October 30, 2020
This post was written a few days before the state of alarm was actually reinstated. I have attempted to include the latest information in this fast-developing situation.
I am now more convinced than ever that when it comes to handling the coronavirus pandemic in Spain, it is a case of the blind leading the blind, and Valencia is collateral damage in this showdown. I do not envy the decision-makers as it seems like a case of you’re damned if you do, and damned if you don’t. From the looks of things, it’s looking more and more as if we’re headed towards a “new” state of alarm, as in lockdown, despite the promises of no further lockdowns from just a few short weeks ago.
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Valencia Is Collateral Damage In The Coronavirus Fight
I am starting to lose my sense of time, thanks to the foggy existence of this covid tainted world. Valencia region as a whole has and had been doing well with regards to people taking proper precautions, social distancing, and everything else. Everyone pretty much took this seriously from the beginning and most publications have noted that of Valencians as far as l can remember when this whole thing started being taken seriously.
The total number of cases in the region stands at just over 61,669 in total infections, with about 2677 new cases over the last 24 hours as of this writing. (For comparison, I wrote this post 5 days ago and we had 54,000 total and 3300 new in the previous 24 hours) You can get the latest up to date numbers here if you´re curious. I’m not saying the numbers are not concerning, but when one looks at the index that they use to measure severity, which is 200 infected per 100,000 inhabitants, Valencia falls below that.
Compared to Madrid, the ground zero of sorts has 301,621 and 4847 new (283,000 total and 9,500 new ones prior), you can see that we are doing better. You can see the cause for concern in Madrid, which has the highest number of cases in the country. I’ve said before that the Spanish borders l believe were opened too soon, especially for countries that did not have masks being required. It seems that we have to pay the piper for their grand error.
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As of now in Barcelona, all bars and restaurants have been closed once again (Since October 16) except for delivery and takeout in an effort to curb the spread. Cinemas can only accommodate half the numbers and other measures that definitely remind you of the previous lockdown rules. Madrillenos are confined to their own barrios and other restrictive measures and are under a “new” state of alarm. This state of alarm is supposed to end on October 24, but they are already talking about a new one.
When is a state of alarm not a state of alarm?
My point with all this is that they should just call it what it is. A new lockdown. As expected, the Madrid government is willing to go along with a new state of alarm only if it applies to the whole country. This patchwork effect seems to be ineffective. I think most of us knew this day would come as soon as they opened the borders. I hate them pussyfooting around it instead of saying “we screwed up, and now you must repeat”. It makes me mad because it could have been prevented had they not chosen profits over health.
What’s Happening In Valencia Now?
- We have a curfew from midnight to 6 am. This has been extended to six months and will end in May 2021
- Gatherings of no more than 6 people unless they live together.
- Gardens and other open-air spaces are to be closed at 10 pm and 8 am.
- No alcohol can be sold between the times above unless at hotels
- Residents are advised not to socialize unless essential.
- As of yesterday, the Valencia borders are closed. Madrid had refused to close their borders so the neighboring provinces closed theirs to stop Madrillenos from venturing in. Andalusia soon joined, as have a few others with Valencia joining in now. You can still travel freely within the region unlike the past lockdown though, but l predict that will soon change.
- All the above are of course in addition to the compulsory mask-wearing and social distancing measure. I’ll tell you what? I am kind of used to it now and thanks to the fall weather, it is more comfortable and l feel better knowing l am protecting others.
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Why do I say Valencia will be collateral damage?
I say so because l think ultimately, the governing bodies of the two biggest cities with the highest numbers will not agree to a total lockdown unless it’s nationwide(see the above border closures). Call it pride, call it flexing of muscles, but l think that will be the case.
The people of Valencia continue to go about their daily lives. The places that made it financially wise through the quarantine are open and l see more people frequenting restaurants and shopping again. Not up to previous levels of course, but it’s nice to see all the same. It’s a shame that more than likely, we will head down the same path as France which has now gone into a complete lockdown. The restaurants will have to shut down again. It makes me supremely happy to be financially independent right now as people are in rough shape. I wonder how many will survive a second lockdown?
I think part of the reason the restaurants are full again (at least on the terraces) is to show support for the ones that made it through. Another reason is that the prices have not gone up much in most places. In fact, some lowered their prices and went for volume. Happy Hour beer now €1 for a bigger size, menu al dia from 10 to like 8 euros, our favorite sushi restaurant only raised the all you can eat price by 20 cents, etc. and they are packed.
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It just might be though, that they also feel the same way l do and are cramming the freedom in as much as they can by shopping, walking, and passing the afternoons chugging down drinks with friends. The weather has been cooperative lately too. We have been out and about a bit more, and meet up with friends to savor the food and company. The one thing all my friends agree on is that they feel much better, and safer here in Valencia.
The one thing that does bother me is that people are being encouraged to snitch on their neighbors if they feel the rules are being broken. Apparently, what people have been doing since the nighttime curfew is to have overnight parties which of course plays a part in people get infected. It just seems to me like a slippery slope, one that l don’t think should be promoted.
Protests, Protests, Everywhere:
As expected, everyone is up in arms. Protests are happening all over the country. It seems there is no rhyme or reason as to what closes, and what is allowed to stay open. For instance, you can open a nail salon, but not a facials store. The buses in the big cities are packed as usual, but yet the restaurants can’t open at all. I was just reading about this poor old man who has refused to close his bar in Barcelona, and so far has racked up €60,000 in fines (at €30,000 per incident).
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The 24-hour stores in Barcelona have to close at 10 pm to discourage young people from buying and drinking in the streets (Botellon) alcohol instead of just forbidding them from selling alcohol after 10. It just seems like it’s off the cuff, knee jerky reactions. Confusion reigns, enough to make you feel like maybe it should be one policy for the whole country. For instance, restaurants and bars in Italy have to close at 6 pm from now on. Even Fede’s nephew is complaining as he is deprived of his gelato when he’s been a good boy.
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When will this all end?
Your guess is as good as mine. It’s clear that this is going to be the tone for the foreseeable future. We feel safe here, curfew and all. Insane times in the states as we all know what with the upcoming elections, plus all the festering racial tensions. All that just gives me cause for pause. I feel like something is happening in the world, and l can’t quite put my finger on it.
I feel so bad for young people today. So much crap they’ve had to experience in their young lives. Hang in there kids, hopefully, it will get better. Hopefully :-).
How are you feeling these days wherever you happen to be? Are you experiencing covid fatigue?
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Hola Kem, every Spaniard that I know in Valencia thinks there will be another lockdown. The only bright spot is that there should be a vaccine by the end of this year (several doctors in my family but they don’t know how effective it will be because the data hasn’t been released yet) . Hopefully, that is the end game.
Hola Kris! Yeah. I think they were waiting for some other country to start, and now that France has done it, they probably will do it pretty soon. This means, we need to see each other before we lockdown again. I will send an email and we can meet up soon! I´ve missed you, and need to catch up.
Greetings from Albufeira Kemi! Portugal is also (step-by-step) putting restrictions back in place. Gatherings are limited to a max of 5 people, masks are now required outside when social distancing can’t be practiced and travel outside our municipality has been restricted over the weekend, Day of the Dead. It goes without saying that there are no celebrations or festivals planned. (I think the last ones that took place in the Algarve were Carnival parades at the end of February.) I expect there will be more restrictions to come as the holidays near and the country’s infection rates increase but, so far, the Algarve has been relatively safe. Sadly Lisbon and the northern provinces of Portugal are experiencing rapidly increasing numbers of infection. As for me, I’m trying to take all the uncertainty in stride as there is always plenty to do here and I feel so fortunate that the pandemic has not touched anyone that I love nor affected their livelihood. Just think – we could both be in South Texas. (Groan) Perhaps things will return to normal but there’s no doubt that we will all be changed in some way during these uncertain times. Looking forward to the coming week and the possibility of a change in direction for the US and the world. Fingers crossed!
Hello Anita! Glad to see you´re doing well in Portugal in these very strange times. 5 is such an odd number for gatherings, at least our 6 is even. We were just saying we are now so used to wearing masks, and l am starting to get quite the collection..haha! black, black, black on red…etc. Everything has been canceled here too, even though we saw some kids in the old town with costumes. Everyone is sticking close to home as far as l can tell especially at night. It is eerily quiet. Even your young neighbors don´t make any noise. Yeah, Portugal sounds just like Spain, so l am sure the lockdown loometh. I am so glad we are not in Texas, anywhere in the states as a matter of fact. I worry about my family, but this new normal is kicking everyone´s butt. We are all counting on your fingers crossed working. Hugs!
Greetings from sunny and warm Denver, Colorado. Annie and I are well and glad you and loved ones are safe and healthy. That’s about the only positive thing I can think to say. Things here are similar to your description of Valencia but without the curfew. Cases rising, limits in effect, more Americans dying, etc. It’s absolutely unbelievable that wearing a mask has become a political statement.
One thing for sure, this election has made visible people’s true priorities and feelings. It’s a scary time. I hope Anita’s crossed fingers work.
Hello Steve and Annie! I´m so glad that all is well with you. Really? Sunny and warm in Colorado at this time? I assumed you would be buried in snow! Everyone seems to be stuck in the same time warp it sounds like. I would never have believed that mask-wearing would be cause for such political discord. It´s like the world has gone to hell in a handbasket and there is no reasoning with people. Why, oh why won´t people listen to men of science? You are so right that this election really has brought the uglies to the surface. So much hatred, it´s like cancer, and l hope the country, and in fact, the world comes to their senses before we do further damage. I also hope Anita´s crossed fingers work. Heck! I´ll cross my toes too if it’ll help :-).
Great article! Spot on analysis on what’s happening in Valencia (and the world). I think all governments say that there will be no second lockdown, knowing for sure that there will be one. In our country, they are trying to approach this on regions as well, but it just doesn’t work. The measures don’t seem as strict as the first time though – again, resulting in things not working out.
My opinion is that they’re not doing it right. They’re just letting the wound bleed and slowing it down just a little. Things won’t change until we have a vaccine that most people will be confident in taking. Until then, it’s misery for everybody.
I was initially upset about the protests from restaurant owners. But in the end, they need to put food on the table as well. It’s a tough situation for sure and, as you said, being a country’s leader nowadays is definitely bad – no matter what you do. or don’t.
The youngest are indeed suffering a lot – but I always said “better lose an year (probably two) than get a life-threatening disease”. Yes, 3% mortality is not huge by any means, but in this case anything above zero is a big risk in my opinion 🙂 But there are definitely even tougher times ahead.
Yes, I think it´s time that people realize that we are in this for the long haul, and need to throw out the ¨this will be over in a couple of months and we can travel freely again”. It´s just not looking like it will happen. I think if we could do it as a collective, we might make progress, but when people can´t even agree on just the mask-wearing, how will they agree on something like that. Cue “my rights” bs. This letting the wound bleed serves no purpose and just prolongs the inevitable. I think pretty much everyone by now knows that it has to be done.
It just sucks because it seemed as if the restaurants were slowly coming back to life. How can they be expected to survive another lockdown? We had to cancel our foodie group lunch last month as the numbers started to increase again. It´s like watching a train wreck in very slow motion.
Nothing is worth risking lives over. I have been reading about a lot of people with such lingering debilitating issues post covid infection. Yikes! very scary stuff, and if one can prevent it, we should. Better to lose a year of school, which does make me sad. Our Spanish classes started up just three weeks ago. I don´t want it to go away again.
Kem, we were just beginning to get a taste of the ‘new normal’ when our numbers started to climb again. Florida has once again imposed limited restrictions (gyms, movie theaters, bars, etc.) but restaurants are still allowed to be open with limited capacity. We, like you guys, have been getting out to support local restaurants which made it through the shutdown. I think masks are going to be a part of our wardrobe for a very long time, and that’s just fine with me. The bottom line is that no one got this right. I did a lot of second-guessing and finger-pointing in the beginning, but with what we know now, I’m not inclined to be critical, just sad.
I hate cliches, but “we’re in this together” has never seemed more appropriate.
It is all so disheartening that this is happening everywhere. We finally cancelled our gym membership after paying for the past few months as we have no confidence in any measures being taken to be honest. I´d hate to have the poor owners have to shut the restaurants like in Barcelona. It would be crushing. Yeah, I agree that masks will be the new must-have accessory, unfortunately. I´m happy now that the weather has cooled so it´s more comfortable. The scientists can only work with what they know. I am still giving the stink eye to the government as l believe they owe us an apology. One that I’m sure we will never get. Sigh…
Waking up today and looking at some of the election results just makes me sad. Not surprised, unfortunately. There are so many people out there who hate. Interesting times! I hope you guys are enjoying your much needed holiday.