Whilst it has undoubtedly been a tough year for all of us, the good news is there is now light at the end of the tunnel. Here in Gran Alacant, part of the Valencian Community, we now have the lowest Covid rates per 100,000 in the whole of Europe. Our vaccination rates are the highest in Spain and over 1 million vaccinations were administered throughout Spain over the past weekend. The State of Alarm ended on 8th June 2021 which meant bars and restaurants could open. There is no curfew, the beaches are open and we are now getting back to normal! It’s fabulous to see everyone out enjoying themselves and the bars and restaurants busy again with live music. See the “Out & About” pictures inside this magazine.
“End to Outdoor Face Masks”
Prime Minister Sanchez announced this week that facemasks will no longer be required outdoors from 26th June. At present masks do NOT need to be worn when eating, drinking, sunbathing or swimming.
There has been a lot of speculation and confusion over travel to Spain So we at Alicante Holiday Villas have waited until the official B.O.E. has been published in order to give you the correct facts! Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has NOT taken Mrs Merkel’s advice on closing the EU to the UK.
However, as from 00.01 on 1st July 2021 visitors from the United Kingdom will need to supply EITHER a negative PCR/Antigen test on arrival in Spain OR a Certificate of Double Vaccination
to show you have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days before departure (this must be an EMA Authorised vaccine which is Moderna, Pfizer, Janssen or Astra Zenica)
You are are also required to fill out a passenger locator form www.spth.gob.es
Since last Saturday the use of facemasks OUTDOORS is NOT mandatory (as long as you can keep a 1.5m distance from others) but you MUST carry a mask with you at all times.
There is also NO NEED TO QUARANTINE on arrival in Spain Whilst the UK government currently classes Spain as an “Amber List” country, they therefore ADVISE against travel. However, they also say travel is NOT FORBIDDEN! Spain
is safe and open for tourism!
It is advisable to check with your insurance company as the UK Government currently advises against travel to Spain. However it is NOT ILLEGAL to travel and there are many companies such as www.staysure.co.ukStaysure who WILL insure you for travel to Spain for holidays.
Before you leave Spain to return to the UK
you will have to take an ANTIGEN test. That can be done in Gran Alacant. It is advisable to contact your chosen clinic in advance.
You must also pre book your 2nd & 8th day test package for the UK before traveling. There are many companies doing this online and details can be found on the UK Government website here https://bit.ly/3vuemLH
There is an option to obtain a “Test To Release” in England after the first 5 days of quarantine. More details here https://bit.ly/35xeS0U
So, let’s all get back to enjoying our holidays in Spain this summer!
Latest news can be found here https://bit.ly/3q4AawD and link
to the B.O.E. here https://boe.es/boe/dias/2021/06/29/pdfs/BOE-A-2021-10746.pdf
Clinica Gran Alacant Family Doctors 24h (MASA Square)
Calle Holanda 9, bajo 8, Gran Alacant
Open: Monday – Friday: 09.30 – 13.30
0034 865 789 554
PCR test: 98€ results in 24 – 48 hours
Antigen test: 50€ results in 20 minutes
Please note you must phone to book an appointment in good time for your flight home.
Antigen Test
We have felt extremely safe here in Gran Alacant during the whole time, and the Health Centres have been amazing with the vaccine rollout here in the Valencian Community and now we can all enjoy the summer on our gorgeous Carabassi beach and we look forward to welcoming you all back!
