FREE
Your
expat
voice in Spain
OLIVE PRESS
The
The
OLIVE PRESS MALLORCA
Olive press wins key journalism award See page 7
Vol. 4 Issue 84 www.theolivepress.es July 10th - July 23rd 2020
Muzzle up!
MASKED: Obey the new rules or risk €100 fine
Everyone MUST wear face masks in public in the Balearics next week - or face a heavy fine
Tel: 952 147 834 See page 16
TM
e c t
t o
c o n d i t i o n s .
E n d s
EXPATS have criticised a new ruling making the wearing of masks obligatory in the Balearics from Monday. They have questioned the decree insisting everyone must don the personal protective gear in all public spaces, apart from beaches and swimming pools. Those caught not wearing a mask will face fines of €100, regardless of whether they are social distancing or not, although masks will not be needed during sports. Regional president Francina Armengol explained that the ruling is for the protection of residents and tourists as ‘the virus con-
By Laurence Dollimore and Isha Sesay
tinues to coexist in our society.’ But British expat Marta Allan, 37, who teaches ballet in Palma, believes the new rules are ‘ridiculous’. “I think it is just a way for the government to raise money in fines,” she told the Olive Press. “They just want to reclaim money lost for this year’s poor tourism season. And why are the Balearics about the only region to make this decision?” Her views were backed up by Sylvia Er-
3 1 / 1 2 / 1 9 .
21/6/19 13:30
Solicitors and Accountants who speak your language and understand your particular needs • Property Law • Inheritance • Business Accounting • Resident and Non Resident Tax Returns • Employment Law • Court Solicitors C/Miguel de los Santos Oliver, 10, local 3 07181 Palma Nova, Calvia Tel: 971 591 118 / 660 383 060 www.maricunningham.com Registered with the Law Society of the Islas Baleares and with the Law Society of Scotland
nesti, 32, originally from London who was furious with the decision. She said: “I am actually shocked. Absolutely not looking forward to wearing this mask in the 35 degree heat and it is just a way to make money from tourists I bet. Police must have more important things to do surely” In even more draconian plans, the island’s health minister Patricia Gomez admitted the government is also considering reducing the number of people who can meet. It could be as few as 70 people in open spaces and 30 people in closed spaces, while up to 250 people will be allowed to gather for an outdoor wedding. Gomez said the decision to potentially reduce gathering numbers comes after several private parties were busted after breaking several social distancing guidelines. There are currently 10 fresh active outbreaks of COVID-19 on the Balearics. Some nine of these are in Mallorca, with three new ones in the past week alone. One new outbreak was also announced in Menorca on Thursday. The total number of positive people across the islands stands at 139, with 57 of them coming from the fresh outbreaks. “They are very limited outbreaks affecting very few people, and most of them have mild symptoms,” said regional health adviser Javier Arranz.