As from midnight tonight every town in Huelva will drop down to level two which will automatically allow all businesses to stay open until 21.30. The 10 pm curfew however will remain.

Here are the important changes that Level Two will brings:

• Shops, bars and restaurants will be allowed to stay open to the public until 21.30.
• Bars and restaurants will be allowed to use 75% of their seating capacity inside and 100 % on the terraces/exterior. Max 4 to a table inside and 6 to a table outside.
• Shops will be allowed to use 75% of their capacity as longs as safe distances are respected.
• Public transport can use all of the seats and 75% of the standing room.
• Cinemas, Theatres, auditoriums, museums and fairs can use up to 75% of their capacity with maximum of 400 in interior and 800 in exterior.
• Sports grounds & Stadiums can use up to 65% of their capacity with maximum of 400 in interior and 800 in exterior.
• Religious ceremonies cause 50% of their capacity.

It is important to note that curfew remains from 22.00 to 06.00, You can not move out of the Province and not to Portugal without a justified reason.

There are currently 1,625 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 391 are in intensive care. Today there are 71 people hospitalized in Huelva hospitals of which 16 are in intensive care.

Huelva reported 35 new cases in the last 24 hours and 11 new patients were admitted to hospital and three were moved into intensive care. Sadly, there were five new deaths bringing the total to 295 for Huelva. The five deaths were in Huelva(2), Bonares (1), Ayamonte (1) and Isla Cristina (1).

The whole of Andalusia only reported 359 cases in the last 24 hours, that is down from 610 yesterday and there were only two new admissions to intensive care in all the hospitals in Andalusia. More importantly the pressure on the hospitals has eased considerably.

There are 1,715 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 and 415 of those are in intensive care.

The Incidence rate has fallen again today in Ayamonte and we are now below that 100 mark

. There was only 1 case reported in Ayamonte over the whole of the Andalusian Bank holiday weekend and the rate is now down to 85. Indeed, all the surrounding towns have seen a drop in the incidence rate over the weekend.

The Andalusian ministry for Health and Families announced today the Plan 500,000, a vaccination plan which aims to vaccinate a minimum of half a million people every week. To do so they will make 750 vaccinations points available throughout Andalusia.

The ambitious plan is expected to start in April when larger batches of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines are delivered, and they may well be complimented with new vaccines as they become available. The plan will continue until everyone in Andalusia is vaccinated.

Each of these vaccination points will be prepared to have a reception area to inform the person to be vaccinated, an area for vaccination where each person will receive the jab from a qualified professional and a post vaccination area where people who have the vaccine will be observed to ensure they have no adverse reaction.

Huelva will have 29 fixed vaccination points, five mobile vaccination units and 28 points within health centres, clinics, or hospitals.

Ayamonte declared zero cases again today and the incidence rate has dropped in the town to 128 which allows the town to drop down from level 4 to level 3. Ayamonte will enter level three from midnight tonight.

The bars and restaurants in level 3 can use 100% of their terraces and 50% of their seating inside. The sports centres are allowed to use their capacity up to 50%. Commercial premises like cinema, auditoriums, congress centres can open to 60% of their capacity. Public transport can use 100% of seats and 75% of standing room. Parks and gardens can open up but maximum groups of 10 people per activity.

There is only one town in the whole of Huelva that is above 500 now, Cumbres de San Bartolome has incidence rate of 532 however they have only had two cases in the last 14 days but as the total population is only 376, they need to keep it below two.

The rollout of the vaccines continues to increase with a total of 4.5 million vaccines now distributed throughout Spain. The majority of the vaccines distributed are Pfizer/BioNtech 3,508,245, followed by AstraZeneca/Oxford 808,600 and finally Moderna 192,000. Andalusia continues to lead the way in the vaccination process.

There are currently 2,087 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 503 are in intensive care. Today there are 93 people hospitalized in Huelva hospitals of which 24 are in intensive care.

Andalusia only reported 650 new cases in the last 24 hours and Huelva only declared three cases in the whole province, as numbers continue to drop throughout Spain.

The incidence rate has dropped to 211.6 for the province and Ayamonte is at 213.2 as and from today.

In Spain there have been 3,622.165 vaccines administered since the 27th Dec 2020 and 1,197,061 people have been fully vaccinated. Andalusia leads the way both in administering the jab (506,973) and people who have complete the vaccination cycle 202,631.

The majority of the vaccines distributed are Pfizer/BioNtech 3,012,165, followed by AstraZeneca/Oxford 418,000 and finally Moderna 192,000. Andalusia continues to lead the way in the vaccination process.

There are currently 2,338 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 564 are in intensive care. Today there are 101 people hospitalized in Huelva hospitals of which 26 are in intensive care. Pressure is finally easing on the hospitals and for the first time this year all the intensive care units in eachof the provinces are down into double digits.

Ayamonte dropped below the 500 mark today (455) and although it was originally programmed that Ayamonte would come out of perimetral lockdown on Saturday this has been changed to start from midnight tonight.

It comes on a day that Ayamonte once again declared zero new cases in the last 24 hours and the same day that the vaccination plan started rolling out in the area demoninated AutoCovid, where people drive up and are administered the vaccine without getting out of their car.

Ayamonte started vaccination today the first two hundred people over 80 who are not resident in a nursing home (the nursing homes in Ayamonte were first to be vaccinated in phase one and are all now immune). As there are more than 200 over 80 living in their own homes in Ayamonte the program is in place to vaccinate everyone over in Ayamonte over 80 as soon as the number of doses distributed permits.

The vaccination of these first two hundred people will take place today and tomorrow at the Clinic in Ayamonte. The people who have been selected will have already received a phone or an SMS from the Andalusian Heath Services.

Ayamonte Town Hall has prepared an area adjacent to the Health Centre where people who have been vaccinated can rest for 15 minutes while being monitored by health care workers as the protocol dictates.

In Spain there have been 2,782,751 vaccines administered since the 27th Dec 2020 and 1,144,556 people are now immune due to the vaccine. Andalusia leads the way both in administering the jab (506,973) and people now immune 202,631.

There are currently 2,943 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 624 are in intensive care. Today there are 148 people hospitalized in Huelva hospitals of which 29 are in intensive care.

Huelva only had 22 cases in the last 24 hours, the second lowest number in all of 2021. Andalusia also had just 1187 cases and the number of cured people exceeded that by 464. The measures adapted after Christmas are now beginning to come into their own.

The Incidence rate has fallen again today in Ayamonte dropping below the 700 mark. There were only 5 cases reported in Ayamonte over the weekend so getting close to that desired zero and the rate is now down to 697. Indeed, all the surrounding towns have seen a drop in the incidence rate in the last 24 hours.

Sadly, there were 38 more deaths declared today in Andalusia which brings the total number of deaths since the pandemic began in Andalusia to 7,661. Huelva was the only province to declare no deaths in the last 24 hours.

There are currently 3,397 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 670 are in intensive care. Today there are 188 people hospitalized in Huelva hospitals of which 31 are in intensive care.

The Incidence rate has fallen again today in Ayamonte and we are now below that 1000 mark. There were only 3 cases reported in Ayamonte in the last 24 hours so getting close to that desired zero and the rate is now down to 938. Indeed, all the surrounding towns have seen a drop in the incidence rate in the last 24 hours.

The Andalusian Council published a bulletin this afternoon taking into account that the numbers today for Ayamonte are below the 1,000-mark, non-essential businesses will be permitted to open tomorrow Saturday. Ayamonte is now in Phase 4 stage 1 so non-essential businesses will be allowed to open tomorrow until 6pm. Bars and restaurants will also be allowed to open until 6pm. In that same bulletin all alcoholic beverages above 21% Vol must not be sold after 6pm. Shops will still be allowed to sell beer and wine as it is below the percentage volume of alcohol.

This last measure is an attempt to stop people leaving bars at 6pm ad buying alcohol to consume on the streets.

Andalusia has reported 3,097 cases in the last 24 hours. Sevilla with 676 cases was the worst hit province in the last 24 hours, Huelva reported the lowest with 106 followed by Cordoba with 138.

There is some more positive news and that is that 2,311 patients were declared cured.

Sadly, there were 127 more deaths declared today in Andalusia which brings the total number of deaths since the pandemic began in Andalusia to 7,459. Huelva had four more deaths in the last 24 hours bringing the total for the province to 238.

There are currently 3,863 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 710 are in intensive care.Today there are 215 people hospitalized in Huelva hospitals of which 31 are in intensive care.

The Incidence rate has fallen again today in Ayamonte as we creep closer to get below that 1000 mark. There were 12 cases reported in Ayamonte in the last 24 hours but that is a lot better then the 30’s and 40’s we were seeing before, and the rate is now down to 1170. Indeed, all the surrounding towns have seen a drop in the incidence rate in the last 24 hours.

The Andalusian Council have also decided to change the process of evaluation and from now on every Thursday they will take the incidence rate of a particular town and then impose the necessary restrictions (if any) on that town the following Saturday and these restrictions will have a validity of 7 days. This is a change where before evaluations were done twice a week and the validity of the restrictions was for two weeks.

Andalusia has reported 2,971 cases in the last 24 hours. Sevilla with 685 cases was the worst hit province in the last 24 hours, Cordoba reported the lowest with 158 followed by Huelva with 170.

There is some more positive news and that is that 3,403 patients were declared cured.

Sadly, there were 114 more deaths declared today in Andalusia which brings the total number of deaths since the pandemic began in Andalusia to 7,228. Huelva had its worst day for deaths with 14 people passing away due to Covid, one of those deaths was in Ayamonte.

There are currently 4,274 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 720 are in intensive care. Today there are 253 people hospitalized in Huelva hospitals of which 32 are in intensive care.

Andalusia has reported a drop in cases to 3,685 in the last 24 hours which makes it four days in a row with decreases. Malaga with 833 cases was the worst hit province in the last 24 hours, Huelva reported the lowest with 174 followed by Jaen with 201.

There is some more positive news and that is that 2,158 patients were declared cured and 92,196 have received the second dose of the vaccine.

Sadly, there were 28 more deaths declared today in Andalusia which brings the total number of deaths since the pandemic began in Andalusia to 6,935.

There are currently 4,359 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 735 are in intensive care. Today there are 277 people hospitalized in Huelva hospitals of which 34 are in intensive care.

The number of people hospitalized in Huelva has dropped now every day since last Thursday and although it is still very high at 277, it is very much going in the right direction.

Ayamonte will continue with current restrictions until 20th of February as we remain in Level 4 grade 2. So only essential shops can open, and curfew remains from 22.00 until 06.00. The incidence numbers are not published over the weekend, but the latest numbers have been encouraging.

Saturday & Sundays From 13.00 to 16.00

Takeaway or Delivery (€3.50)

Calle Angustias Nº3

Tel: 647004349

Offering Takeaway or Deliveries from their Menu.

Tuesday to Friday 18.30 to 23.00

Saturday & Sunday 12.00 to 16.00 & 19.00 to 23.00

Paseo de Gavilanes Nº1 , Isla Canela

TEL: 642074737

Andalusia has reported a drop in cases to 3,796 in the last 24 hours which makes it two days in a row with decreases. Malaga with 912 cases was the worst hit province in the last 24 hours, Granada reported the lowest with 144 followed by Jaen with 180.

There is some more positive news and that is that 2,106 patients were declared cured and 90,888 have received the second dose of the vaccine.

As for incidence rate for Huelva province is 1,085. Ayamonte has seen a drop below two thousand barrier (1,990) while all the surrounding towns with the exception of Villablanca have all seen the rate drop.

Sadly, there were 106 more deaths declared today in Andalusia which brings the total number of deaths since the pandemic began in Andalusia to 6,542.

There are currently 4,980 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 705 are in intensive care. Today there are 299 people hospitalized in Huelva hospitals of which 33 are in intensive care.

Andalusia has reported a drop in cases to 4,285 in the last 24 hours a huge improvement on previous days figures which were well over 7,000. Malaga with 892 cases was the worst hit province in the last 24 hours, Huelva and Jaen both reported the lowest with 248. There is some more positive news and that is that 1,444 patients were declared cured and 78,574 have received the second dose of the vaccine. As for incidence rate for Huelva province is 1,127. Ayamonte has now exceeded the two thousand barrier 2,109 while in Isla Cristina the slow decrease continues. Sadly, there were 38 more deaths declared today in Andalusia which brings the total number of deaths since the pandemic began in Andalusia to 6,436. There are currently 4,783 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 692 are in intensive care. Today there are 284 people hospitalized in Huelva hospitals of which 30 are in intensive care.

Andalusia has reported 7,899 cases in the last 24 hours, the highest ince the pandemic began. Cadiz with 1,702 cases was the worst hit province in the last 24 hours, while Malaga (1,347), Seville (1,199) and Granada (1,028) all broke the thousand barrier. Jaen reported the lowest with 495 followed by Huelva with 599.

There is some more positive news and that is that 1,965 patients were declared cured and 77,764 people have now received there second dose of the vaccine.

Sadly, there were 69 more deaths declared today in Andalusia which brings the total number of deaths since the pandemic began in Andalusia to 6,376.

There are currently 4,533 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 678 are in intensive care. Today there are 274 people hospitalized in Huelva hospitals of which 31 are in intensive care. The hospitals are now seeing the admission increases spill over into the intensive are units.

Huelva recorded a new maximum of 599 over a 24 hour period and another 15 hospital admissions. Sadly, there were also 7 more deaths bringing the total to 186. Huelva’s Covid numbers in January alone will soon account for almost half of all the cases reported in the province.

Ayamonte Town Hall have just published an article to inform everyone that as from this Sunday, border controls will return on the International Bridge with Portugal. These controls will remain in place until February 10th. Please note that only the following people will be allowed to enter Spain from Portugal as dictated by the Official Sate Bulletin published today.

• Spanish citizens and their spouse or partner with whom they maintain a union similar to the conjugal one registered in a public registry, and those ascendants and descendants who live in their care, provided they travel with or to meet with them.
• Residents in Spain, who must prove their habitual residence, as well as students who study in Spain.
• Residents in other Member States or Schengen Associated States who are travelling to their place of habitual residence, duly accredited.
• Those who are going to travel or remain in Spanish territory for any exclusively work-related reason, as long as it is documented.
• Those people who document causes of force majeure or situation of need, or for humanitarian reasons.
• Staff members of diplomatic missions and international organizations located in Spain, provided that theses trips are related to the performance of their official functions, as well as participants in State trips and members of the Security Forces and Forces Armed to exercise their functions.

Huelva declared 10 new deaths today to Covid, the worst single day report since the Pandemic began. With today’s deaths Huelva now has a total of 176 deaths since the Pandemic began in March 2020.

Andalusia has reported a drop in cases to 3,676 in the last 24 hours. Seville with 851 cases was the worst hit province in the last 24 hours, Corboba reported the lowest with 2190 followed by Jaen with 265.

There is some more positive news and that is that 1,576 patients were declared cured.

As for incidence rate the Andalusian Health council have updated the population numbers with all the local towns showing an increase in population. Ayamonte for example have gone from a population of 20,946 to 21,104 (+158), this means although the total over 14 days has gone up from 405 to 408 the incidence rate stays the same at 1,933. See chart below for updated incidence rates.

Sadly, there were 82 more deaths declared today in Andalusia which brings the total number of deaths since the pandemic began in Andalusia to 6,217. There are currently 4,417 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 624 are in intensive care. Today there are 258 people hospitalized in Huelva hospitals of which 25 are in intensive care. The hospitals and the ICU continue to see increases.

The Portuguese Government has just announced that they will be closing their borders for the next two weeks as they extended their state of emergency after a parliamentary vote. It comes on a day that the Algarve declared 10 deaths in the last 24 hours. The Spanish minister for Foreign Affairs, Arancha Gonzalez, has said that is not really a closure of borders with Portugal but a temporal limitation of movement between the two countries. (Whatever that means).

Andalusia has reported a big drop in cases to 4,751 in the last 24 hours. Cadiz with 1,303 cases was the only province to break the thousand barrier today, Granada reported the lowest with 234 followed by Huelva with 287.

There is some more positive news and that is that 1,541 patients were declared cured. And the incidence rates have dropped in all of the towns in and around Ayamonte, see chart below.

Sadly, there were 82 more deaths declared today in Andalusia which brings the total number of deaths since the pandemic began in Andalusia to 6,050.

There are currently 4,119 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 570 are in intensive care. Today there are 243 people hospitalized in Huelva hospitals of which 22 are in intensive care. The hospitals and the ICU continue to see increases.

During the mass screening yesterday where 440 tests were carried out, six people tested positive. Ayamonte has seen a drop in the incidence for the first time in a week.

The Andalusian ministry for Health and Families announced today they are preparing for a foreseeable scenario whereby there are 7,500 COVID-19 patients in Andalusian hospitals at one time. At this moment in time there are 13,352 beds available in wards and another 1,462 in intensive care. The number of beds will be increased to 15,384 ward beds and 2,622 intensive care beds.

The Andalusian Health Board will achieve these numbers by send between 10 to 15 percent of patients to private hospitals. In Huelva the number of ward beds will increase from 955 to 1,013 while intensive care beds will increase from 68 to 107.

The Plan contemplates the provision of other assistance resources if necessary. These resources have clinical characteristics approved by different provincial evaluation committees and represent a total of 5,421 additional beds for all of Andalusia. Huelva will be able to activate an additional 763 beds located in a Hostel in Punta Umbria and Leo Aparthotel in Punta Umbria also.

Andalusia closes the week reporting another 7,070 cases in the last 24 hours. Malaga with 1,614 reported the most cases, followed by Seville which had 1,262. Jaen had the lowest on 362 and Huelva next with 479.

Sadly, there were 24 more deaths declared today which brings the total number of deaths since the pandemic began in Andalusia to 5,923.

There is some positive news and that is that 1,036 patients were declared cured and 175,556 have received the first vaccination jab and 24,701 have also received the second and final vaccination jab.

There are currently 3,613 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 517 are in intensive care. Huelva in the last 7 days has declared 2,997 cases and have seen hospital numbers increase by 119. Today there are 217 people hospitalized in Huelva hospitals that is more than double last Sunday’s figure (98). Sadly, we still have number of difficult days ahead.

Ayamonte will carry out mass screening tomorrow with 800 people booked in to take the test as the town tries to bring the current surge under control. The secondary school IES Guadiana has closed until 1st February and the other schools have also requested permission to close.

For thse of you who have asked for the numbers this Saturday and Sunday in Ayamonte,the Andalusian health board only publish the gobal provincial numbers at the weekend and then on Monday they publish the breakdown per municipality.

From Saturday all of Ayamonte will be in Level 4 Grade 2 which will means various new restrictions. As numerous people have asked me what these are I thought important to outline. Please note that this is not like the lockdown in March. These restrictions are governed by the Andalusian council and although the Town Hall has asked everyone to stay at home from 8pm it is voluntary. Currently the curfew is from 22.00 to 06.00. Movement in and out of Ayamonte is restricted.

Here are the restrictions and note that all essential businesses or activities are not affected by these restrictions.

1.All commercial units must close from Midnight tonight (For at least 2 weeks) except for the following:

• Retail establishments of food, beverages, products and essential goods.

• Health centres, services and establishments.

• Social and socio-sanitary services.

• Pharmacy, Parapharmacy.

• Veterinary centers or clinics.

• Food markets.

• Optical and orthopedic products.

• Hygienic products.

• Professional and financial services.

• Press, bookstore and stationery.

• Florist.

• Petrol Stations or places where fuel is sold.

• Garages or Mechanical workshops.

• Repair services and construction material, builders’ yards.

• Hardware stores. • Vehicle technical inspection stations (MOT).

• Tobacconists.

• Technological and telecommunications equipment.

• Pet food. • Home delivery services.

• Dry cleaners & Laundries.

• Hairdressers.

2. Conventional sports facilities and sports centres for carrying out physical activity other than outdoors must close apart from the practice of official sports activity of a non-professional or professional nature.

3.Competitions and non-federated sporting events of any age category and federated except for the national age category are forbidden. Only exception is over 16 in national category.

4.Restaurant & Food Industry must close with following exceptions: • Home delivery services. • Collecting food of a social or charitable nature. • Restaurants of tourist accommodation establishments for the exclusive use of their clients.

• Those integrated into health, socio-health and social centres and services.

• School canteens and canteen services of a social nature.

• Catering services for training centers and work centers for workers.

• Those located in Petrol stations or loading or unloading centres or dispensers of prepared food to enable professional transport activity (Truck drivers, bus drivers etc).

5. Visits to Residential centres for the elderly or Nursing homes is prohibited.

6. In-person holding of congresses, conferences, business meetings, professional meetings, seminars, meetings of communities of similar owners is prohibited.

7.In-person celebration of public shows, recreational and cultural activities is prohibited.

8.Recreational or gambling establishments must close (Casinos & Bingos etc)

9. Museums, cinemas, theaters, and in general of all those establishments or activities in general whose purpose is recreation, leisure, recreation or fun must close. The only exception being for TV recording of event.

10. Clubs, gastronomic, cultural, recreational associations or similar establishments must close. Only exception is for delivery and distribution of food with a solidarity or charitable nature.

Andalusia has reported a record of 7,409 cases in the last 24 hours. Malaga with 1,652 reported the most cases, followed by Seville which had 1,216. Jaen had the lowest on 541 and Huelva next with 591.

Sadly, there were 54 more deaths declared today which brings the total number of deaths since the pandemic began in Andalusia to 5,760.

There is some positive news and that is that 1,072 patients were declared cured and 164,226 have received the first vaccination jab and 15,202 have also received the second and final vaccination jab.

Huelva has 176 patients in hospital with Covid of which 14 are in intensive care. There are currently 3,043 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 432 are in intensive care. In Andalusia 17.69% of all hospital beds are occupied by Covid patients, please note that this includes all the extra beds that have been made available to deal with the pandemic. As for intensive care beds 23.93% of all hospital ICU beds are occupied by Covid patients.

Huelva had a record number of new cases today with 591 and also reported two deaths. The hospitals are under constant pressure with 24 new hospital admissions since yesterday. Ayamonte has seen it worst day ever in terms of positive cases, with 60 new positives and the rate per 100,000 has now exceeded 1,000 (1,246).

Ayamonte will join Isla Cristina and Lepe from this Saturday 23rd whereby all non-essential business must close. These restrictions will remain in place for a minimum of two weeks.

The Andalusian Council are using the population figures published by the National Institute of Statistics, so I have updated the population numbers to the following: Ayamonte 20,946, Isla Cristina 21,264, Lepe 27,431, Cartaya 19,974 and Villablanca 2,848.

Now the incidence rates are calibrated and Ayamonte is on the brink of passing the dreaded 1,000 per 100,000, exactly 974. Tomorrow is when the Andalusian council will revise the area restrictions and seeing the rise we have had over the last 5 days I honestly don’t think we will be under the 1000 mark. To explain better if Ayamonte has 6 more case than it had on the 6th of January we will be in the same level of restrictions as Isla Cristina.

Below are the incidence rates that I have calculated based on the figures published for the last 14 days in each of our local towns.

Today Andalusia reported 5,922 new cases. The number of Covid patients in Andalusian hospitals has jumped to 2,894 of which 406 are in intensive care. Huelva reported 462 cases and luckily no deaths in the last 24 hours.

Huelva now has 152 Covid patients in hospital and 14 of those are in intensive care. The pressure on all the Andalusian hospitals has increased by 256 in the last 24 hours. There is some good news 1,115 were declared cured today.

Ayamonte declared 36 positive cases in the last 24 hours which was more than double declared yesterday (15). It is fundamental that we all reduce our movement and try to stay at Stay home, Please only venture out for the essential matters/goods.

Remember if you do meet up there is now a maximum of four people together. If you are in close contact with someone that has tested positive you are obliged to isolate for 10 days. Close contact is less than 2 metres from this person for more than 15 minutes. And that is 15 minutes over a 24-hour period. If you have any doubts or questions you can email me or send me a whatsapp on six66524646 and I will do my best to guide you. Stay safe folks

The Andalusian Council will review the incident rate every Monday and Thursday and then will put into action the results of these reports the following Wednesday and Saturday. Take the example of Ayamonte today which has a rate of 752, we are now in the bracket of above 500 cases so from the first minute of Wednesday we will no longer be allowed to leave the municipality without a justified reason, nor will anyone be allowed to travel to Ayamonte without a justified cause.

Below are the incidence rates that I have calculated based on the figures published for the last 14 days in each of our local towns. As you can see the only town that will its inhabitants to travel freely within Huelva will be Villablanca.

Today Andalusia reported 4,366 new cases which is lower than the previous two days but still at unsustainable numbers. Huelva had 254 new cases and was the only province not to report any deaths to Covid.

The number of Covid patients in Andalusian hospitals has jumped to 2,473 of which 372 are in intensive care. Huelva now has 115 Covid patients which is just two short of the normal provision for Covid patients not including the 15 intensive care beds. The pressure on all the Andalusian hospitals has increased in the last 7 days.

As the Andalusian Council new restrictions came into force today so did a number of new measures introduced by Ayamonte Town Hall. The period for these measures will be at least from today 16th January until 31st January.

• All cultural events where general public could attend in both eh Cardenio Theatre and the Casa Grande have been cancelled until further notice.
• Al Municipal Sports Facilities have been closed. Local market and the set of stalls has been suspended (No Saturday market).
• All Playgrounds and parks have been closed until further notice.
• All licences for any event which entails spectators or general public meeting be it in open air or municipal building have been revoked.

The Town Hall has also made the following recommendations:

• Avoid being in public establishments and venues for longer than is strictly necessary and bearing in mind the mandatory social distance at all times.
• Limit travel as much as possible, advising the utmost caution in this regard.
• Remember the obligation to limit meetings in public and private spaces to the maximum number of people (currently 4), as established by the by the Junta de Andalucía.
• Follow at all times the indications issued by the competent health authorities on protection measures, remembering the permanent use of masks and complementary hygiene measures.

It is of little surprise to most that these measures have been adopted as the first 15 days of 2021 has seen double digit growth in all surrounding towns except for Villablanca which has only seen 7% of all cases in 2021.

Andalusia continues to report high numbers with 5,850 new cases today. Huelva reported the lowest with 378 but is now seeing a surge in hospitalizations, The good news is that there were no new patients for ICU and no deaths from Huelva hospitals in the last 24 hours. 83 people were declared cured today bringing the number in Huelva to 10,144. There are 2,219 Covid patients in Andalusian hospitals and 349 of those are in intensive care.

The president of Andalusia announced this evening the new restrictions that will come into place at Midnight Saturday 16th January.

• The border in Andalusia will remain closed and only people with a justified reason can enter or leave Andalusia.
• All hospitality (Cafes, Bars and restaurants) and commercial businesses must close at 18.00.
• 219 municipalities which have a incidence level over 500 in the last 14 days will be limited to within their municipality.
• 91 municipalities of the 219 above with a rate superior to 1000 per 100,000 inhabitants will be confined to their homes and only essential businesses can remain open.
• The curfew remains from 22.00 to 06.00 but the Andalusian Council have asked the Central government to authorize a 20.00 to 06.00 curfew.
• No more than four people can meet up.
• The federated athletes of high level or high performance will be allowed to travel unaccompanied; coaches, judges or federated referees will be allowed for the sporting activities of official competitions that are authorized at any time by the health authorities and that will be accredited by means of a sports license or federative certificate provided they do not come from a municipality with a perimeter closure.
• Bars and Restaurants will be allowed to take orders for takeaways up to 21.30 on premises and 22.30 by telephone and delivery must be made at the latest by 23.30.

Municipalities with Rate Between 500-1,000 in Huelva: Calañas, Cortegana, Aroche, El Cerro de Andévalo, Chucena, Corteconcepción, La Palma del Condado, Villarrasa, Alosno, Puebla de Guzmán y Aljaraque.

Municipalities with Rate over 1,000 in Huelva: Encinasola, Castaño del Robledo, Villalba del Alcor, Villanueva de las Cruces e Isla Cristina.

It is important to note that the Andalusian Council will be constantly revising the list and as you can see from the article I published earlier today that Ayamonte (460) is on the brink of exceeding the 500 limit.

Throughout Spain Covid numbers continue to increase and Andalusia is no different. Today there were 6,664 new cases and 43 new deaths declared in Andalusia. Malaga was the worst hit with 1,339 cases while Granada had 649 case but 17 deaths.

Huelva had 496 cases only one less than the previous record of 497 although it was the only province to declare no deaths in the last 24 hours.

The number of hospitalizations continues to increase and there are currently 1,916 Covid patients in Andalusian hospitals and 308 of those are in intensive care.

Ayamonte declared 28 new cases today and this brings the 14 day incidence rate up to 460, a long way from the 177 declared on Monday. Ayamonte Town Hall has provisionally suspended all football in the sporting grounds due to a number of athletes positive. Have a look at how our local towns are fairing at the moment from the chart below.

Isla Cristina by far the worst hit town locally and where the Town Hall has asked for confinement for the next 15 days and all teaching to be moved online. They have also asked for mass screening of the population. Isla Cristina Town Hall has complained to the Provincial Health Delegation that the number of people being contacted by the tracers far exceeds the capacity in the local health centres and people from Isla Cristina are now having to travel to Lepe and Ayamonte to carry out the tests.

Huelva has reported 497 new cases today the worse day since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020. Although the numbers are bad in Huelva it was the province that declared the least number of new cases with a total of 6,882 new cases for Andalusia today. Malaga had 1,417 cases followed closely by Seville with 1354.

Huelva has seen the number of positives triple in the last 24 hours from 149 to 497 and sadly there were three more deaths bringing the total to 152 for the province.

There are currently 1,697 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 and 284 of those are in intensive care. The number of hospitalizations has increased in all of Andalusia and the intensive care units are also seeing the number jump.

While the incident rate per 100,000 inhabitants has increased in Spain to 454, a number of autonomous states including Andalusia have asked for a general lockdown. In Andalusia more restrictions are expected to be announced by Friday.

Locally the incidence rates are rising with Villablanca at 141, Ayamonte at 254, Cartaya 294, Lepe 312 while Isla Cristina has seen rate soar to 1,190. (sadly, that is not a typo).

First Monday after the holidays sees the number of positive cases declared in the last 24 hours surge to 4,896 in Andalusia. It is over quadruple the numbers declared on Sunday (1,100). Malaga and Cadiz were the worst hit with 1,035 and 952 new cases respectively.

Spain had 61,442 new cases over the weekend and 401 deaths. The national average is now 435 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Huelva also saw a climb in numbers from 129 yesterday to 158 today. However, this is nowhere near the increases that all the other provinces experienced with Malaga numbers multiplying by 5 and Granada by 40.

There are currently 1,401 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 and 245 of those are in intensive care. Patients numbers have increased in every Province with the exception of Huelva which had two less patients.

In Isla Cristina there is an outbreak which has seen the incidence per 100,000 rise to 1,077. The Town Hall in Isla Cristina has asked businesses and people to auto quarantine where possible. A number of bars and restaurants have taken it on themselves to close until further notice. Schools which returned today after the Christmas holidays had a substantially lower attendance rate as parents decided to keep their children at home where possible.

Ayamonte has an incident rate of 177 per 100,000. The Mayor of Ayamonte, Natalia Santos, tested positive today and she has no symptoms she will remain in quarantine in accordance with the medical indications. The deputy Mayor for General services and the Deputy Mayor for local development have also tested positive and will also adhere to the mandatory quarantine rules. I would like to wish the Mayor and all the staff in the town hall a speedy recovery.

Spain has just passed the two million mark for positive cases since the beginning of the pandemic (2,050,360) and 216,302 of those have needed hospitalization at one stage or another. There have been 18,715 patients in intensive care with Covid-19 and 51,874 deaths. The vaccine is being rolled out and of the 743,925 doses Spain has received 277,976 have been administered.

The third wave is raising its ugly head after an easing of the restrictions during the Christmas holidays. Andalusia reported 3,542 new cases today and 61 deaths. Huelva saw their cases double again today to 219 and there were six new hospitalizations. Sadly, six new deaths were reported in Huelva bringing the total now to 148.

Here is the chart of how the hospitals are at this moment in time with Covid-19 patients and these are the numbers we must worry about to avoid the saturation of the hospital services. We are already seeing a notable increase however this increase hasn’t yet been seen in the ICU.

The President of the Andalusian Council, Juanma Moreno, has announced the new restrictions which come into force at 00.00 Monday 11th January and will remain in place until Midnight 24th January. Following the recommendations of the Committee of Experts the following has been agreed.

• The borders of Andalusia are closed, and you can only cross in or out for a just cause.
• Free movement remains between the eight provinces in Andalusia (However, Juanma Moreno, did emphasis during the press conference that it would stay that way for the time being).
• Curfew will now be from 22.00 until 06.00 ( maximum permitted under Spanish laws).
• Max of six people allowed to meet up.
• Shops can stay open until 20.00 Bars and restaurants must close by 18.00 (Coffee shops until 20.00, no alcoholic beverages).
• Food take away service can be collected up until 21.30 and delivered up to 23.30.
• Primary and Secondary schools remain open Universities in Level 4 will remain online (Granada, Jaen, Almeria, and Jerez).

La Linea de Concepcion and Añora in Cordoba are in Level 4 grade 2 so the mobility in these municipalities is restricted and all non-essential shops must remain closed as well as bars and restaurants.

Watching what has been occurring around Europe and indeed in other parts of Spain it is no surprise that numbers have jumped in these last few days. On Monday there were 1074 cases in Andalusia this jumped 27% to 1366 on Tuesday. Today Wednesday 6th January it has jumped another 75% to 2,391 cases in the last 24 hours.

When we compare Andalusia figures to Huelva, we see a similar scenario. On Monday Huelva had 21 cases which was low considering the amount of mobility during the festive period by Tuesday that had more than doubled to 48 and today it more than doubled again to 108. What is clear now is more than ever we need to be vigilant, wear masks, wash hands and keep social interaction down to a minimum. The vaccine has arrived, but it will be summer before we have enough to return to a somewhat normal lifestyle.

In Huelva, there were 108 new cases today and 7 were admitted to hospital. Sadly, Huelva declared two more deaths to Covid-19 and it brings the total to 140.

There are currently 39 people in hospital in Huelva with Covid-19 of which 11 are in intensive care. Today 34 patients were declared cured with total cured number now 9,823.

There have been a lot of people asking me what they can do to travel to Ayamonte in January, the majority have a property here and always fly out in January and stay here for months. As the majority of visitors/residents fly into to Faro,Portugal we will look at both Spanish and Portuguese restrictions. As UK and Ireland have their own restrictions on people travelling abroad you will need to consult those also before travelling.

Portugal

From January 1st 2021 Portugal has a ban on travel by UK nationals to Portugal. This restriction does not apply to people who are legally resident in Portugal. (Please note flying into Faro with Spanish residency (On a British passport) is not an option).

Portuguese nationals, Residency card holders and EU member State visitors are permitted entry but must present a negative PCR which has been carried out no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.

Spain

On December 22nd the Spanish government imposed a ban on any visitor travelling to Spain from the United Kingdom either by air or by sea. The exception to this was Spanish nationals, residency card holders (Green card EU Residence Certificate or new TIE (with photo)). All people travelling must also have a negative PCR, TNA or LAMP test which was carried out in no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. The ban was until 18.00 on 5th January however on January 1st 2021 this ban was extended by the publication in the Official State Bulletin until 6pm on 19th January.

For travellers who comply with the requirements to enter Spain they must have the following information with them when they fly and arrive in Spain.

• Up to date Passport.

• Green card EU Residence Certificate or new TIE

• Negative PCR test done within the last 72 hours (electronic or hardcopy acceptable) • Be able to provide full contact information.

• Have completed Health Control Form (48hours prior to travel) https://www.spth.gob.es/

Please note that the restrictions are for air and sea travel and no restrictions have been laid down for entering the country overland.

Happy New Year to all InfoAyamonte readers, I hope that 2021 brings health and happiness and of course a visit to our beautiful town.

To close off the year I just wanted to review how we coped with the pandemic compared to all the towns surrounding Ayamonte. If you want to read just todays update skip to the paragraphs below.

All the data has been taken for the Junta de Andalusia website and the numbers are for positives cases declared with a positive PCR Test. Only 2.2% of all the inhabitants of Huelva have been infected by the virus sadly that has caused 136 deaths in 2020. For the purposes of the chart below the populations of the towns was calculated as follows . Villablanca 2,839, Ayamonte 20,883, Isla Cristina 21,077, Lepe 27,880, Cartaya 20,083.

Andalusia declared 1,237 today and 21 new hospitalizations. Sadly, there have been two deaths one in Malaga and the other in Seville.

Jaen declared the lowest number of cases (108) while Cordoba was next with 111. Malaga and Granada had the highest incidence with 209 and 195 respectively.

Huelva declared 126 cases and one new hospitalization and no deaths. The good news is that in Andalusia the number of cured cases (1,312) was superior to the new case (1,237). There are currently 893 Covid patients in Andalusian hospitals and 206 of those are in intensive care.

 

Andalusia has reported 1,192 cases in the last 24 hours, a increase of 172 on yesterday’s figures. Malaga with 213 reported the most cases. Huelva had the lowest on 58 and Cordoba next 114.

Sadly, there were 55 more deaths declared today 13 more than yesterday. Huelva did not declare any new deaths and the total remains at 121 Since the pandemic began in Andalusia there have been 4,809 deaths to Covid.

Huelva has 11 patients in intensive care and the number of people in hospital continues to drop and is now at 66. There are currently 1,188 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 251 are in intensive care.

 

The President of Andalusia, Juanma Moreno, in a press conference in Sierra Nevada today Saturday 19th December announced that the Andalusian government is studying ways that they could ask for the vaccinations of citizens who want to attend mass events like sporting events. He announced that the Andalusian council are looking at a Vaccination Certificate which may be given in QR code format and this would help allow people attend mass events. President Moreno said that at present there are only two ways that people can attend a mass event like a football match without causing a major risk, option one would be to have a Negative PCR in the last 72 hours while option two is to have the vaccination.

The President was quick to point out that nobody will be obliged to take the vaccine but that there is a moral obligation to ourselves and to the people around us.

Andalusia is currently at the bottom of the infection rate for mainland Spain, but President Moreno pointed out that this could change at any moment and we have already seen that with this virus as situations can change in matter of days.

The President was speaking at the opening of the ski-resort in Sierra Nevada and he outlined that if numbers increased, they would be obliged to impose restrictions which would temporary close the resort until numbers improved again.

Spain will distribute the vaccine on the 26th December with vaccination starting the next day in the majority of autonomous states. It is worth noting that the first 2 million doses of the vaccination will given to Health care workers, carers and residents in nursing homes followed by people over 64 years of age . In total there are 15 different categories in Spain see table below.

  

1	Health and social health care workers
2	Residents in Nursing homes or day care centres
3	People over 64
4	People with major disabilities
5	Anyone classified as high risk
6	Anyone who live or works in a closed environment.
7	People belonging to vulnerable populations due to their socioeconomic situation.
8	People with essential jobs.
9	Teaching staff.
10	Young Children
11	Teenagers
12	Adults
13	Population in areas with high incidence or in outbreak situations.
14	Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
15	People with an immunization, positive for SARS-Cov-2.

Andalusia has reported 1,053 cases in the last 24 hours, a drop of 306 on yesterday’s figures. Cordoba with 173 reported the most cases. Almeria had the lowest on 47 and Huelva next 101.

Sadly, there were 13 more deaths declared today 21 less than yesterday. Huelva did not declare any new deaths and the total remains at 117 Since the pandemic began in Andalusia there have been 4,598 deaths to Covid.

Huelva has 12 patients in intensive care and the number of people in hospital has dropped below a hundred (78) this weekend for the first time since early November. There are currently 1,329 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 301 are in intensive care.

 

The pressure on the hospitals in Huelva is lowering and mobile testing units are screening in various towns within the province. Tomorrow, Monday, the mobile screening unit will be in Ayamonte and people are being called to take the test at different set times to avoid crowds. Only people who have received a phone call or a SMS to their phone should attend the testing centre and at the requested time.

Andalusia has reported 544 cases in the last 24 hours. Malaga with 130 reported the most cases. While Almeria had the lowest on 26 and Huelva next 35.

Sadly, there were 56 more deaths declared today 19 more than yesterday. Since the pandemic began in Andalusia there have been 4,517 deaths to Covid.

Huelva has 106 patients in hospital with Covid of which 15 are in intensive care. There are currently 1,554 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 331 are in intensive care. The current average rate of Covid in Andalusia is 155 per 100,000 inhabitants.

This evening the President of Andalusia, Juanma Moreno, announced the measures that will be in place during the Christmas period. There will be two phases. The first phase from 12th Dec to 17th Dec inclusive and Phase 2 will be Friday 18th Dec until January 10th.

Phase 1 12th Dec to 17th Dec inclusive

• You are allowed to travel between municipalities in the same Province.
• Shops are allowed to stay open until 21.00
• Bars and restaurants will stay the same and must close by 6pm with takeaways permitted until 21.30 and home delivery until 23.30
• The curfew remains the same from 22.00 until 07.00

Phase 2 From 18th Dec until 10th January inclusive

• You are allowed to ravel between provinces in Andalusia
• Shops can open during their normal business hours.
• Bars and Restaurants can open from 08.00 to 18.00 and later from 20.00 until 22.30
• The curfew changes to 23.00 to 06.00

There are also a few exceptions to the rules:

Travel out of Andalusia is permitted from 23rd Dec until 6th January to visit family members.

The number of people allowed to meet in a household will be increased from 6 to 10 for the dates 24th, 25th & 31st December and January 1st.

The curfew will be from 1.30 am to 6am on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve.

From 22nd Dec to 7th January residents in a nursing home will be allowed to return home as long as they have a negative PCR test.

Andalusia has seen the numbers drop from the highs of November of 577 per 100,000 to current levels of 155. And it is the drop in these numbers that has permitted the easing of restrictions during the Christmas period.

Andalusia has reported 1,286 cases in the last 24 hours, a slight drop on yesterday’s figures. Cadiz with 278 reported the most cases. While Huelva had the lowest on 87 and Granada next 130.

Sadly, there were 30 more deaths declared today 10 less than yesterday. Since the pandemic began in Andalusia there have been 4,317 deaths to Covid.

Monday 5th December report for all the Andalusian Provinces.

Huelva has 19 patients in intensive care. There are currently 1,707 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 365 are in intensive care. Huelva has just broken the 10,000 barrier of positives cases since the pandemic began but there is also good news in that their have been no new patients for Intensive care and no deaths yet again today in Huelva.

Ayamonte has seen the infection rate drop day on day for the past week and the number of cases over the last 14 days has dropped to 80 while the 7-day running total is down to 23. This would give Ayamonte a current rating of 383 per 100,000 and although it is a long way from the desired number of 25 it is 222 less than the figures we had at the end of November. This is a long bank holiday weekend throughout Spain, so it is important to keep our guard up.

 

Andalusia has reported 770 cases in the last 24 hours, a drop of 843 on yesterday’s figures. Cadiz with 219 reported the most cases. While Huelva had the lowest on 24 and Granada next 38.

Sadly, there were 26 more deaths declared today 12 more than yesterday. Since the pandemic began in Andalusia there have been 4,041 deaths to Covid.

Monday 30th November report for all the Andalusian Provinces.

 

Huelva has 18 patients in intensive care. There are currently 2,099 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 422 are in intensive care. Ayamonte declared 14 new cases over the weekend (Friday to Sunday).

 

Ayamonte has had nine new positives in the last 24 hours, that coming after 18 yesterday. This week has been mediocre for Ayamonte as has the weather. There have been 54 cases in the last week and a running total of 122 in the last fortnight. It is not good and gives us a rate of 604.8 per 100,000 (population of Ayamonte estimated at 20,883). Sadly, the neighbouring towns are experiencing similar increases like Ayamonte, Lepe rate of 833.09, Cartaya 401.39, Villablanca 352.2, Isla Cristina 270.75. The average for the province is 394.9.

Huelva declared 173 new cases today and there were 12 new hospitalizations, and no new patients have entered intensive care in the last 24 hours. There are currently 18 Covid patients in intensive care in Huelva.

Huelva declared no new deaths in the last 24 hours and the total remains at 103.

There are currently 2,415 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 476 are in intensive care. Here is the current status of the hospitals in each province today Friday 27th November.

 

Ayamonte has had three new positives in the last 24 hours. This brings the running total for the last week to 59 and two-week positives to 106. The Mayor of Ayamonte, Natalia Santos, asked the Delegation for Health and Families in Huelva to carry out extensive testing on the inhabitants of Ayamonte in attempt to curb the increased number of positives, she also asked for support from the army to carry out intensive disinfection of areas within Ayamonte.

Huelva declared 79 new cases today and there were ten new hospitalizations, and one patient has been moved into intensive care bringing the total in intensive care to 15.

Sadly there was one more death declared in Huelva with the total for the province now at 101.

Huelva has 143 patients in hospital and 15 of those are intensive care. There are currently 2,827 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 488 are in intensive care.

Here is the current status of the hospitals in each province today Tuesday 24th November.

 

The government have outlined who will be first to get the vaccination when it becomes readily available. These are the first four groups that have been identified:

1. Nursing home residents

2. Health care workers in nursing homes

3. Health care workers

4. Disabled bodied people.

The vaccination plan is expected to start in January and continue into March for people in this first stage of vaccination. The minister for Health, Salvador Illa, said the main objective of this first stage is to offer the vaccine to the people who are most vulnerable to Covid -19.

The President of Andalusia, Juanma Moreno, has announced this afternoon after a meeting with the COVID-19 expert Committee that the current restrictions will be extended until December 10th with some slight variations.

President Moreno said, “The situation remains complicated since the beginning of the pandemic over 220,000 Andalusians have been infected and more than 3,600 have lost their life.”

With the implementation of the restrictions on 30th of October and since then we have noticed how it slowed down the curve and days later that it started to decrease. This evolution does not mean we are beating the virus it will only be beaten when we have a vaccine. We don’t have that vaccine yet, but we are very optimistic that it is very close.

The second batch of restrictions which came into place on the 10th of November and confined each municipality to movement only within their municipality will continue as the numbers have not improved enough to justify any relaxation of these measures. The following measures will be in place until the 10th of December:

• The border of Andalusia and all the municipalities remain closed.

• The curfew from 22.00 to 07.00 remains unchanged.

• The timetables for business and bars and restaurants remain the same with one slight change. Bars and restaurants can remain open for collection of takeaways until 21.30 (only take away no consumption on premises). Also, toy shops can remain open until 20.00 due to proximity to Christmas.

• Granada city businesses will remain closed as they still have an incidence of over 800 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Today in Huelva 161 new cases were reported and there were eight new hospitalizations. There is good news as the number of people in hospital is coming down and the trend continues today with 220 less in Andalusian hospitals according to figures published this Saturday.

Huelva has 133 patients in hospital and 18 of those are intensive care. There are currently 2,727 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 501 are in intensive care.

Here is the current status of the hospitals in each province today Sunday 22nd November.

 

Ayamonte has had the worst 24 hours since the pandemic began with 28 cases declared today. The surge comes after 10 cases were declared on Thursday. This brings the running total for the last week to 61- and two-week positives to 105.

The Mayor of Ayamonte, Natalia Santos, outlined her concern with this increase in infections and urged everyone to follow the prevention measures.

Today in Huelva 257 new cases were reported and there were two new hospitalizations and two more deaths. Huelva province has now lost 99 people to Covid. There is good news as the number of people in hospital is coming down and the trend continues today with 124 less in Andalusian hospitals according to figures published this Friday.

Huelva has 140 patients in hospital and 17 of those are intensive care. There are currently 3,038 patients in Andalusian hospitals with Covid-19 of which 519 are in intensive care.

Here is the current status of the hospitals in each province today Friday 20th November.

 

The Local Association Pueblo Saharaui “Amigos por la Paz” in Ayamonte have handed over 3500 kilos of foodstuffs for the refugees camps in Tindouf. The collection which was held over the last weekend in Ayamonte.
The refugee camps have been hit hard with flooding and high winds and Media Luna Roja
Saharaui launched a special campaign to help the people in the camps.
The people of Ayamonte have once again shown their generosity in helping the needy and Ayamonte Town Hall also made a welcome contribution of one ton of foodstuffs from the food bank..
Manuel Luís Borrego Romero President of the Association Pueblo Saharaui “Amigos por la Paz” in Ayamonte wanted to thank all the people who donated and also the Shopping Centre La Plaza for collaborating in the food collection and allowing the association to set up a stand outside Mercadona.  He also complimented the schools and Asperato Association for collecting food and gave a special mention to Café Bar Alcaraván for their efforts in making this collection a resounding success.

A week ago today I was driving back from the salt flats near Isla Cristina and I saw black smoke rising over the hills towards Lepe. When you see that black plume you know it is not a wood or grass burning and just hope it’s not someone’s house or even worse that someone is in that house. I didn’t hear of any casualties during the evening but then I heard it was one of these provisional camps that was burnt to the ground. No one was hurt as the fire took place in the afternoon just before 1 pm.

There are a number of these camps dotted around the province where fruit workers with almost nothing to their name, live near the strawberry fields they work in, to be able to save as much money so they can to send it back to their families. And last Friday many of these workers lost everything. I mean everything, clothes,money and even their passports. The conditions they live in means they have cats and dogs in their camps to control pests. Sadly some of their pets didn’t survive the fire, which spread quickly.

The firemen for Ayamonte, Punta Unbria and San Juan del Puerto officially got the fire under control by 2.30pm and declared it extinguished at 530pm that same afternoon but as you can see from the photo above there wasn’t much left.

These workers are not here looking to get hand outs, they are here to work and send all of their money home to their families. They do work many of us would prefer not to do, the back breaking type of work that really doesn’t pay a whole lot.

An association calledASNUCI, a non-profit organisation with its base in Lepe works closely with the people in these camps offering them defence and protection of their human rights, food and clothing, helping with integration, giving courses in first aid, health and safety in the workplace and teaching them to read and write in Spanish. They also help with translators at doctors and local hospitals. The majority of the people in the camps are from Sub-Saharan regions of Africa.

They have opened an account where you can donate, it doesn’t matter the amount and a little gesture can go a long way. Right now they have nothing so anything you can give will be appreciated

Transfers to the following: ASNUCI

Bank Details:

IBAN: ES53 3187 0098 4933 7537 3317  (Caja Rural del Sur)

Concept: Help Lepe Fire

(Please add your name so they can thank you.)

Starting from today Sunday 5th July and continuing on until next Sunday July 12th Spain is to be hit by a second heatwave. The hot air coming up from Africa will see the temperatures soar in 40’s over the coming week.
Ayamonte with its location next to the sea and the Guadiana River will be saved some of the suffocating heat but still expect temps in high  30’s with Tuesday and Wednesday expected to be the hottest days.
So make sure you are fully creamed up if you head out in the sun and try and keep out of the sun during peak hours. Please remember that the temperatures given are for those in the shade so the temperature in the sun will easily be over 40. Also remember that if you have a dog, try go for walks in the early morning or late evening as the ground can burn their soles. An easy way to see if it is safe to walk you pet is place the back of your hand on the ground and if you can hold it there comfortably for over 5 seconds it is safe to walk your pet.
On average Spain gets two heatwaves per year, so considering that we are only in early July it is safe to say this is going to be an above average summer.

The popular Tapa Route in Ayamonte returns for what is now its sixth edition. The route which takes in 19 different establishments spread throughout Ayamonte.
This year’s main sponsors are Cruzcampo and Taxiayamonte.com. As with previous years you can pick up your card from participating outlets or the tourism office and once you have ticked off at least 6 tapas you can take part in a draw for a dinner for two in the Chiringuito la Sonrisa for a value up to €50.
The innovation this year is that you can download the route and the tapa and participating outlets using the QR code. All tapas are €1.50. Look forward to seeing comments on the tapas tasting.

Since last Sunday evening hundreds of dead fish have been washed up on Isla Canela beach and the banks of the Guadiana River in Ayamonte. The authorities were notified and samples of water and specimens taken.
The results have shown that the water in both the river and the beaches on Isla Canela are in perfect condition for bathing. The dead fish are all from the same species part of the Mullet genus known locally as Lizas.
The Junta de Andalucía which took water samples the Thursday previous to the incident and last Monday feel that as it was only one species that was affected that the most logical hypnosis is that a bank of these fish got caught in a pool further up the river and ran out of oxygen.
The Mayor of Ayamonte Antonio Rodriguez Castillo confirmed that the water was in perfect condition and he was in constant contact with the Junta de Andalucía and the Delegate for Health, Lourdes Martin. A full report of the analysis of the dead fish is expected to be published by the end of the week.

Everybody talks about the crisis and I can’t remember a day when someone hasn’t said something to me about the economic downturn. Lucky for me I am kept busy and haven’t had any real downtime, of course I am working harder for less but I am working, I count myself lucky. I know people who haven’t worked for two to three years and are good workers but there simply isn’t enough work out there for everyone.
A lot of these people have families and mortgages and they have fallen back on their parents who are retired (pensioners) just to put bread on the table. Some things can only stretch so far and that is why people like St Vincent de Paul, Caritas and Red Cross do an exceptional job helping out these needy families. We are not talking about scroungers here we are talking about genuine people who have fallen on hard times.
Now the reason I am telling you this story is because last week one of my Irish clients who wants to remain nameless asked me how the crisis was hitting Ayamonte and rather than just taking it all in, he turned around to me and asked me how he could help out some of these families.
The photo you see at the top of this article is the foodstuffs I bought today in Ayamonte in the name of my client and handed over to St Vincent de Paul. Olive oil, milk, shampoo, bleach, washing powder, orange juice, floor cleaner you name it we packed the trolleys. It’s just gone 7pm and the stuff is already on its way to those who need it.
Thank you for letting me be a part of this gesture, Thanks from St Vincent de Paul and thanks on behalf of the families. You made my month.
Now for those of you who are in Ayamonte this weekend you can donate some foodstuffs at the entrance to Mercadona, it’s a worthy cause and a kilo of sugar or rice is all they need.

The fourth edition of Ayamonte Tapa route was presented yesterday with an extra 11 establishments joining in to bring the route to a total of 27 establishments where you can try a unique tapa for only €1.50
The route which will run throughout the month of June was presented yesterday Monday 21st May in the town hall by Mayor Antonio Rodríguez Castillo, the Deputy Mayor for Tourism and Local Development Damiana Ruiz and the President of the Ayamonte’s Association for small and medium sized businesses Miguel Antúnez.
The map and card for the tapa route will be available from the tourism office , hotels and all the participating establishments which are spread throughout all of Ayamonte and Isla Canela.
The format is just like past editions whereby you can rate each tapa and then enter a draw for a night B&B in the Isla Canela Golf Hotel. This year the two main sponsors of the event are the Puerta Ancha and Isla Canela Golf Hotel:
Here is the list of participants, just a little under a tapa for everyday for the whole of June. Sounds good to me
• Casa Alborada
• Bar Cortada
• El Baluarte
• Restaurante La Casona
• Brasería El Ferry
• La Vinoteca de Ayamonte
• Taberna el Puerto
• La Serranía de Jabugo
• Mesón Juan Macías
• Restaurante Casa Barberi
• Taberna El Callejón de los Plumas
• Parador de Turismo de Ayamonte
• Restaurante Los Mellizos
• Bar Ortiz
• Bar El Barrio
• Bar El Corsario
• Restaurante Thebussem
• Espuma del Mar de Canela
• Restaurante Abreu
• Restaurante El Rincón
• Bar Cafetería Alborán
• Cervecería Cayuelitas
• Cervecería Dkñas
• Chiringuito Antonio V
• Chiringuito La Sonrisa
• Restaurante Minutero
• Restaurante La Carpa

 

Melia Hotel & Resorts group have opened their first hotel in the Huelva province on Isla Canela. The Melia hotel chain has over 350 establishments around the world but the newly named Meliá Atlántico Isla Canela is their only hotel in Huelva.
The hotel which was built in 2000 and renovated for the opening has 358 rooms (5 suites), more than 10,000 m2 of gardens, two exterior pools and one interior pool, spa & beauty salon, padel and tennis courts and a gym.
The hotel which was formerly known as the Riu Atlántico opened on the May 1st and has taken on the majority of the workforce that worked in the Riu hotel. It is a huge boost to the local economy with 110 jobs being created and another 45-50 jobs to be created during high season.

 

Only if you have experienced Semana Santa in Ayamonte will you begin to understand the meaning and place it holds in the people of Ayamonte’s hearts. They live it, breathe it and if it rains they cry inconsolably.
The whole town comes together to celebrate Semana Santa and year after year you will see people wait outside the churches and chapels in anticipation of the thrones making their way onto the streets.
The thrones themselves are of incalculable value and the sheer weight of them fully dressed in candles, flowers and sculptures makes you think how can the Costaleros (Throne carriers) carry these loads on their shoulders for hours through many of the streets of Ayamonte.
The Town Hall have put together a short video to give you a glimpse of what Semana Santa feels like in Ayamonte and I would like to thank Toño Méndez for editing and sending me a copy I can use on infoayamonte website. Turn up your sound and click on the video below, I have not translated the video into English but I am sure you’ll find that the music and imagery does all the talking. It's called The Passion in South of the South.

Yesterday, (March 16th), was Captains Day at Costa Esuri Golf Club and what a great day it was.

The main event was an Individual Championship played for the Captains Day Trophy with an amazing 64 entrants of varying nationalities. Luckily the weather, although cloudy, was mostly dry so no need for wet weather gear. At 4.30pm the players started to arrive back at the club house at fairly regular intervals until finally at about 7pm everyone was back.

During the last hour of play there was a non-golfers putting match which was won in magnificent form by Mrs Avril Maxwell who was rewarded with a lovely prize donated by last years winner.

While all the players were then gathering at the bar for a post-match libation there was a raffle that had been organised by the Book Club Ladies. An array of desirable gifts had been bought and after selling a huge amount of tickets the profits will go to the Christmas charity.

Next came the prize giving for the Individual Championship which was won by Richard Simm followed in 2nd place by Barry Irving and Henk Kleinloog in 3rd place. There was a generous prize fund which included prizes for Nearest the Pin and the best Front & Back 9´s and also spot prizes.

Next Mr Barry Partner (the outgoing Captain) gave a speech reviewing the highlights of the last year and also thanked everyone who had helped to make the hand over day memorable. His penultimate duty was to then hand over to the new Captain Mr John Bewley.

Barry's last duty was then to announce that supper was ready and everyone tucked into a wonderful spread of 'Tapas'

A new medical private medical centre has opened in Ayamonte which will cater for both Spanish and international clients. The centre which located next to the Residencia de Ancianos on Calle San Antonio Nº 58 has doctors who speak Spanish and English.
Having heard about the centre from friends of mine who are retired here but are not yet at the pension age to receive free medical care, I decided to go to the centre and see what it has to offer.
The building is new and was built specifically to cater as a medical centre, so easy access no architectural barriers and doors, toilets and corridors all adapted for wheelchair access.
Once inside I was greeted by Patricia Cedano one of the two receptionists ( Dyana Merida the other receptionist was on the afternoon shift). She explained that anyone can book a consultation by e-mail by phone or just calling into the centre. Then she introduced me to Dr Emmanuel Cedano who showed me around the installations.
Dr Cedano originally from the Dominican Republic and speaks good English went on to tell me about the services the centre has to offer. The centre offers complete blood analysis with the results available within 24 to 48 hours depending on the test.
The nurse in the centre Rocío Fernández looks after all the nursing care from dressing to vaccinations and the blood tests can be carried out from Monday to Friday from 8.15 to 09.45.
Next I met Dr Daniel Zequeira who has been living in Ayamonte for a number of years and worked in the public health centre in Ayamonte before opening this medical centre. He said what we want to do here is offer a “personal caring service with no waiting around”. The centre itself is open from Monday to Friday 8.15 – 14.30 and 16.00 – 20.00. They are already planning to extend this timetable with Saturday mornings soon to be added.
One of the questions that always come to mind when you visit a private doctor is how much it will cost for a private consultancy and I was pleasantly surprised when I found out it was only 30 euros.
Finally I met Dr Yenny Agramonte (yes that’s with a Y not a J) the only female doctor in the centre and she told me that they also offer home healthcare visits at the patient’s request. She also explained that they work in collaboration with Cedico in Huelva for any specialist scans or x-rays that need to be done.
All in all I think the centre is a welcome addition to the services that Ayamonte has to offer.
Website: www.centromedicoatlanticocb.es

Tel 0034 959 053 628

 

The poster for Semana Santa (Easter week) was unveiled today, Sunday 3rd March, in the Cardenio Theatre. Although the weather was poor the theatre was almost packed.

The painting which is over 190 cm tall depicts a scene from the early morning on Good Friday just as the procession reaches the Casa Grande on Calle Huelva.
The author of the painting behind the poster Juan Manuel Carrasco Galán dedicated the painting to his daughter Alba who was born while he was painting the scene.
Ayamonte’s Association for Brotherhoods (Agrupación de Cofradías y Hermandades de Ayamonte) who commissioned the painting also presented their magazine, timetable and a special DVD for Semana Santa during the event.

The EUC (Entidad Urbanística de Conservación) for Costa Esuri has opened an office in front of the Shopping Centre on Avenida Juan Pablo II. The office which will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11.00 to 13.00 and will attend to all the questions and problems relating to the EUC for both owners and users alike.
The EUC on Costa Esuri is basically a management and maintenance committee which oversee the public areas of the entire Costa Esuri development. So they are responsible for the upkeep of the roads, footpaths, lights and gardens around the urbanizations.
The office which will be taken care of by the Antonio Gutierrez, Maria Carmen Lopez and Eva María Martinez will also offer important tourist information and publish all upcoming events on Costa Esuri.
Depending on the needs and demand the opening hours may be increased in the summer.

Many of our Irish & English readers are well aware of the recent debacle with horsemeat being used in regular supermarket store burgers. With such a wide variety of fresh foods available here in Spain I for one hardly ever buy a beef burger in a supermarket, as for McD or Bking well the odd occasion. That said OCU ( Organizacion de Consumidores y Usarios: a comsumer watchdog organization so to speak) report on hamburgers published yesterday 28th January really opened my eyes.
The OCU tested 20 different brands of burgers from various stores around Spain and you guessed it, horse meat has also made its way into Spanish beef burgers (two out of the twenty contained horse DNA). Burgers have always been suspect as far as I am concerned and although they do eat horse meat in Spain I would prefer to stick to beef, thank you.
The report brought a more worrying fact about burgers to the table, the quality of the meat. Only five out of the twenty had what the OCU would classify as acceptable meat quality, with the majority rating poor or very poor. The main problems of the quality being excess fats, cartilage and tendons and very little meat in the burger contents.
All the above coupled with the excess salt and large amounts of sulphites. The sulphites are not generally a problem but may cause problems when taken by people with asthma or allergies.
Here is the table of the results:

Brand / Supermarket	Price per Kg/€	Meat quailty	Traces of Horse DNA
Alipende	7.34	Not Published	Yes
Carrefour	6.11	Very Poor	No
Carrefour Manhattan	9.35	Poor	No
Carrefour Kids	15.83	Very Poor	No
El Corte Inglés	9.78	Very Poor	No
El Pozo Selección	10.42	Poor	No
EMCESA	7.63	Not Published	No
Eroski Basic	5.88	Very Poor	Yes
Granja Los Tilos	10.23	Very Poor	No
Granjero (Coren)	13.30	Acceptable	No
Martinez Loriente (Mercadona)	6.02	Poor	No
Natural Fresh (Lidl)	5.38	Poor	No
Raza Nostra Basic	13.57	Acceptable	No
Raza Nostra Buey Gallego	21.43	Very Good	No
Roler Big Burger	8.28	Poor	No
Roler Clasica	6.68	Very Poor	No
Roler Mickey	13.93	Poor	No
Roler Summum	12.51	Very Good	No
Rustico (Lidl)	5.71	Very Poor	No
Villa del Monte (Alcampo)	6.45	Very Poor	No

 

 

After intense negotiations in Madrid between the Trade Unions and Paradores de Turismo SA an agreement was reached which will save 294 jobs and see only one of the Parador Hotels close its doors for good.Some 11 hours of meetings and negotiations it has been agreed that the Parador in Ayamonte is to stay open but it will be closed in low season for four months. The change comes after intense protesting by the people of Ayamonte and evidence that Ayamonte Parador is a viable business.
Paradores de Turismo SA announced in December the closure of various hotels throughout Spain claim that the current losses of over 70 million euros were unsustainable. The change in strategy will now see only one hotel close the Parador in Puerto Lumbreras which employs three people full time. However 13 restaurants in the Parador group will now close.
Workers will see their full time contracts changes to seasonal contracts and will have to take a cut of three per cent in their salary. They will also lose their rights to two days paid leave for personal matters. They will also be offered voluntary redundancy package which is more favorable: 25 days pay for year worked with a maximum of 20 months. (Current Spanish law outlines 20 days pay for year worked with a maximum of 12 months).

Ayamonte is holding its first horse fair from 26th to 29th October this year. The fair will involve various equestrian exhibitions, chats and a number of specialists stands which will be located at the Auditorium on the old Ayamonte to Lepe road.

The fair starts with a parade of horses accompanied by drummers who at 6 pm on October 26th will march from La Plaza Laguna to the fairs grounds and at 22.00 there will be a flamenco show directed by Lourdes Jiménez, with Sevillanas on horseback by jockey Manuel Franco.

The event which is organised by the Youth association “ La Cruz” is a follow on from their successful horse walks which attracted over 300 jockeys last weekend.

There is nothing worse than walking down one of the main streets in Ayamonte and stepping on some dog litter. Ayamonte town hall has tried on numerous occasions to educate dog owners on the disposal of dog litter and although there are many understanding, respectful dog owners there are still a number of owners who are oblivious to the problem.Ayamonte town hall has now decided that any dog owner who doesn’t clear up their dog litter will be fined up to €750. The Town Hall Edict published yesterday 24th September 2012 states that each dog owner is responsible for the correct disposal of their dogs litter should they be deposited on a public footpath, garden, park or walk or risk being fined up to €750.
The Deputy Mayor of Works & Environment for Ayamonte Town Hall, Rafael Luna, pointed out that this measure was not brought in as a way of collecting money but simply a way of raising the public awareness that the tidiness and cleanliness of our streets parks and gardens is a portrayal of the towns Identity.

 

The Residents Association in Costa Esuri are organizing the first summer festival on Esuri this coming August. The festival which will last for three days will run from Friday August 17th to Sunday August 19th.The residents association, which was set up three years ago and has over two hundred members, have decided that it is time Costa Esuri had its own festival and although the economic climate is complicated they are adamant of the festival's success.
The full program of events which will be published this week includes numerous competitions, golf, padel, chess, table tennis coupled with live music and various shows. The majority of the events will take place in the extensive car park in front of Costa Esuri Clubhouse.
Those wishing to sign up for the golf tournament may do so at Costa Esuri club house with a shotgun start on Friday 17th August at 9 am.
One of the events that has stirred up a lot of anticipation is the tasting of international foods to take place Saturday at 8 pm.
Ayamonte town hall is helping out with the stage and fencing and Cruzcampo are building the bars and local business Jag’s Bistro and Golf Dourado run the two bars during the festival. More information to come...

 

 

Athletes from the Great Britain Olympic 400 m and 4 by 100 m relay team have been preparing for the London 2012 Olympics in Ayamonte.The GB 100 metre relay team chose the Blas Infante Stadium in Ayamonte to polish off their preparations for the Olympics which get underway this Friday
The Deputy Mayor for Sport from Ayamonte Town Hall Francisco Blázquez welcomed the choice by the GB team and said “this is just another statement of proof of the fine installations we have to offer in Ayamonte to all types of athletes and which coupled with an ideal climate allows athletes to prepare for the upcoming season and championships”.

 

The town hall have just released the terms for bidding for the tourist train which runs in Ayamonte. The train has been running during Christmas and Easter following a route which starts beside the zoo and travels up to the Parador hotel down into the centre and returns to the Zoo.

The tender terms will amplify the route and serve Isla Canela as well. Here are the terms that have been laid out in the tender.

At Christmas the tourist train must run a service from Christmas Eve up to January 6^th (Small Christmas)

Easter: Train must run from Palm Sunday to Easter Monday

Summer season the train is to run from June 1^st until September 30^th.

The rest of the year train service is option for the winner of the tender.

Trains will be allowed to travel on the public road from 9 am to 3 pm and 5pm to 10 pm and during the summer they will be allowed to run until 2 am.

The Mayor of Ayamonte,Antonio Rodríguez Castillo said that “Although we have been offering this service sporadically over the last few months, we are looking to regularize the service with a long-term contact of four years which will benefit local businesses and tourists.

Proposed Route For Town Centre

Proposed Route for Isla Canela