police have not been as forceful as they should have been and lots of people are now back to a pre lockdown way of life. Photos taken today on Bournemouth beach say it all unfortunately

 

[copper]

We too have obeyed the lockdown rules as have all our friends

We were actually in Swanage today on the beach and not that far away from Bournemouth Car parks had quite a few empty places people were spaced out on the beach I saw spaced queues for ice creams The problem with places like Bournemouth and Brighton is people also travel there in vast numbers by train

If you look at all the pictures in parks crowded beaches etc it is all young people you wont see anyone over 40 to 50 in them

 

[car77]

Disorderly/Copper

I completely agree with you both.

We too have abided by all the lockdown rules. As a key worker I have worked flat out throughout in very stressful circumstances and weekends have been spent at home. I am frankly knackered and am hoping to visit our apartment next month for a well earned break.
I am getting slightly tired of all the comments on social media (not this forum) that the British have not been following lockdown guidelines, had it easy and may bring it back to Mallorca, implying we are not welcome. I can assure you that I did not have an easy lockdown.
I would urge these expats to ask the locals their opinion, because if the scaremongering continues and people don't return, I'm not sure how welcome they will be.
I don't mean to offend anyone on this forum but am feeling very unwelcome at the moment

 

[Sparky]

I can assure you all that you will be warmly welcomed here in PP .

 

[debz1]

I think most of us are in agreement that our government have handled the pandemic in a very wishy washy fashion and terrible judgments have been made. They even put the blame on us because they didn’t think we would adhere to having strict laws enforced . The uk should have lockdowned two weeks before we did and probably thousands of lives would have been saved . All my family lockEd down on the 12th March and we have stuck to the rules religiously, and not left home apart from essential shopping and a daily walk. Now with the new easing of rules ... again quite vague I’m worried we will see another spike as although the curve has flattened the cases/ deaths are still high and are nor decreasing very quickly.

I have flights booked in August but we will decide nearer the time as to whether we think it safe to travel. I know Mallorca desperately needs the tourism to get the economy going, and I’m longing to be in PP, but I’m very wary about it all, and we will see what happens in the next few weeks. I can’t see how there won’t be a surge of cases with people flying in from lots of different countries

 

[wiggyman]

A word of warning to all, I’m just watching BBC breakfast news and they have reiterated that as long as the FO has a travel ban in place all travel insurance is invalid. We’re due out on the 9/7 but will try and move it back if the ban is still in place, I’ve never had to use travel insurance but Sod’s law could rear its ugly head if we travelled without.

 

[Dunk]

Hi, We need to stop believing everything that is in the Press, BBC, CLICK BAIT, Robert Peston etc etc.
NOT all Travel insurance is invalid.
Research everything yourself. The response from our insurance company is :

We can advise cover will apply should you travel contrary to the UK FCO advice.

They draw my attention to a couple of standard paragraphs and interestingly mention :

We would also draw to your attention to heightened risks currently occurring with regards to uprising, protesting and civil unrest specifically when borders begin to open and/or close [e.g.: Black Lives Matter and quite possibly any protests if there are further waves of quarantine etc.].

Other than that, its a case of being respectful and careful.

 

[ragdollabbi]

I think most of us are in agreement that our government have handled the pandemic in a very wishy washy fashion and terrible judgments have been made. They even put the blame on us because they didn’t think we would adhere to having strict laws enforced . The uk should have lockdowned two weeks before we did and probably thousands of lives would have been saved . All my family lockEd down on the 12th March and we have stuck to the rules religiously, and not left home apart from essential shopping and a daily walk. Now with the new easing of rules ... again quite vague I’m worried we will see another spike as although the curve has flattened the cases/ deaths are still high and are nor decreasing very quickly.

I have flights booked in August but we will decide nearer the time as to whether we think it safe to travel. I know Mallorca desperately needs the tourism to get the economy going, and I’m longing to be in PP, but I’m very wary about it all, and we will see what happens in the next few weeks. I can’t see how there won’t be a surge of cases with people flying in from lots of different countries

Debz1, I totally agree with you and for these reasons we have decided not to travel this year to PP . We usually visit 2 or 3 times each year but ironically we had not booked for this April this year. We will not be booking for September/October either unfortunately. Fingers crossed for next year.

 

[Rockape]

Well, I don't think there is a big risk, so am coming out in July and August. There won't be any locals with the virus but I'll keep my distance regardless and enjoy being there. Lots of things to do without worrying about it constantly.

As for the Mallorcan economy needing help, I'd suggest ALL economies need help, if we're not going to end up up s**t creek without a paddle.

 

[Disorderly]

Well said Rockape. I think the trick to this is to imagine that you could have and pass on the virus, and act accordingly to the benefit of others. In that context you will also keep yourself safe. Perhaps, for the first few days of a holiday, avoid being inside bars and restaurants and eat outdoors, as the virus has a very low transmission rate in the open. To be honest, behaviour should follow good old fashioned common sense, so let’s hope that all those idiots in Bournemouth today stay there! Long may those with common sense come to PP!

 

[copper]

Those people on Bournemouth Beach arent local When interviewed mainly from London and the Midlands ! Also people turned back from Peterborough at Durdle Dor Dorset yesterday 4hours on a good day and had 3 young children in the car !!

 

[debz1]

Well, I don't think there is a big risk, so am coming out in July and August. There won't be any locals with the virus but I'll keep my distance regardless and enjoy being there. Lots of things to do without worrying about it constantly.

As for the Mallorcan economy needing help, I'd suggest ALL economies need help, if we're not going to end up up s**t creek without a paddle.

The worry certainly isn’t about locals having the virus as their lockdown was strict and enforced. The worry for me is the flight there and people who will be bringing the virus to the island. I wouldn’t be considering going this year, even though I miss my home dreadfully, but unfortunately my daughter’s car is there and she needs to get it back

 

[Sparky]

We already have some tourists from the UK staying in PP. Last night Colin spoke to a couple from Leeds, they were eating and drinking in Bar Borras, they said there was 80 passengers on their flight .

 

[Magic Hat]

Well said Rockape. I think the trick to this is to imagine that you could have and pass on the virus...

You'd not get on an aircraft under that premise.

 

[Miller]

Those people on Bournemouth Beach arent local When interviewed mainly from London and the Midlands ! Also people turned back from Peterborough at Durdle Dor Dorset yesterday 4hours on a good day and had 3 young children in the car !!

Spray them with permanent dye then refuse them treatment on NHS if they succumb. Private insurance could exclude under "self inflicted" exclusions.

 

[Rockape]

You'd not get on an aircraft under that premise.

I think you've misunderstood....he meant to treat others as you want to be treated and we'll all be fine. As for getting on a plane, if you're wearing a face mask and avoid touching your face, keep hand sanitizer in your pocket for use along the way, you'll be fine.

That's in the very unlikely event anyone is spraying droplets of virus around.