Formentera’s premier, Alejandra Ferrer, pointed out that Formentera’s activation of lockdown loosening phase one on Monday was behind islanders’ newly increased freedoms of movement and in social relations. Accordingly, with the weekend approaching and the attendant uptick of individuals on the street, taking walks and practicing sport, Ferrer asked for “sensibility, collaboration and responsible action” on the part of Formentera residents.
Calling individual responsibility and collective effort “crucial”, President Ferrer described the opportunities that phase one had restored, like seeing families and friends again. “But that doesn’t mean the public health crisis has disappeared”, she insisted. “We can gather again but many precautions will need to be taken. If we want to avoid backtracking, established safety measures must be respected as we continue lifting restrictions”.
Ferrer pointed out that the start of phase one meant small shops and restaurant terraces would both see renewed activity, albeit with limitations on capacity and compulsory hygiene measures. The president applauded islanders and Formentera’s business community for their joint efforts—“thanks to you, these first few days of phase one played out with calm and without incident”, she said.
1am cut-off time for terraces
Ferrer also highlighted consensus between the Consell and Pimef, the island’s small- and medium-sized business association, on the new order from the president’s office setting the terrace closing time at 1am. According to the president, the aim of the measure was “to keep people safe and make sure business operations continue smoothly during phase one of de-escalation”.
For her part, the deputy premier and trade consellera Ana Juan thanked management staff of shops and restaurants for “all the hygiene and safety measures you’ve adapted to during this first week of phase one”, adding, “It’s essential now that we keep up the good work”.
Stepping up patrols
This weekend will be marked by a continuation of increased patrols by security forces, not to mention added oomph for the Consell’s information campaigns, the idea being to tick all the boxes so the island can enter the next phase of de-confinement, and move forward with economic recovery.
8 May 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera
The Formentera Department of Environment reminds islanders that 1 May was the start of the island’s high-risk season for forest fires. Fires are prohibited for the duration of the period, which ends 15 October.
Sports consellera Paula Ferrer held a virtual conference yesterday with representatives of local sports clubs to discuss the current state of affairs regarding phase one of confinement de-escalation. Club managers asked questions and shared their doubts about sports matches and the future reopening of municipal facilities.