THE STATE OF EMERGENCY in Spain brings with it a raft of new extraordinary measures intended to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection, including a requirement that residents and visitors remain within their homes and restrictions on the freedom of movement.

We will all need to venture out for a multitude of reasons over the next two weeks, so when are you allowed to leave your home, and what for? Here´s what we know.

More information about the public safety measures started coming to light last night, providing additional clarity about what is permitted and what is prohibited.

Right now, residents and visitors to the Orihuela Costa may leave their home for the following essential purposes only:

• To go to work, or to return to their habitual place of residence
• To go to a supermarket to purchase food, beverages, and personal care products
• To go to an optician or to visit an orthopaedic doctor
• To go to a pharmacy to purchase or collect medication
• To attend a hospital, health centre or doctors surgery
• To visit an insurance broker, a bank, or to use an ATM
• To care for elderly or dependent persons or those with limited mobility
• To walk or exercise a pet, to buy food for a pet, or to visit a vets surgery

Dogs can be walked without prohibition but must be walked individually (on your own), and respecting the one-metre safe distance from other pet owners.

Visits to tobacconists and dry cleaners are allowable (the latter for sanitary reasons), and hairdressing salons which were previously spared prohibition, were ordered to close down just yesterday.

Be aware that some public spaces such as supermarkets have introduced new public safety measures mandating the application of hand sanitiser before entering the premises, the use of plastic gloves whilst shopping, and sustaining a sufficient safe space between you and other patrons.

Keep an eye on areas around the entrance before entering the premises and follow instructions given by members of staff. Maintain your distance at all times, especially if you have to queue at the checkout.

If you need to go shopping, to the bank, or anywhere else, go alone. Don´t go as a couple, or as a family, or with friends, unless it is essential that others go with you.

For instance, you may wish to help an elderly relative attend an appointment at the health centre if they suffer from personal mobility issues or they can´t drive, but if you are unable to demonstrate an essential purpose for your presence you should not be there.

For reasons of public safety, unnecessary travel is not permitted

If in any doubt stay at home and continue to self-isolate. Avoid crowds at all costs, and maintain a distance of at least one metre from other people at all times if you do need to venture outside.

Remember that unnecessary travel such as visiting neighbours, family or friends, jogging, taking part in any form of exercise or sports within a public place, or riding a bicycle purely for recreational purposes, is strictly prohibited whilst the State of Emergency remains in force. Those found violating the public safety measures face the possibility of serious consequences.

Locally, Isabela´s Italian Restaurant in La Fuente commercial centre is offering home delivery and take away services in association with Costa Delivery. The restaurant remains closed to the public, but evening food orders can be made via the Costa Delivery website.

Additionally, Browns Cocktail and Gastro Bar in La Zenia is offering a special menu with free delivery in the Orihuela Costa area. You can find the current menu on their Facebook page and place your order via Facebook Messenger or call them on +34 966 393 699.

Meantime, if you or someone you know thinks they have any symptoms of coronavirus infection or any flu-like symptoms whatsoever, do not go to a medical centre, a doctors surgery, or a hospital. Instead, call +34 900 300 555 for assistance.