The Main Salud Responde telephone

The main Salud Responde number with english speakers (for repeat prescriptions and all health enquiries during the crisis is

955 54 50 60 

Message from our Mayor today

Luis put this message on Facebook today so posting here for your information.

Neighbors; Zurgena is stiaying strong 💪 and you are all doing really well. 
It is very important to continue to stay in your houses. 
We will continue with the disinfection work throughout the municipality and all the services of the city council and social services are operating telematically and by telephone; the specific needs that arise will be attended to as before; and we are in contact with all administrations. Stay calm and above all do not leave your houses. Thank you.

Il Divo Concert

Peter Dell has asked that I publish this information regarding the concert that was due to be held 25th April at the Renfe;

Due the present coronavirus it is regretted that the Il Divo /Take That concert due for the 25th April will not now take place,however all the Artists involved have agreed to come down and perform once all this is over.The people who have already paid for their tickets can have a refund,how this can be done I don't really know,or hold onto their tickets for when the show does go on.The Marc Bolton Family affair due on the 4th June may still go ahead depending on the situation and the people could use their tickets for this concert.At present Marc is still coming over as we have already paid for the flights from the UK for the Artists,for further information please call Peter on 672379917.

Clapping for Carers & Lock Down Extension

It has now become routine for the residents of the area of Jardines del Almanzora in La Alfoquia to stand in their gardens and applaud in respect of the Spanish Health Authorities and the carers, nurses and doctors who are working during this trying time.

If you live in this area please support the health workers at 2000 by joining the others outside and applauding. I believe they intend to do this each evening during the crisis. The local Spanish in the area do this as well.

As I have received a number of enquiries about the length of the lock down I can confirm (for anyone who did not see it on the news) that the lock down is to stay in place until at least the 12th April.

Update on Shopping Rules

Due to a number of requests regarding rules regarding shopping I have sought clarification from the TH Secretary and he advises the following.

The decree has been amended to allow two people in a car as long as one sits in the rear. They must be going for one of the approved reasons. Masks should be worn. However bear in mind that only one allowed in the shop at a time. So kind of defeats the idea of 2 going.

Regarding where you can shop. I am advised that if you have supplies in your town you should not travel to other towns eg Albox or Huercal Overa. I have heard a rumour that someone was fined €600 in Huercal Overa who came from Alfoquia. I must admit that for the past two weeks I shopped at Huercal Overa as, I thought if we all shopped locally, the stores would soon run out BUT that is what the rule states. I guess it will be down to the individual GC officer as to whether driving to another town to shop should attract a fine or not but that it the rule. 

Dog Advice & Email warning

During the period of the crisis I am indebted to a local resident for sharing this link for your benefit if you are a dog owner.

Dog Owner Advice

It is Spanish but if you select translate on your web browser you should be able read an English version

Dont normally circulate such emails but received this this morning from a colleague connected to the Legion whose information is reliable

DO NOT OPEN AN EMAIL FROM THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS policia@gobierno.es or asesorjuridico@dian.gov.org The email in question contains a Trojan that captures the keys and passwords of online banking, emails, etc. It comes from a page in Brazil, and is fresh from the oven. 

Gas Supplies

Due to a number of requests I have been trying to see if I could get the routine for the gas delivery driver BUT I am beginning to pull my hair out. I get the impression he goes where he wants when he wants!

He does say he will be in Alfoquia area tomorrow morning (Thursday). He will be in Llanos Del Peral and? Cucador every alternate Saturday. Think due this Saturday in Llanos and Cucador. And supposed to be Palaces Wednesday afternoons!

His head office telephone number with an english  speaking option is 950390908. Here you can request gas.

The drivers number on which you can message to say you need gas is 651626931 but use Spanish on this one.

I had hoped to be able to say that his rounds were at certain locations at certain hours but that is not possible!

A Glimmer of Hope and Petrol Pumps

A small bit of good news. Maybe just a blip but also maybe a reward for all those taking the issue seriously and abiding by the lock down rules.

Glimmer of hope

Additionally I am advised that there are reports from the UK that another source of infection can be the handle of petrol pumps and it is recommended that gloves are worn and discarded after use and hands then sanitised. I know that when I went to the Plenoil Garage at Huercal Overa last week the attendant issued plastic gloves.

Reliable Source for Up to Date Cases

Many rumours are running in society at the moment. I have been asked a number of times to confirm where the latest cases and numbers are for Spain. Although why this makes a difference I don´t know we all need to follow the rules.

This is the official source of data on new cases in Andalucia.

Junta Cases

Mike Mallen has suggested this link as well

www.worldometer.info>coronavirus>country>spain

Guardia Civil Guidelines

Just copied this from a post on Facebook and (after verifying its contents with a local GC officer) decided to post it for your information as it clarifies things and now you know what the authorities guidelines are.

Waste Treatment during Crisis

The following is advice, on disposal of waste, if anyone in the household is in quarantine,

If anyone in the home is in quarantine the waste must be deposited in 3 bags. 

1st Bag  the patients waste including disposable material used by the patient and his or her caregiver (gloves masks etc) must be deposited in a plastic bag within a waste bin in the patients room if possible with a bin cover and foot opening pedal. No separation of waste should be done.

2nd Bag the first bag must be properly closed and introduced to this second bag in which you must also put the gloves used to  bag the waste prior to taking out of the room.

3rd Bag the above 2 bags must be placed into the 3rd bag with the rest of the household waste and securely closed.

Immediately after doing this thoroughly clean your hands for 40 to 60 seconds.

When the 3rd bag is closed it must be deposited in a special container marked Fraccion Resto or any similarly denoted by the local authority. It is absolutely prohibited that this waste is put in any other container eg glass, clothing, plastics etc.

The above will apply once the appropriate bins are provided and we expect to hear when they will be available next week.

If your home does not have a positive case or operating a quarantine regime your waste should be deposited as usual. BUT please bear in mind the strain on the waste collection services and deposit your waste in the correct containers. Also remember any gloves used for shopping are NOT to be placed in the yellow recycling plastic bins but in the normal residual waste,

Composite List of sources and numbers

Fuller list of resources in one place for ease

To help keep yourselves abreast of information relevant to the current
emergency the following are good sources of such information

https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/organismos/saludyfamilias.html

https://www.facebook.com/ayuntamientodezurgena/

https://jimszurgena.blogspot.com/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.es/

There is also a mobile phone application on which any urgent
communication to our citizens will be sent. This can be downloaded
from any app store
On android at
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inboxmobile.livingzurgena
On ios in the Apple Store on itunes
http://apps.apple.com and search for Living Zurgena

The Town Hall is committed to providing any help needed and if you
wish to access any assistance please contact the Town Hall on their
website

http://www.zurgena.es/
or telephone 950211000

Additional urgent telephone numbers for the Town Hall are 24 hours 637791751 and between
0830 x 1500 on 610194272

Or you can contact myself email jimszurgena@gmail.com or phone 610194260.

Please follow the rules and advice as set out in the decree, details
on my blog and other sources above.

Stay safe and lets get through this together.

Jim Simpson

Doctors Surgery

Posting this, for information, of a residents experience at the doctors surgery in Alfoquia this morning.

I went this morning to my appointment with the doctor in La Alfoquia to get the result of a radiodiagnostic (all well, fortunately).  Maria Jesus was not there but a male doctor I had seen once before. He pointed out that people should not come to the centro de salud except for urgent cases.  All other cases and requests for prescriptions should be dealt with by telephone. He showed me the notice on the door which I had not noticed. Here are the phone numbers on the notice:

Doctor:    950 639542
Nurse:      950 639543

I did not ask what about people who do not speak Spanish, preferred to beat a hasty retreat as he was really grumpy.

Hospital Situation and Post Box available

The Hospital situation here is fluid although in many cases operations and follow ups are taking place  (to quite a surprising degree) however it is advisable to contact to confirm as things are very fluid and likely to change at the last minute.

For the latest information re Andalucia and the state of the emergency

 Health latest

I think we have one spare key for a postal box in the buzon by La Vida. If anyone wishes to buy it, as the owner no longer needs it, please contact me. 

Street Sanitisation

The Town Hall is undertaking a street sanitisation programme (yesterday and today)

Our Mayor issued this message yesterday,

 Many areas and streets have been spray cleaned today and tomorrow we are going to continue cleaning Zurgena from end to end and please I do not want to see anyone on the street. No excuses. Thank you, neighbors. You are doing well. 

Post and Exercise

The Correos is working pretty much as normal. The office in Zurgena is open as usual Monday Wednesday and Friday. this week but it is going to alternate so next week it will be Tuesday 24th and Thursday 26th and then back to M;W;F. turn about.

Deliveries to the area will remain Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Just sharing my new exercise regime. 14 circuits of my house and back garden equates to 1 kilometre so 2 or 3 times of this twice a day keeps me active. Although I do feel a bit of a hamster on a wheel. Anyone else any ideas on exercise they would like to share let me know.

Thanks to Brian Russell for this link for those of you wanting to keep a bit fit. Although there is a warning and it may be a bit above my level - might give it a try tho 🏃

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbF_NQ1rVWg

ITV Issues and Life Certificates and Town Hall contact

If your car is due for an ITV in the next 15 days you will find that all ITV stations are closed due to the decree.

We are advised that all ITV certificates will be extended until after the emergency so don´t worry if yours is about to expire.

Many of us receive life certificates which require signing to prove we are still alive. The Town Hall secretary is the man who does this but during the emergency we want to minimise people attending at the Town Hall. He has advised that if you urgently need a life certificate signing take a copy of your passport and NIE in an envelope to the Town Hall with the form that needs signing. Leave it at the front desk and he will sign it and leave it for collection by you later.

Also in the same vein to minimise contact between people please use the TH website, email or Facebook page or my email (jimszurgena@gmail.com) or whatsapp or SMS on 610194260. We will update the blog and where appropriate the mobile phone app with news as it arises.

To reiterate any worries, questions or issues just get in touch with us we are here to help.

Shopping Experience today 17th

Visited Consum in Huercal Overa for supplies today.

Queue outside only about 6 individual people keeping safe distance from each other. They are allowed 48 in store at any one time. As one left one was admitted. Lady on the door issued hand sanitiser as I entered and was issued with a pair of gloves. Plenty of stock (except for milk and toilet rolls) . Queue 2 meters apart at check out. A nice experience if anything better than normal!

Burst water pipe

Due to a burst water pipe the water supply to parts of Alfoquia will be of until approx 1230 .

On top of everything!!

Still working on it hope to finish soon.

People in Need

Do you know of anyone who is self isolating and is unable to get the supplies or medication that they need?

Do you know anyone who requires assistance at home at this time?

This post is to see if there is any need for the Town Hall to provide additional resources for people who might require it.

Once I know the numbers and what the level of support is that is required we can look to provide that.

I appreciate that within the decree there is cover for people to leave their homes to assist the needy or vulnerable and that many neighbours are doing just that. However, there may be people out there who do not, or who cannot/will not involve their neighbours for fear of spreading any germs.

If you know or suspect anyone to be in that situation please contact me and I will make arrangements to assist.

Phone or whatsapp on 610194260 email jimszurgena@gmail.com

This is specifically for people who are unable to access necessities due to extreme situations. 

Going Shopping

Just to clarify under the decree you are permitted to go to the shops for basic necessities BUT you can only have one person in the car to reduce the movements of people and the Police are enforcing this. Also bear in mind that the supermarkets are enforcing protocols to reduce risk within the shops. 

Useful Phone numbers and contacts

Renewing Prescriptions and Mercadona

The below poster has just been issued and shows how you now do not need to go to the doctor or health centre to renew your prescriptions. Just call Salud Responde on 955545060 ask them to renew your prescription and the doctor will update the system and you can collect at the Pharmacy

Mercadona new rules at this link

Mercadona Rules

Some Useful Pointers

This link answers some of the questions I am most commonly asked regarding the lock down.

Answers re Lock Down

Message from the Mayor

Luis Diaz Garcia our Mayor just posted this on Facebook.

Neighbors; stay in your houses; stay calm ; respect the guidelines set by the government; Anything that worries you excessively we will have telephone and telematic services from the Zurgena Town Hall during the hours that we put in yesterday and I am available 24 hours for any emergency. My phone is 637791751. A lot of strength. Another thing; there are some businesses of necessity open in our town; respect crowds and distances; think you go once but the entrepreneurs serve hundreds of us; wear gloves and make it easy. Thank you; we are a great people 

My phone number for anyone that needs it is 610194260  Jim Simpson

Help for the needy

I have been asked a couple of times regarding how people can assist  those who cannot get to the shops etc

The restriction decree has a paragraph at section e) Assistance and care for the elderly, minors, dependents, people with disabilities or especially vulnerable people. This paragraph allows movement on the roads for such a purpose. We are considering how best to coordinate/manage such aid and will notify once we have clarified the best way forward. In the meantime if you know of anyone who requires assistance then this exclusion from the restriction will apply. We shall discuss tomorrow with the various bodies.

Royal Decree re Coronavirus Emergency & Town Hall Notice

In accordance with the instruction of the Royal Decree of the Government of Spain from 1700 hour today all bars, restaurants and businesses other than petrol stations, food stores and pharmacies must close until further notice. Additionally all public parks and sports installations are out of bounds.

All citizens are instructed to remain at home the only exceptions being to

1. During the validity of the State of Alarm, citizens will only be able to circulate along the roads for public use to carry out the following activities:
a) Acquisition of food, pharmaceuticals and basic necessities.
b) Assistance to health centers.
c) Travel to the workplace to carry out their work, professional or
business.
d) Return to the place of habitual residence.
e) Assistance and care for the elderly, minors, dependents, people with disabilities or
especially vulnerable people.
f) Displacement to financial entities
g) Due to force majeure or need.

This decree carries strong enforcement and all citizens are asked to respect the decree.

For a full copy of the translated bando see the below link.

Bando Virus PDF Eng

We have an additional Bando covering the Town Halls service as follows,

MAKE IT KNOWN
Given the seriousness of the situation we are going through as a consequence of the infection and epidemic caused by COVID 19 (CORONAVIRUS) and with the aim of preventing infections and safeguarding individual health and therefore of all citizens, following the recommendations of the Ministry of Health, as well as the Health Authorities of the Junta de Andalucía, this City Council has adopted extraordinary measures:
1.- LIMITED OPENING OF THE MUNICIPAL OFFICES, restricting customer service to the following hours: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and Monday through Friday.
2.- Customer service will be produced individually on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum accumulation of 3 people within the municipal public service office, avoiding crowds and waiting for their turn in open space at the door. main of the Town Hall. It is important to prioritize, creating awareness that only urgent documents should be processed.
3.- To avoid leaving the homes, we recommend calling in advance to make the request by phone: 950449006.
Or to the following email addresses according to the municipal areas: General Administration: ayuntamiento@zurgena.es
Local Police: policialocal@zurgena.es Police contact phone: 664395513.
REMEMBER THAT FOR ANY ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE THE VIRTUAL OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ZURGENA ALOJADA IS AVAILABLE ON THE CITY COUNCIL WEB PAGE www.zurgena.es.
Finally, these measures will be applied on an exceptional and temporary basis, being merely preventive, appealing to the tranquility and responsibility of the neighbors to avoid possible contagions, remaining in their homes as much as possible.
What is made public for general knowledge,

Jet 2 Cancels Flights

Jet2 has suddenly cancelled all flights to Spain with those in the air turning round and returning to the UK.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/world-news/jet2-cancels-spain-holidays-flights-17924412

Governmental Instructions re the Pandemic

I understand some people are considering ignoring the recent Bando (Town Hall notice) prohibiting use of the municipal sports facilities etc. There may also be other restrictions imposed which the authorities deem necessary.

I understand that the punishment for breaching any of these restrictions is imprisonment and/or a fine of up to €600,000.

As of today restrictions on all movement is being imposed in Madrid,Valencia and other areas to the North of us. The instruction prohibits peoples movements to only go out to work, supermarket health centre or chemist.

It is quite likely that this restriction will be imposed on the rest of Spain tomorrow or Monday. This would restrict all persons from moving about unnecessarily. All shops, bars and restaurants (with the exception of supermarkets, chemists and petrol stations) could also be closed but that instruction has not yet been issued for our area. But check with the latest press releases at

https://www.mscbs.gob.es/gabinete/notasPrensa.do

https://www.lavozdealmeria.com/

Namaste - The Healthy Greeting and an Interesting Site

This is now going global and is a convenient way to avoid the embarrassing not-shaking-hands thing

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-india-51854798/coronavirus-indian-greeting-namaste-goes-global

This is an interesting site showing the percentage risk of each municipality on a day by day basis. Thanks to Hans for this

https://www.lavozdealmeria.com/noticia/3/provincia/188580/cuales-son-los-municipios-almerienses-con-mayor-riesgo-por-el-coronavirus

Coronavirus Town Hall Notice

For the purpose of best practice regarding the coronavirus pandemic the following advice/instruction applies for our municipality for a period of 15 days from today. The full bando is below.

All public events, festivals and activities are suspended.

Also suspended are all sports activities, workshops, courses and meetings in all our premises including the football pitches, the sports hall, the library, the theatre, rooms below the library, the campsa building, gymnasium, and the room by the post office.

All citizens are advised to follow the recommendations of the office of the Consul of Health of the Junta de Andalucia and the Ministry of Sanitation.

The Town Hall will continue as normal but we ask that people restrict their visits to the Town Hall as much as possible and use electronic communications.

The reason for these actions is to help restrict the progress of the COVID19 virus in the municipality. Quantities of hydrochloric gel will be available in the schools and at the Town Hall.

We consider these actions necessary.

Impact of Coronavirus

Following advice from regional authorities the Mayor has asked that I work from home as much as possible due to my age!!

After today (Thursday 12th) Jose Manuel is looking after the office stuff but I will still manage all the issues by working from home and will of course take phone calls, emails etc in the usual way. There should be no impact on how I can do my job.

Water Interruption

Tomorrow, Thursday 12th March from 0800 until 1530, the water supply to most of Alfoquia will be interrupted due to work by Galasa in Avenida Andalucia.

UPDATE

We have now been told by Galasa that the water supply will not be cut off tomorrow they have delayed the work until Friday or Monday and will notify us when they decide.

Cartagena Trip Cancelled

Sorry folks but due to the Coronavirus we have had to cancel the trip to Cartagena.

If you have paid for the trip please contact me to obtain a refund.

Coronavirus Spain

This advice is ancillary to and and does not replace that which is shown by the Spanish National and Regional Health authorities official sites, links to which are shown below. It is anticipated that further updates will be provided in the near future.

As most of us know, Coronavirus is spreading throughout Europe and,
although it is not a major danger, it has the potential to have
adverse health effects, particularly in the elderly. In Almeria to date there has only been one identified case, that of a 28 year old man who had returned to Almeria from Milan, but he was treated, recovered and is back home. It is possible that the virus could affect our local municipality, but by being aware and understanding the current situation, we can reduce the risk to
ourselves and our community.

As you can see from the advice of the Spanish and British health
authorities, thorough hand washing is one of the most important
actions we can all take. If you have any symptoms, such as sneezing,
shortness of breath or fever, and you have been in a country where the
risk has been high, or have had contact with a person who has, it is
recommended that you self isolate and contact 112 or the new designated Coronavirus helpline number of 061. If you have a cough or sneeze, cover your mouth
with a tissue and dispose of it.
Also, whenever possible, avoid crowded places and try and keep a distance of one metre from other people.
Of course, it is emphasized, that if you have these symptoms and suspect you could
have the disease, DO NOT go to the doctor or health center, but
contact Health Responde in the mobile phone application (Salud Responde available at all App stores) or by phone at 955545060 or on the above Coronavirus hotline 061.

One of the main sources of potential infection (outside direct
infection by the drops of an infected person sneezes or coughs) is
transmission by touching a contaminated surface (door handle, chair
arm, handrails, etc.) and then touching your face. Consider all
external surfaces that could be a source of infection, such as ATMs,
money, doorbell keyboards, countertops, etc.
The coronavirus survives on surfaces such as paper for 4-5 days, in
wood and glass for 4 days, in plastics for 9 days.
So, the biggest protective act we can all take is to stop touching our
faces and get used to washing our hands well or using disinfectant gel
after touching any commonly shared surface.
Apparently, touching any contaminated surface for 5 seconds can
transfer 31.6% of the viral load!
Any shared surface area should be subject to a good cleaning regime
with water and detergent and then apply disinfectant. A recent study
found that a solution with bleach at 1% reduces the infectiousness of
surfaces.


For the latest and most authoritative advice check with the below links to official health sites. You may need to use a translator on some pages but some have the option for English version.

 https://www.mscbs.gob.es/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/alertActu.htm

 https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/ciudadanos/portada/home.htm

 https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/organismos/saludyfamilias/areas/salud-vida/paginas/Nuevo_Coronavirus.html




 

House for Sale

As some of you already know I have put my house on the market.

This has not been an easy decision but, due to family circumstances in the UK, I have decided to return to the UK. BUT you are not rid of me yet as I intend to stay in the Town Hall until the end of this year, or possibly into next year.

I have informed the governing team of my intentions and they are supportive. We have had a fantastic 17 years (almost) living here , made great friends and had the most wonderful life but the decision had to be made.

I have put the house on the market with 3 agents and links to all three are shown below. If anyone you know is looking for a property in this area.

https://dreamhomesalmeria.com/property/ref-3039/#es-saved-home

https://almeriahomes.com/property/12117/villa-for-sale-in-almeria

https://www.vosshomesspain.com/view-property/vh1720-villa-for-sale-in-zurgena.htm


And for any potential or intereested purchasers here is the promo video for Zurgena which briefly features my house.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaOLSsjnqug&t=540s