Life on lockdown for Yorkshire couple in Spain amid fears over coronavirus

A retired Wakefield couple are adjusting to life in Fuerteventura after the Spanish government imposed a nationwide lockdown to stem the coronavirus pandemic which is sweeping across Europe.
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Cheryl and John Beech, who retired to the second largest of Spain's Canary Islands in March 2018, are struggling after a raft of measures were been introduced when the Spanish government declared a state of emergency at the weekend.

On Sunday, the number of cases of Covid-19 across Spain stood at 7,753 and 288 deaths, with 101 active cases in the Canary Islands and three in Fuerteventura.

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Imposing similar measures taken by Italy, Europe’s worst hit country, the Spanish government has ordered the closure of all non-essential shops as well as bars, restaurants and cafes.

John and Cheryl Beech are currently living on lockdown after they retired toFuerteventura two years ago. Photo credit: otherJohn and Cheryl Beech are currently living on lockdown after they retired toFuerteventura two years ago. Photo credit: other
John and Cheryl Beech are currently living on lockdown after they retired toFuerteventura two years ago. Photo credit: other

Residents have been ordered to stay at home, and are allowed out only to buy food and medicine or travel to work, health centres or banks. Travel is also allowed for those looking after the elderly or dependents.

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"We can't even go for a walk. It's going to be a long few weeks but we are keeping positive and hope it's only for 15 days".

Mrs Beech, who now lives in the town of La Oliva, in the Parque Holandes district of Fuerteventura, said panic-buying of essentials like toilet paper, tinned good and pasta had started "days ago" by local residents.

Panic-buying of essentials like toilet paper, tinned good and pasta started days ago in stores across Fuerteventura. Photo credit: otherPanic-buying of essentials like toilet paper, tinned good and pasta started days ago in stores across Fuerteventura. Photo credit: other
Panic-buying of essentials like toilet paper, tinned good and pasta started days ago in stores across Fuerteventura. Photo credit: other
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The former Outwood resident added many of the shelves were empty at her local Lidl store, in Mercadona Corralejo.

"We have got supplies but the meat section was empty," she said. "Water, rice and pasta seem to be running out fast."

It has also been ruled that people can only leave the house on their own and not in pairs, and as of tomorrow fines of up to 15,000 euros will be imposed for anyone found driving a car for an unnecessary reason.

"We will stay home until we run out of supplies," said Mrs Beech.

Many of the shelves are emptyat the local Lidl store, in Mercadona Corralejo, in Fuerteventura. Photo credit: otherMany of the shelves are emptyat the local Lidl store, in Mercadona Corralejo, in Fuerteventura. Photo credit: other
Many of the shelves are emptyat the local Lidl store, in Mercadona Corralejo, in Fuerteventura. Photo credit: other
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Food shops, pharmacies, petrol stations and pet supply shops are among the businesses that will be allowed to remain open during the next fortnight.

Mr Beech, 51, said he was concerned for those working in the local tourism industry, who rely on visitors to the island, including his close friend Pierres Houbrechts who runs All 4 Adventure and Route30 tours.

"Luckily Pierres can ride it out but many won't," he said.

"It will be very hard for many and think it will ruin some businesses and make it very hard for those that are self-employed."

The married couple were due to fly into Leeds Bradford Airport on Thursday, however yesterday their easyJet flight was cancelled. This comes after the owner of British Airways and easyJet said they would ground aircraft on an unprecedented scale in a battle to survive the travel restrictions and European lockdowns now damaging the industry.

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Mrs Beech, 54, added: "The main thing is we are all OK and we've just got to ride it out like everyone else. We love our life here and it's sad we have to do this but if that's what it takes then so be it."

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