News for expats on COVID-19 - update 07.05.2020

Finally, yesterday the extension of the state of emergency, in which we are at the moment, was approved until the 24th of may. Each Region must apply the possibility to pass next Monday, the 11th of May, to phase “1”. The Generalitat Valenciana and the Region of Murcia have already applied to enter into phase “1” as they believe that all their hospitals and medical centers comply with all the measures. Finally the Ministry of Health will decide on basis of the numbers of infections, whether the region as in total can move to phase “1” or whether it will go per province.
The Townhall of Torrevieja has openend several beaches so people can walk or do sports within the set times, although swimming is not allowed. The Townhall of Orihuela is also studying this, but has not yet taken a decision.
Another decision to be taken by the European Commission on the 13th of May is whether airspace can be reopened and with what kind of measures. Although the Spanish Government expects an agreement will be reached, it has already been said that if that is not the case, Spain itself will come with a plan of measures to fly within the Members States of the European Community as they are aware that the  reopening of the airspace is very important for the tourism sector.
Any decision the Government would take, will of course always have to fit  into the de-escalation plan.