Queues form outside Costa Blanca supermarkets after ‘lock down’ order

QUEUES are forming outside supermarkets on the Costa Blanca hours after a ‘lock down’ was ordered by the Valencian government.
The move to combat the spread of Coronavirus means only supermarkets, medical centres, pharmacies, tobaconnists and banks remain open to the public.
But this, accompanied by social media photos of empty supermarket shelves, has prompted a surge of ‘bulk buying’, and Spanish supermarket chains are urging shoppers not to hoard, as there are supplies for everybody.
One well known store said ‘specific shortages’ were related to certain areas with ‘specific supply issues’.
There have now been almost 5,200 confirmed cases in Spain, with more than 130 deaths.
Statistics show that 80 per cent of patients contracting the virus will not need assistance and should stay in self isolation at home, 15 per cent may need some kind of medical assistance and five per cent may require urgent treatment in a hospital.
Spanish health officials estimate the Coronavirus will be brought under control in two to five months, and advise members of the public to stay home, wash your hands and practice social distancing.
World Health Organisation is offering advice at: www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
Valencian community helpline 900 300 555.

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Tara Rippin

Tara Rippin is a reporter for Spain’s largest English-speaking newspaper, Euro Weekly News, and is responsible for the Costa Blanca region.
She has been in journalism for more than 20 years, having worked for local newspapers in the Midlands, UK, before relocating to Spain in 1990.
Since arriving, the mother-of-one has made her home on the Costa Blanca, while spending 18 months at the EWN head office in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol.
She loves being part of a community that has a wonderful expat and Spanish mix, and strives to bring the latest and most relevant news to EWN’s loyal and valued readers.

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