We enter a new phase towards the “new normal” as it is being described here in Spain. The rules in most Canary Islands are the same as the mainland apart from the very small islands (including our neighbour, Graciosa) who will be allowed a little more freedom early on.
This new rule begins on Saturday, not before.
The Rule
In a nutshell, if you are here in Lanzarote, you will be allowed to go for one hour’s walk or exercise per day. This must be alone or with one other member of the same household you have joined throughout lockdown. You may not go further than one kilometre from your home without exception. Please stick to the rules in this important phase.
In extremely rural areas you may go at any time until 11pm. However, very few of us live in such very rural areas (fewer than 5000 is the definition of such a municipality here), so be sure to use common sense and use your time-slot as below. It’s in our best interests to prove we can do this.
Adults with ZERO symptoms may go from 6am and 10 am, or between 8pm and 11pm (not both). Children with their parent/carer between 12 noon and 7pm. 70 years of age or over (or those adults who require a carer) have their own time slots of 10 am to noon and 7pm to 8pm.
What it Means for Us
For most of us, this will be the first time we have been outside for leisure / exercise in many weeks. In this phase we may still not meet with friends nor wonder far from the home. Yes, some cafes and restaurants will open for take-aways but you must phone ahead and place your order. It’s important to support local business, sensibly.
Soon, we will see each other again. Not long from now we shall wave across the terrace over coffee. In the near future we will visit each other’s homes or go to a shop. For now, these are baby steps. It’s been several days without a new infection on the island, let’s keep it that way.
It doesn’t matter that the lockdown is easing less so here than in the UK or other countries. It doesn’t matter that we have different rules. We are stronger, we are braver, we have the biggest heart. We will thrive again.
We love you and we know you can do this.
Forever, Lanzarote.
PS as ever, this web site is a silly place to gather your facts. Please check official notices, published by the government and by officials. Stay awesome.
Photo by Robert Bye on Unsplash
