News
Andalucía achieves near normality
Volcano continues
October arrived with most of Andalucía moving to Level Zero alert for Covid . However , data later in the month saw a downturn in some municipalities including Nerja .
The only measures remaining in force by early October were the wearing of face masks indoors and public spacing of 1.5 metres , although these became recommendations rather than mandatory requirements . Frequent hand washing was also recommended .
The President of the Junta de Andalucía , Juanma Moreno , said that normality would be returned in these areas where cumulative incidence was minimal , or had fallen to 0 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants . The figure for the entire region was running at 58 per 100,000 at the end of September .
At the same time , restrictions on outdoor sports stadiums were lifted across the whole of Spain , although indoor venues remained restricted to 80 per cent capacity . The decision followed news from the Health Ministry in Madrid that the figure for 14-day cumulative cases had fallen to its lowest level since July last year .
However , the week ending October 23
Chillar ban lifted
A ban on activities around the Chillar River in Nerja , introduced in June last year , was lifted last month . The restriction was in place as a precautionary measure to help to avoid the Covid-19 infections spreading .
However , the town has asked the regional government to take measures to regulate access to areas in order to avoid overcrowding and a consequent build up of rubbish . The area of Los Cahorros , which is within the Sierras Tejeda , Almijara and Alhama Natural Park , is a protected beauty spot .
Councillors last month called for action and demanded that the Junta de Andalucía should adopt “ appropriate saw a total of 47 new cases recorded in the Axarquía , 23 of which were in Nerja . This left the town , along with La Viñuela and Almáchar , as the only municipalities in the area where the incidence rates over the previous 14 days redefined them as high risk . On the other hand , 21 towns in the Axarquía – including Frigiliana and Cómpeta – had registered no new cases in the previous fortnight .
From October 25 , a third dose of the Covid-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer- BioNTech and Moderna began to be administered to those over 70 years of age in Andalucía . A third jab is also being made available to around 100,000 people with weakened immunity systems .
Meanwhile , the Health Ministry in Madrid says an average of 71 positive Covid cases are being detected every day amongst arrivals in Spain from other countries . Romania , where the cumulative incidence is running 20 times higher than Spain ’ s , is presenting most cases , with the UK second and Morocco third . However , the Ministry adds that the influx is not having serious consequences thanks to the high level of vaccination achieved in Spain .
measures for the regulation , planning and integrated management of the Chillar River in order to control and minimise the risks arising from its use and enjoyment .”
Animal police
Two National Police officers from Alcalá de Henares who last month won an award from the Animal Protection Network ( REPA ) are taking their bosses to court alleging workplace harassment . They say they were told that animal abuse was not a priority and that they should concentrate on other crimes . Claiming they had followed irregular practices , the pair were taken off patrol duties and are now being supported by police union Jupol ( Justicia Policial ).
The volcano on La Palma in the Canary Islands which erupted on September 19 continued to spew lava throughout October . It has forced the evacuation of thousands of people , destroyed over 1,100 buildings , land and has entirely engulfed the town of Todoque . Earthquakes registering intensities of up to 4.8 were felt frequently throughout the month as the eruptions continued , although no human casualties have been reported .
Criminals detained
Guardia Civil officers have collaborated with eight other European forces to detain 18 suspects believed to belong to a major criminal organisation trafficking arms . The gang specialised in modifying conventional firearms and assault rifles into weapons of war , more than 1,500 of which were supplied to criminal groups in Spain , the Netherlands , Austria , Denmark , Germany , Portugal , Sweden , and the Czech Republic . One suspect was detained at Málaga airport when trying to flee from Spain .
Price rises
Prices in September rose by 4 %, according to the National Statistics Institute , with fuel and power price rises pushing the Consumer Price Index to its highest level for 13 years . Core inflation , which excludes volatile elements including energy and fresh foods , showed a 1 % rise on 12 months earlier . Inflation has now shown seven consecutive monthly rises as consumption recovers from the pandemic .
Rock plan
Madrid says there is a “ Plan B ” in place in case the EU and the UK do not reach an agreement on Gibraltar . Spain ’ s Minister of Foreign Affairs , José Manuel Albares , said last month that there is a “ clear commitment ” to create a “ shared zone of prosperity and development ” on both sides of the border . Experts say negotiations between the EU and UK over Northern Ireland may taint the debate over the Rock .
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