Marbella (as well as its surrounding regions) will be assessing how the Easter holidays have impacted contagion numbers. In any case, it is unlikely that the situation will appease holidaymakers, who expect bars to be fully open. Similarly, holiday property owners will have to delay any cause for celebration. Having said this, the situation isn’t unique to Spain.
I’m sure I speak for everyone, when I say that we hope the epidemiological state we find ourselves in will be be better as we move toward the summer holiday period.
Almost definitely, there will be rises post Easter holidays as the area has been subjected to months of restrictions. Relaxation of these is bound to produce an uptick in the numbers but we are hoping that we won’t see any further restrictions as strict controls are already in place.
If we look back to October 2020 time, the situation was that we were bang in the middle of a second wave, & the numbers were far less positive that they are as of today. Furthermore, back then no-one was vaccinated against the virus (which didn’t commence until late December 2021). As of today, roughly 3 million have received the vaccine. The target is for 10% (approximately 5 million) of the adult population to have had the first shot by May 2021.
The Ministry of Health in Spain recommends that where the 2 week cumulative case numbers exceed 150 per 100k – indoor dining is not permitted. However these decisions are made by the Municipality at a regional level. Here in Marbella/Mijas Costa at the moment, bars and restaurants are open, with limited seating, until 2230.
You can see the official Marbella Municipality update page here
You can also track your country against Spain in the map below:
Credit to: Max Roser, Hannah Ritchie, Esteban Ortiz-Ospina and Joe Hasell (2020) – “Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19)”. Published online at OurWorldInData.org.
Spain faces a battle to increase the penetration of its vaccination drive, but there are epidemiologists that are concerned that the current activity will not be sufficient to flatten the curve.
The general consensus is that it will reduce pressure on the health authorities. But it remains to be seen, whether having faith that the programme of immunisation will have the desired effect on the respective waves.
At any rate, most visitors can expect to experience similar, or even less restrictions as those in their own countries with the key difference being that here, the sun is almost always shining. Life looks much brighter sitting by the beach with a glass of wine and a dish of delicious paella!
