Covid19 Pt3 - The rules of the game under the state of alarm

In hindsight the state of alarm and full lockdown were the easy bit...

We had a very clear, and strict, set of rules. A consistency that gave us a sense of reassurance and very little room for error - that is if you didn't want to fall out with the somewhat scary Guardia Civil or risk an incredibly hefty fine.

So, what were the rules of the state of alarm... 

1. You could only leave the house to go for essential food shopping, to the farmacia or tobacconist

2. You could attend a pre-arranged medical appointment

3. You could travel to work but only if you were classed as an essential worker and had a travel permit to do so

4. When entering a shop, farmacia or tobacconist you had to sanitise, wear glives, keep a 2 meter distance at all times and within weeks mask were introduced and protective screens for the staff

5. Only one person cod travel in a vehical

6. Only one member of the household could shop and visits were to be minimal and for essential items

7. Children were only allowed outside of the home if they were accompanying a single parent for an essential shop or medical appointment

8. You could leave your home to look after a vulnerable person

9. You must carry ID, proof of residency and travel permits at all time and be prepared to present the to the Guardia Civil or policía local upon request

10. You were only permitted to shop at the store closest to your residential address and receipt must be presented to prove the timescale you were out and that essential items were purchased

11. Parks, gardens and beaches were closed and sealed off and patrolled by the policía local

12. Communal areas such as apartment block landings, roof terrace, pools and courtyards were out of bounds

But how were these rules enforced and how long did they last?

Well, the powers that be were given the authority to serves fines anywhere from 601€ and 10,400€, depending on the severity of the rule break.

The state of alarm lasted from the 14th March until the 21st of June and included the four phase de-esculation but is that the end of lockdown and the state of alarm forever.... I think probably not, let watch this space!