THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 ON THE VALENCIAN COMMUNITY
As we already know, COVID-19 has spread throughout the world in just a few months and has obviously also reached the Costa Blanca. In the Valencian Community this disease has been confirmed since the first case on February 27. The highest peak was reached between March 27 and 28, reaching 500 infected, according to the report prepared by the Epidemiology, Health Surveillance and Environmental Health Branch of the local Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health acknowledges that they are unaware of the origin or traceability of 84% of the cases that have been recorded. But it’s easy to guess that the incidences in tourist areas such as La Marina Baixa or Torrevieja have been caused by commutes between the communities.
Since the beginning of the health crisis until May 27, more than 5000 infections and 501 deaths related to coronavirus have been recorded in the Costa Blanca area. This area has had a lesser impact than other areas of eastern Spain. However, despite the still alarming figures, the Valencian Community is among the 8 Spanish autonomous communities with the lowest mortality rate per 100,000 inhabitants. Specifically, the Dénia health area was the last in which the epidemic was declared.
Current situation on the Costa Blanca
The severity of the quarantinehas started to decrease in most health areas in the Costa Blanca area since the beginning of May. Today, all towns in the province of Alicante enjoy what’s called phase 1. The Consell will request the Costa Blanca to move on to phase 2 on June 1.
In phase 2, though with limitations, most of the tourist and cultural activities will be resumed. Furthermore, most establishments will be opened to the public, such as restaurants and shops. You can follow the evolution of tourist establishments which are open to the public through the CostaBlanca.org portal.
The current situation of the Coronavirus on the Costa Blanca is very optimistic in comparison with previous months. The number of people overcoming the disease exceeds that of new infections, and the trend of new infections is decreasing in most of the health areas of the Costa Blanca. Also, in the Dénia area there are no new deaths since April 28.
When can residents in European countries travel to their second homes on the Costa Blanca?
This is one of the questions that our clients have asked us most from their countries of origin. Our office opts for caution and we recommend you inquire before organising any trip. In Spain, until now, borders remain closed except for extraordinary cases. Travel for leisure, tourism and second homes is not yet allowed.
In our opinion, as is we can see in the rest of Europe, countries must meet health objectives so that we can gradually increase intra-European mobility. The data on the coronavirus in the Costa Blanca is very encouraging and we are all working hard, so that in the coming months we are prepared to receive our non-resident clients under the established public health regulations.
From July 1 Spain will receive tourists
On May 23 Pedro Sánchez, the current President of the Spanish Government, assured that there will be a tourist season in Spain. Also, the Foreign Minister, Arancha González, confirmed that same message later on, announcing that the arrival of international travellers to Spain will be allowed from July 1. In addition, she clarified that it will not be necessary to undergo the 14-day quarantine, as has been required up until now, since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis. However, we must bear in mind that sanitary measures will be taken to safeguard the health of everyone.
The specific measures that will be taken upon arrival of tourists at Spanish airports have not yet been specified. Therefore, the Savloir law firm recommends you follow both the news about the coronavirus crisis in your country of origin and the news from the Spanish press closely if you plan to travel to Spain. In any case, if you have questions or need any clarification before traveling to the Costa Blanca, you can contact us through our email: info@savloir.com.
What if I am in the process of buying-selling a property in Costa Blanca?
Currently, there are no specific guidelines that regulate the sale of a property during the Coronavirus crisis in Costa Blanca. Common sense measures are being applied and pacts between buyer and seller are being carried out. We are going to explain the three most common scenarios that we have encountered in these months in our office.
- SCENARIO 1: Your purchase deposit agreement is reaching the final deadline. In this case, the most effective solution is to try to reach an agreement between buyer and seller to extend said term, this is known as an Extension Pact. It’s very important that said agreement is made in writing.
- SCENARIO 2: My purchase deposit agreement is reaching the final deadline and the seller does not want to sign an extension. In this case, we recommend that you contact a lawyer, expert in real estate law, as your specific case should be studied due to its complex legal nature, which can lead to different understandings.
- SCENARIO 3: Could my purchase deposit agreement be terminated due to force majeure because of the coronavirus health crisis? In our opinion, the sanitary or economic crisis caused by COVID 19 would not be sufficient cause to resolve a contract without penalties for buyer and seller. In our firm we opt for balancing out the contractual obligations between both parties.
Sanitary measures for the prevention of COVID-19 infections in Savloir Legal Advisor
- Mandatory use of face masks for both office employees and visiting customers.
- Hand cleansing by using sanitizing gel at the entrance and exit of the Savloir law firm, both by clients and employees.
- Disinfection of the office before and after our working hours and after the visit of each client.
- Appointments will be appointed allowing sufficient time in between each appointment so that clients do not coincide in the waiting room. Therefore, punctuality is requested.
- Both employees and customers are advised not to use the elevator to access the Savloir law firm.
How can you schedule an appointment at Savloir?
Appointments will be made remotely, that is, in no case should you go to the office directly, neither for making an appointment nor for any other reason. These are the 3 procedures that you have at your disposal to request an appointment at Salvoir:
- Through our web form: https://savloir.com/en/contact/
- By phone: 965 753 725
- Through email: info@savloir.com
What should you know before attending your appointment at the Savloir law firm on the Costa Blanca?
- You must have made an appointment with the firm
- Try to be punctual
- Use your facemask properly
- Access the office via the stairs, as long as your physical mobility allows you to.
- If you have any symptoms related to COVID-19, have been in contact with someone infected or have suspicions of being infected, don’t attend your appointment. Call us and we will give you the appropriate indications for each specific case.
Sources consulted for the writing of this post: El Confidencial, CostaBlanca.org, Marina Plaza, Instituto Cartográfico de la Comunidad Valenciana, Levante EMV, Portal de la Generalitat Valenciana, Diario Información y Nius.
