Speaking on behalf of the local cabinet, Consell de Formentera chief Alejandra Ferrer directed a message at the entire island in the wake of the two first confirmed cases of coronavirus on Formentera, but not before expressing her hope that the pair would manage a speedy recovery.

“We’re sending all our encouragement to these first two Formentera inhabitants to be affected by Covid-19, as well as to their families and friends”, she said, directing a special appeal for strength at the individual in intensive care with uncertain prognosis at Can Misses hospital. Ferrer hoped for a “speedy recovery” of the second individual, now in isolation at home with comparatively minor symptoms and being monitored by the Mobile Coronavirus Unit (UVAC).

The regional health office has confirmed that “in line with protocol, health authorities have contacted those living with the patients to make sure control measures like full isolation are being followed to avoid new transmissions”.

“Our best wishes go out to everyone affected, particularly those in serious condition, whether they’re here in the Balearics, in Spain or worldwide. These are very trying times for a great portion of the global population. To those affected and their loved ones, you have our strength.”

“The current health crisis is global”, Ferrer pointed out, adding islanders have already been operating under the assumption that cases could appear here, “and now, that’s unfortunately where we’re at. The whole island has been preparing for this and followed confinement measures dutifully in the previous weeks, but now we’re asking you to be even more vigilant so we can be sure we’re limiting the local spread as much as humanly possible.”

Ferrer asserted, “We need to be meticulous about our compliance with the safety measures that have come with the state of alarm. Following on yesterday’s ratcheting up of protocol, today we have an absolute freeze on all activity the central government hasn’t deemed essential. More islanders will be staying home from work tomorrow and helping do their part to get through this crisis by avoid contact and trips outside”.

The president applauded doctors, health workers and the staff of the Formentera Hospital and Can Misses for their efforts, and proclaimed, “Now more than ever, we need to remain calm and trust that the measures adopted by authorities will be effective and that we’ll get through this thing fast and limiting the human toll as much we can”.

29 March 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera

The Formentera Department of Trade has activated a campaign to support small businesses of the island authorised to continue operating during the state of emergency brought about by Covid-19.

Department chief Ana Juan said the aim was to both “spotlight these establishments and the importance of protecting Formentera’s community of traditional, local businesses” as well as “encouraging people to opt for locally-sourced products”.

Juan pointed out there are currently some thirty shopfronts open in Formentera’s main towns, and insisted the local government would keep supporting island businesses affected  by the situation even after the state of alarm was called off.

Taking shape across social and other digital media under the banner ‘Formentera is staying home and buying local’, the campaign is part of a local small business-backing push by the Balearic Islands’ Institute for Business Innovation (IDI).

In-store safety and control measures

Safety and control measures in response to the health crisis remain just as crucial today as when they were first implemented. They include respecting strategies in place to limit customer entry in stores, maintaining physical distancing of between 1.5 and 2 metres, using gloves when handling fruit, vegetables and other package-free bulk items and refraining from leaning on shop counters.

28 March 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera