The
OLIVE PRESS
tel: 966 46 38 45
WWW.JAVEABLINDS.COM
Your expat
voice in Spain
COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA FREE Vol. 1 Issue 21 www.theolivepress.es August 20th - September 2nd 2020
Lockdown lies
Paedos in crime EXCLUSIVE: Expat Maddie murder suspect may have had an accomplice in 2017 sex crime Page 5
Life on the line Á chilling look at life on the frightening streets that are under the control of Spains drug lords Page 6
On location The settings of some of Hollywood´s biggest blockbusters are closer than you may think Page 12
THE Spanish government was forced to step in after an English news site claimed the country would go into a second lockdown on September 18. Fernando Simon, director of health emergencies, made it clear that no such plan has existed. He singled out the story by the Euro Weekly News as ‘fake news’ - or a ‘bulo’ in Spanish - in a heated, latenight press conference. And Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, yesterday called the report ‘science fiction’, when questioned by the Spanish press. She said: “At this moment there are no plans for a new confinement.” She added that although there was no telling what could happen in the future, “no media, much less foreign media, knows this.” The story claimed the government would be introducing the extreme measure next month. It gave the specific date and cited ‘two government ministers’ it had alleged-
By Laurence Dollimore & Dilip Kuner
ly spoken to. Written by ‘journalist’ Alistair Pike, it insisted the clampdown was needed – without explaining why. Pike, who is unknown to the Olive Press, has been writing for the newspaper group for a few months. Incredibly, he and his publishers stood by the story despite the Olive Press confirming with the Spanish government and British embassy that there was no basis to the claim. The group even added that the Spanish government was keeping UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson informed of the alleged lockdown plan - something denied by the UK embassy. Understandably, the story caused considerable panic in Spain, particularly amongst the expat community, with many people taking it for truth. A media storm erupted, leading to
Spain’s government dismisses fake news story that shook expat community
STEPPED IN: Fernando Simon dismissed lockdown claims several instances of tourists cancelling holidays in September, adding to the substantial damage already inflicted on the fragile tourist market.
Coronavirus clampdown: Last orders NEW regulations have been introduced by the Spanish government in a bid to stop the rapidly rising number of coronavirus cases across Spain, particularly amongst young people. It comes as the number of COVID-19 cases amongst 15-34 year olds has increased by almost 50% on the Costa Blanca alone. With a focus on nightlife, the new measures order that all nightclubs, bars, karaoke bars and pubs must be closed down. But restaurants and bars with a cafe licence - the vast majority - can open. Smoking on public roads is now prohibited. This measure also includes terraces, unless a two meter distance between smokers can be guaranteed. Valencia has taken the smoking ban a step further and prohibited lighting up on all beaches in the province. Hotels, restaurants and bars with food licenses must be closed by 1am, with no new customers permitted entry after midnight. Additionally, a 1.5 meter distance must be kept between each party dining in the restaurant and groups cannot be larger than 10 people. Capacity must also
SPOKEN
be kept at 75%. Events with more than 400 people must now have authorization from the Public Health authority. So, it looks like the party is well and truly over on the Costa Blanca South. The move is aimed at halting the rise of coronavirus cases, Health Minister Salvador Illa said. Care homes have also been affected by the measures. New residents and staff returning from holidays must have a PCR test for symptoms. Visitors are only permitted to see their loved ones for one hour and one person at a time. Minister Illa instructed Spain’s 17 autonomous communities to bring in the new measures with some provinces adding additional rules. In Marbella, beaches will close at 9.30pm and the Balearic Islands have banned boat and pool parties. Minister Illa has also recommended citizens limit social contact as much as possible and avoid those from outside their household. If meeting friends, groups of 10 people or less are advised. However, these safeguarding suggestions are not currently enforced by the government.
P O RTRA ITS Collaborate with an expert producer on your spoken memoirs Commission a ‘This Is Your Life’ style tribute for a wedding, birthday or anniversary
Destination Relaxation
Properties to rent and buy in the sunny Costa Blanca
We have beautiful homes for sale and luxury villas to rent Commission fee is only €2500 tel: (+34) 965 074 546 | email: info@azul-homes.co.uk www.azul-homes.co.uk
Celebrate someone special with a unique, hugely meaningul gift Contact Rosie Oliver t: +44 (0)7985 464314 e: rosie@tickertapeproductions.co.uk Find out more on our website
www.tickertapeproductions.co.uk
E
However, a fierce backlash via social media has seen thousands condemn the story with many even calling for an advertising boycott of the newspaper group involved. Nationally, the story was largely ignored until various Spanish websites followed up the story, including respected news organisation el Correo. Finally, the government stepped in at the weekend to deny the claims with Fernando Simon angrily stating at a press conference in Madrid that it was ‘a bulo’. “I have no information of a second lockdown and the idea has not been mentioned. “They have printed a hoax story.” He added however, that the rest of August is crucial in ensuring the spread of the virus does not spiral out of control. “The priority is to control the transmission, to reach September with the lowest possible level,” the epidemiologist said. “But we have to make an extra effort now.” The health chief added that with an exerted effort, the situation in September could actually improve, but the public must continue to be vigilant. He insisted that schools would still go back as planned next month. “If a select amount of classrooms or schools need to close, it will have to be done.”
SPANISH NUMBER PLATES Vehicles re-registered in Spain
For the re-registration of cars, motorbikes, motorhomes and caravans, as well as the transfer of ownership of Spanish registered vehicles, contact:
Leigh Blann who, after re-registering over 3,000 vehicles, will put you on the right side of the road
671 608 503
www.spanish-number-plates.com info@spanish-number-plates.com