Chemists and health centres exempt from Costa Blanca shut down

CHEMISTS, health centres and supermarkets will remain open while much of the Costa Blanca is forced to shut down from midnight tonight (Friday,March 13) to try to contain the spread of Coronavirus.

Emergency reponse services will also remain unaffected.

Rivera Pharmacy in San Javier, Murcia, told Euro Weekly News: “We are a 24-hour pharmacy, and like other chemists and medical institutions, will stay open.”

Farmacia Europa 24h in Benidorm confirmed staff will be on hand.

“There will be no change for us. Our doors will be open.”

Supermarkets, while reportedly running low in certain areas, will also remain open and shoppers are advised to avoid bulk buying.

Spain’s President, Pedro Sanchez declared a state of emergency this afternoon and advised against ‘non-essential’ travel, while urging the public to meticulously wash our hands and stay at home.

He added that “it will take weeks, it will be very hard, but we are going to stop the virus with unity, responsibility and social discipline”.

The Spanish Government has set up an official virus response page with updates :

http://www.san.gva.es/coronavirus

And World Health Organisation (WHO) advice can be found at; https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public