Gran Alacant Forum
Gran Alacant Forum => General Discussions => Topic started by: Spurs on May 25, 2021, 19:41.
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Anyone been out since restrictions were lifted ? Just wondered what the passport control and customs was like as I’m off next week and this will first time crossing border since Brexit kicked in . Were there major queues do we still use auto passport booths do they stamp passport etc ?
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You will need to fill in a locator form before traveling .I think there is a link on the ryanair web site. Or look at the Spanish gov web pages.
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Hi trident yes I have all that just wondered what the actual passport area was like post Brexit and covid etc
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Enjoy your trip Spurs, hope the queues arn't too long at immigration!!
Looking forward to hearing how the visit goes.
Regards all
John
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Hi Spurs, when are you going?
My flight is (fingers crossed) early morning next Monday the 31st. I haven't flown into ALC since 2015 as I've always driven over since then. Not particularly looking forward to the airport experience post Brexit but we'll have to get used to it.
I have my passport obviously and will have the Health Form and IDP in case it's required for car hire but apart from that do I take all the requirements of the Carta de Invitacion or hope to bypass that requirement?
Mrs G has a southern Irish passport so she is going to try the EU passenger channel through customs and see what happens.
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Hi I’m going Tuesday .i don’t know if we need the data for carta de invitation but I’m going to have return flights info and proof of ownership of property etc
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Yes, I'll take that also.
There have been a lot of flights since Monday last week and I've not come across any horror stories so touch wood we'll be OK.
I'll let you know - hope the wifi is good in the penitenciario.
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What is the carts de invitacion please ? Do we need this to visit our properties in Spain ?
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The Carta de Invitacion is a procedure used by the Spanish authorities to control the arrival into Spain of non EU nationals coming to stay with friends/relatives i.e. not in approved tourist accommodation. It can only be applied for by Spanish residents and once obtained must be sent to the intending visitor(s) so that they can present it at the border control. It is not, therefore, applicable to holiday home owners travelling out to their properties in person. Taking proof of home ownership would be advisable but it remains to be seen how aggressive or otherwise the border controls will be on all of this, DaveG and Spurs will be able to update us on that next week.
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I’m going Tuesday so I will put an update on how much hassle there is at the border after breaking my way into Spain . Hopefully it will be as smooth and easy as before.
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Just sorted out my boarding pass for tomorrow and have added my Spanish locator form onto it via the Ryanair website. That's another hoop i've managed to jump through.
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Just sorted out my boarding pass for tomorrow and have added my Spanish locator form onto it via the Ryanair website. That's another hoop i've managed to jump through.
Good luck let me know what to expect for Tuesday please
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As part of the prep for trip I have been researching the test we are req to take in Spain before coming back . The government website says an antigen test is ok not a full PCR test I’ve booked mine via E Mail at the life resort up on Altimar 2 cost is €40 needs to be booked by E Mail info.salvumclinic@gmail.com ,they will want a photo of your passport.
For Day 2 and day 8 tests in UK again this must be prebooked and the booking ref number put into you uk government entry form before you come back I’m using https://www.testingforall.org/ £99 for the 2 tests posted out to you and you post them back £99 is the cheapest I have found these anywhere
I’ve also got my international driving permit . Just take a passport photo and your driving licence to post office £5.50 , you need the one coded 1949 for Spain
Hope this helps anyone planning a trip
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It really does Spurs.
Its a great help just what this forum is for, thank you
As part of the prep for trip I have been researching the test we are req to take in Spain before coming back . The government website says an antigen test is ok not a full PCR test I’ve booked mine via E Mail at the life resort up on Altimar 2 cost is €40 needs to be booked by E Mail info.salvumclinic@gmail.com ,they will want a photo of your passport.
For Day 2 and day 8 tests in UK again this must be prebooked and the booking ref number put into you uk government entry form before you come back I’m using https://www.testingforall.org/ £99 for the 2 tests posted out to you and you post them back £99 is the cheapest I have found these anywhere
I’ve also got my international driving permit . Just take a passport photo and your driving licence to post office £5.50 , you need the one coded 1949 for Spain
Hope this helps anyone planning a trip
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Yes, good advice Spurs. I was struggling with the return to UK test as everything I look at seems a bit ambiguous re PCR versus antigen. I'll go for the antigen if your confident.
I'm also going to use the £99 for two tests (day 2 and 8 on return); starts to get expensive doesn't it.
IDP already in the bag from last September so I think I'm good to go.
Hi B&W, have a good trip and let us know how you get on.
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This is off gov.uk
Type of test
You must make sure that the test provider you choose can meet the standards for pre-departure testing.
The test must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.
This could include tests such as:
a nucleic acid test, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or derivative technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests
an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device
It’s your responsibility to ensure the test meets the minimum standards for sensitivity, specificity and viral load details. You must check with your test provider that it meets those standards.
You may not be able to travel if the test does not meet these standards. It’s your responsibility to ensure you get the right test that meets the above requirements.
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Cheers Spurs, I had read that but I'm sure something further down gave me pause for thought.
Just had a email from Centauro; "One does not require an international driver's license while having a UK driver's permit in Spain. You will not be needing one". Good news but as I've got one it's going with me.
Dave
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Cheers Spurs, I had read that but I'm sure something further down gave me pause for thought.
Just had a email from Centauro; "One does not require an international driver's license while having a UK driver's permit in Spain. You will not be needing one". Good news but as I've got one it's going with me.
Dave
Amazing they E Mailed me last week to tell me I did need one . Sounds like they don’t know themselves , Gold car E Mailed that I did as well . Hopefully I will find out next week
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I flew into Alicante airport today on the Ryanair flight. In Birmingham Ryanair checked my passport and boarding pass as usual. The plane was 80% full. All the priority boarding went through first and the few who tried it on were thrown out the queue at the gate and made to wait with the rest of us. They did not check the size of our walk on luggage.
When we landed we were shepherded to the arrivals hall. Anyone with Residencia was told to use the automatic turnstiles while the rest of us had to queue for the passport booths. There were two booths of two officers each who checked and stamped the passports. We then went through the QR check for our locator forms and then a walk-through temperature check. Anyone who didn't have a digital locator form was turned back and given a paper one to fill in.
It took about 10 minutes from entering the building to walking out the other end. The Spanish seem to have the whole thing well under control.
Hope that helps Spurs.
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Cheers B&W. All good news, I'm looking forward to Monday.
I find it hard to believe anyone would go without the locator form but there's one born every minute I suppose. I often wonder how these people get through life.
Enjoy your holiday
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I remember filling in the UK locator form for our return to the UK last October, did it on our mobile phones on our solarium a challenging experience seemed to go on for ever and there were ambiguous questions, a miracle we got it right, the Spanish one we filled in going out wanted our UK address but couldn't understand our address format of house number and road name, in the end I put a flat number in front of the house number and it accepted it.
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Cheers BW I’m off Tuesday
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Good feedback.
Was your negative PCR checked or was that embedded into your digital location form ?
I flew into Alicante airport today on the Ryanair flight. In Birmingham Ryanair checked my passport and boarding pass as usual. The plane was 80% full. All the priority boarding went through first and the few who tried it on were thrown out the queue at the gate and made to wait with the rest of us. They did not check the size of our walk on luggage.
When we landed we were shepherded to the arrivals hall. Anyone with Residencia was told to use the automatic turnstiles while the rest of us had to queue for the passport booths. There were two booths of two officers each who checked and stamped the passports. We then went through the QR check for our locator forms and then a walk-through temperature check. Anyone who didn't have a digital locator form was turned back and given a paper one to fill in.
It took about 10 minutes from entering the building to walking out the other end. The Spanish seem to have the whole thing well under control.
Hope that helps Spurs.
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Beach life you don’t need a test to enter Spain
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I not keeping up clearly.
Its the return to UK you need to log the future day 2 day 8 tests etc
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I flew into Alicante airport today on the Ryanair flight. In Birmingham Ryanair checked my passport and boarding pass as usual. The plane was 80% full. All the priority boarding went through first and the few who tried it on were thrown out the queue at the gate and made to wait with the rest of us. They did not check the size of our walk on luggage.
When we landed we were shepherded to the arrivals hall. Anyone with Residencia was told to use the automatic turnstiles while the rest of us had to queue for the passport booths. There were two booths of two officers each who checked and stamped the passports. We then went through the QR check for our locator forms and then a walk-through temperature check. Anyone who didn't have a digital locator form was turned back and given a paper one to fill in.
It took about 10 minutes from entering the building to walking out the other end. The Spanish seem to have the whole thing well under control.
Hope that helps Spurs.
Useful info B&W, one question if I may, was there a separate channel for those with EU passports? ( thinking Irish here )
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Sorry Aficionado I didn't notice as everyone appeared to be either from Spain or UK.
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As part of the prep for trip I have been researching the test we are req to take in Spain before coming back . The government website says an antigen test is ok not a full PCR test I’ve booked mine via E Mail at the life resort up on Altimar 2 cost is €40 needs to be booked by E Mail info.salvumclinic@gmail.com ,they will want a photo of your passport.
For Day 2 and day 8 tests in UK again this must be prebooked and the booking ref number put into you uk government entry form before you come back I’m using https://www.testingforall.org/ £99 for the 2 tests posted out to you and you post them back £99 is the cheapest I have found these anywhere
Thank you this is brilliant information will do the same when we return to the UK end of June
Hope this helps anyone planning a trip
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The Carta de Invitacion is a procedure used by the Spanish authorities to control the arrival into Spain of non EU nationals coming to stay with friends/relatives i.e. not in approved tourist accommodation. It can only be applied for by Spanish residents and once obtained must be sent to the intending visitor(s) so that they can present it at the border control. It is not, therefore, applicable to holiday home owners travelling out to their properties in person. Taking proof of home ownership would be advisable but it remains to be seen how aggressive or otherwise the border controls will be on all of this, DaveG and Spurs will be able to update us on that next week.
Thank you that’s great
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As I said earlier it was passports, locator form and temperature check only last Friday. I had the deeds of the house with me but was never asked for them.
I've also booked my 2 and 8 day test using the link Spurs posted, £99 + £5 tracked delivery.
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This afternoon (Sunday)we cycled from Arenelas through to Santa Pola along the coast road. It was as busy as i have ever seen it. No where to park all the way along . I think the Spanish must be Holidaying local.
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Arrived ALC 1000 today on flight from Manchester only 30% full.
Off the bus at passport control we were directed through 3 channels; 1. Spanish, 2.Residents and EU passports and 3.Brexidiots.
Very smooth and well organised but ours was the only plane in and not even half full, my passport stamped but Mrs G with Irish passport wasn't.
After passports a short walk to have the locator form scanned. No temperature checks. No IDP required at car hire.
It's raining.
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Arrived ALC 1000 today on flight from Manchester only 30% full.
Off the bus at passport control we were directed through 3 channels; 1. Spanish, 2.Residents and EU passports and 3.Brexidiots.
Very smooth and well organised but ours was the only plane in and not even half full, my passport stamped but Mrs G with Irish passport wasn't.
After passports a short walk to have the locator form scanned. No temperature checks. No IDP required at car hire.
It's raining.
I suppose the flight was only 30% full because most Brit's take the Government advice not to travel to Spain seriously. By ignoring this advice I fully expect no complaints when we are forced to lockdown again.
Derek
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Spain, including the Balearic Islands but excluding the Canary Islands, based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.
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I get your point Derek but no one is breaking any rules . It’s advice not law , the govt also advises against smoking , drinking, using mobiles while driving hands free and a million and one other things.
As Boris has said on many occasions it’s time to stop telling people what they can and can’t do and let them have the facts and make their own informed decisions.
That’s what I’m going to do
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Have a great time Spurs, hope that your house was all ok.
Looking forward to your updates on life in GA at the moment.
Regards all
John
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I get your point Derek but no one is breaking any rules . It’s advice not law , the govt also advises against smoking , drinking, using mobiles while driving hands free and a million and one other things.
As Boris has said on many occasions it’s time to stop telling people what they can and can’t do and let them have the facts and make their own informed decisions.
That’s what I’m going to do
Hi Spurs
I haven't suggested that anyone is breaking the law. Yes Boris wanted to trust people to act responsible and follow the advice which clearly will not work for some. Just because other health advice is ignored by some, like your example of smoking, it should not give a licence for all to ignore all advice.
Fortunately many are following the advice to protect their own safety and that of others that is why the plane was more than half empty is the point I was making.
Derek
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But Derek when I come back from Spain I’m going to be in quarantine for 10 days and will have had 3 tests in 11 days before I come out and I’m fully vaccinated I will probably be safer than the person who walked round Tescos
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You've got me thinking about the temperature check. I'm now not sure if there was one or not as it was always automatic as you walked through.
Strange your plane was 30% full while mine was 80%. Perhaps living in Birmingham we needed a holiday more than your lot.
Spurs it's now up to you to answer the temperature check question when you arrive.
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I was told when the airport opened that the funny tubes with the automatic doors at the bottom of the escalator after passports that you go through to get to baggage reclaim are temperature booths . Not 100% certain but can’t see what other use they could be
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After the locator form check there used to be a person sitting at a desk on the right hand side with a tv monitor in front of them with a high level camera/scanner. I thought that's where it was.
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Apparantly a third of people taking a holiday in an amber desination will not be quarantining on return......if that's true I can see us quickly going to an Red and Green system.
The only problem with common sense is that its not that common.
Regards all
John
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/trips-and-breaks/third-brits-planning-amber-list-20710769
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Apparantly a third of people taking a holiday in an amber desination will not be quarantining on return......if that's true I can see us quickly going to an Red and Green system.
The only problem with common sense is that its not that common.
Regards all
John
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/trips-and-breaks/third-brits-planning-amber-list-20710769
No excuses for that John . I for one will follow the rules . I have heard of recent cases of people who call themselves covid wardens knocking on doors to check .
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Derek, I really don't know where the other 70% were, maybe if you glance over your shoulder they are behind the sofa with you. For my part as my house is just sold and the buyer is keen to move in I thought it good manners to come and empty my belongings.
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Derek, I really don't know where the other 70% were, maybe if you glance over your shoulder they are behind the sofa with you. For my part as my house is just sold and the buyer is keen to move in I thought it good manners to come and empty my belongings.
Oh that made me chuckle, I do agree the law/ advice abiding majority in the uk have had enough, the minority will keep undermining the good work indefinitely in my opinion. The current shower clearly can’t run a bath so common sense has to prevail. A lot of my family live in Australia and they returned to normal months ago, vaccinations going well, good leadership and all the country on the same page.
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Derek, I really don't know where the other 70% were, maybe if you glance over your shoulder they are behind the sofa with you. For my part as my house is just sold and the buyer is keen to move in I thought it good manners to come and empty my belongings.
Oh that made me chuckle, I do agree the law/ advice abiding majority in the uk have had enough, the minority will keep undermining the good work indefinitely in my opinion. The current shower clearly can’t run a bath so common sense has to prevail. A lot of my family live in Australia and they returned to normal months ago, vaccinations going well, good leadership and all the country on the same page.
There is the answer Wilson get a visa and join them job done.
Derek
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So at 0430 I set off for Stansted Airport dropped off by my son in law . Fully armed with every QR code ,passport international driving permit, deeds of flat proof of tax payment ,in fact anything I could think of to get into Spain. Tried out my new full Perspex face shield in the car and decided it’s definitely they way to go ,didn’t fancy a mouth and nose cover. Stansted very quiet straight through to lounge no restaurant open only take away sandwiches etc . Can’t wear a face shield on plane so back to a mask. The plane was 3/4 empty had 3 seats to myself Seat belt light on the whole flight to keep people in seats. Amazing how long the guy in the opposite seat could make a coffee last as you can take off mask while drinking . First time I’ve see a coffee last the length of France . Got to ALC early straight off plane directed to an auto passport booth then to a person who stamped passport. Down escalator through into baggage a short queue to show QR code then immediately after that there was a thermal camera booth with camera on top two girls were operating it. Then out 10 mins max.
Couple of point for car hirers not sure if they are all doing it but now but goldcar are they charge extra if you do more than 168km per day on average . You only need an international driving license if you still have a paper licence . There is a local tax of €17 added apparently post Brexit . Hope we are doing the same here
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Thanks for the updates Blue and white stripes and Spurs, very informative.
If the Mrs would let me I'd be joining you!!
Just a question, how do those of you who are residents feel about home owners from the UK coming to check their properties and having a few days in the sun?
Regards all
John
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Derek, I really don't know where the other 70% were, maybe if you glance over your shoulder they are behind the sofa with you. For my part as my house is just sold and the buyer is keen to move in I thought it good manners to come and empty my belongings.
Oh that made me chuckle, I do agree the law/ advice abiding majority in the uk have had enough, the minority will keep undermining the good work indefinitely in my opinion. The current shower clearly can’t run a bath so common sense has to prevail. A lot of my family live in Australia and they returned to normal months ago, vaccinations going well, good leadership and all the country on the same page.
There is the answer Wilson get a visa and join them job done.
Derek
Why would I need a visa when I’ve got dual nationality?
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Hi Spurs, your experience at the airport pretty much reflects mine although I'm positive there was no temperature check and it definitely wasn't after the QR code scan. It's nice and smooth with empty planes.
My car was from Centauro and there was no mention of a daily range limit but 168km average is something I'd never get close to. Also no add on for local tax post Brexit.
Went out for a pint at dinner at Molly Malones and a meal later at the Gourmet Indian and both times it was absolutely dead although the guy at the Gourmet says weekends are OK. Weather wasn't very kind mind so that and it being a Monday may have kept people in.
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Derek, I really don't know where the other 70% were, maybe if you glance over your shoulder they are behind the sofa with you. For my part as my house is just sold and the buyer is keen to move in I thought it good manners to come and empty my belongings.
Oh that made me chuckle, I do agree the law/ advice abiding majority in the uk have had enough, the minority will keep undermining the good work indefinitely in my opinion. The current shower clearly can’t run a bath so common sense has to prevail. A lot of my family live in Australia and they returned to normal months ago, vaccinations going well, good leadership and all the country on the same page.
There is the answer Wilson get a visa and join them job done.
Derek
Why would I need a visa when I’ve got dual nationality?
In that case as it is so good over there and this country is run by clowns, according to you, I hope the trip goes well.
Derek
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Can we grow up and stop acting like angry 5 year olds.....if it carries on like this it wouldn't surprise me if some said "my Dad's bigger than your Dad".
Apologies to the vast majority of 5 year olds who are better behaved than this.
Zero deaths reported in the last 24 hours in the UK from Covid, how brilliant is that.
Regards all
John
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Hi Spurs, your experience at the airport pretty much reflects mine although I'm positive there was no temperature check and it definitely wasn't after the QR code scan. It's nice and smooth with empty planes.
My car was from Centauro and there was no mention of a daily range limit but 168km average is something I'd never get close to. Also no add on for local tax post Brexit.
Went out for a pint at dinner at Molly Malones and a meal later at the Gourmet Indian and both times it was absolutely dead although the guy at the Gourmet says weekends are OK. Weather wasn't very kind mind so that and it being a Monday may have kept people in.
Hi Dave I don’t think you would have noticed it . I was only looking for it because of the chatter on here . When I left the QR table the barriers pushed me over to the right and there was a new both with 2 young ladies in it and a thermal camera on the top . They didn’t stop anyone or slow the movement down at all and it was in a place where if you weren’t looking out for it you wouldn’t have seen it
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Derek, I really don't know where the other 70% were, maybe if you glance over your shoulder they are behind the sofa with you. For my part as my house is just sold and the buyer is keen to move in I thought it good manners to come and empty my belongings.
Oh that made me chuckle, I do agree the law/ advice abiding majority in the uk have had enough, the minority will keep undermining the good work indefinitely in my opinion. The current shower clearly can’t run a bath so common sense has to prevail. A lot of my family live in Australia and they returned to normal months ago, vaccinations going well, good leadership and all the country on the same page.
Have you actually seen the progress of the vaccine rollout in Australia?
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Have you actually seen the progress of the vaccine rollout in Australia?
Yes it’s a shambles, only 2% done, Melbourne lockdown extended & spreading in Care homes. The countries with low vaccinations rate ie most pan pacific countries, Japan, Taiwan etc are seeing large outbreaks.
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Hi
This cannot be true as in Australia the vaccinations going well, good leadership and all the country on the same page unlike here in the UK where the death rate was recorded as zero yesterday. :-* :-*
Derek
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Re-open EU is a very useful app for finding real time information for travelling into eu
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https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/datablog/ng-interactive/2021/may/31/covid-19-vaccine-rollout-australia-coronavirus-vaccination-progress-updates-tracker-victoria-nsw-queensland-qld-daily-live-data-stats-updates-total-numbers-distribution-schedule-tracking-new-cases-today
It seems Australia is not doing well with vaccinations.
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https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/datablog/ng-interactive/2021/may/31/covid-19-vaccine-rollout-australia-coronavirus-vaccination-progress-updates-tracker-victoria-nsw-queensland-qld-daily-live-data-stats-updates-total-numbers-distribution-schedule-tracking-new-cases-today
It seems Australia is not doing well with vaccinations.
The problem is Kev is that Australia is huge, where my family live in South Australia there are 2000 occupants in the town which is an equivalent size to Manchester. Whilst my brother who works in health care is vaccinated the other 28 family members aren’t that interested, they don’t know anybody that’s caught Covid let alone died. They don’t leave the state which is 5 times larger than the UK let alone leave the country. They shut the country last March and aren’t looking to reopen until 2022. Many will be happy to keep it closed indefinitely. Oz is literally another world.
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Thanks for the heads up Wilson, interesting to hear from someone who actually knows what's happening, Australia has always been a place I've fancied visiting.
Cheers Kev
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I've just recalled that I once read an article about a farm in Australia which had an area bigger than Somerset, Devon and Cornwall combined, difficult to comprehend when in a tiny crowded country like the UK where if you stick your elbow out of the window you are likely to knock your neighbour out of his armchair.
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Interesting
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/may/27/morrison-government-under-fire-over-covid-vaccine-delays-as-victoria-enters-lockdown
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Looks like Spain will be staying on Amber until at least end of June & possibly Portugal going Amber, that’s travel industry & tourism industry in Spain stuffed for another month at least
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Looks like Spain will be staying on Amber until at least end of June & possibly Portugal going Amber, that’s travel industry & tourism industry in Spain stuffed for another month at least
Not as stuffed as those already booked for Portugal who can’t get refunds, or can’t afford additional tests and quarantine. There are currently 1800 scheduled full flights to Portugal this month alone.
All the costs associated with travel are 90% the cost of arriving in the U.K. , which is one hell of a deterrent against taking your pounds elsewhere in the first place.
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Apparently Amber lists are all designed to protect the 21st June reopening in UK
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Apparently Amber lists are all designed to protect the 21st June reopening in UK
So more things will be open on ‘the rock’ for you to spend your money on and keep your taxes there.
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I thought Gibraltar had zero sales tax so I assume it will be difficult for them to keep any.
Derek
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I thought Gibraltar had zero sales tax so I assume it will be difficult for them to keep any.
Derek
I’m sorry Derek, I’ll try to refer to it as the island colony of ‘little Britain’ from now on, I can see how two rocks could lead to confusion.
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From El Pais this evening; there's a query around the date as June 6 is Sunday not Tuesday.
The premier of the Valencia region, Ximo Puig, announced on Thursday that coronavirus restrictions will be lifted as contagions continue to fall. As of Tuesday, June 6, the region will no longer be under a curfew, nor will there be a 10-person limit on social meetings in private and public spaces. But the number of people allowed to be seated at a table will still be restricted to 10.
From June 6, nighttime venues will be able to reopen until 2am, with capacity limited to 50% in indoor areas and no limits on outdoor spaces. All restrictions on capacity in places of worship will also be lifted from this date.
For 11 weeks, Valencia has had the lowest 14-day cumulative number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants in Spain and Europe. This data point is currently 35.8 per 100,000 – far below the Spanish average of 118.5.
Puig also said he was in favor of ending the mandatory use of face masks “outdoors, in the beach, forests and natural parks
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Hi all, quick update. We left Spain today and returned to UK this evening.
Had an antigen test at the Masa Sq clinic at 0930 and had the results by 1000. Very professional.
Flight was with Ryanair and in the queue at the departure gate our test certificates and locator forms were checked and we were issued with a little slip to show with our passports at the gate check-in.
On arrival at Manchester we had to show passports only as the other forms had been checked in ALC and without clearance we wouldn't be allowed to board. This checking avoids queues at arrivals.
Very slick in Manchester, no queue, landed at 1902, home at 1955 and we're 35 minutes from the airport.
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Sounds very straightforward. We are flying out from Bristol tomorrow. Hope it’s an easy journey to get there. First time in 15 months
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It sounds as if some are following the Government advice see here;
https://murciatoday.com/spanish-tourism-has-lost-4-billion-euros-due-to-lack-of-uk-visitors-so-far-this-year_1607174-a.html?%3Fregion=7&fbclid=IwAR3-CKEptsWrgQxmZBuwQMrR4BdvJ5Si3rsE_jHa8bMh8uxfsZgvp-wx8KE#bottom_navigate
Derek
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It sounds as if some are following the Government advice see here;
https://murciatoday.com/spanish-tourism-has-lost-4-billion-euros-due-to-lack-of-uk-visitors-so-far-this-year_1607174-a.html?%3Fregion=7&fbclid=IwAR3-CKEptsWrgQxmZBuwQMrR4BdvJ5Si3rsE_jHa8bMh8uxfsZgvp-wx8KE#bottom_navigate
Derek
Derek, can’t you give the government propaganda posts a rest, people can make their own mind up and as long as rules are followed it’s not an issue
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It sounds as if some are following the Government advice see here;
https://murciatoday.com/spanish-tourism-has-lost-4-billion-euros-due-to-lack-of-uk-visitors-so-far-this-year_1607174-a.html?%3Fregion=7&fbclid=IwAR3-CKEptsWrgQxmZBuwQMrR4BdvJ5Si3rsE_jHa8bMh8uxfsZgvp-wx8KE#bottom_navigate
Derek
Derek, can’t you give the government propaganda posts a rest, people can make their own mind up and as long as rules are followed it’s not an issue
The short answer is no, surely as you can, I can post within the rules. The link I pasted to the Murcia news is not A UK government propaganda web site. I am sorry if you only like posts that agree with you thoughts but unfortunately all are entitled to their own view including myself.
Derek
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Sounds very straightforward. We are flying out from Bristol tomorrow. Hope it’s an easy journey to get there. First time in 15 months
Make sure you take some mozzy repellent and itch cream. The insects are very active after the rain last week.
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I fly back to BHX on Saturday so I hope it's trouble free for me as well. I'll let you all know how the quarantine goes (this will be my fifth time. It's been great to be back in Spain after six months away and all being well I'm back out again next month. Not having to do a pcr test to enter Spain was an added bonus and saved a drive to the NEC and £80.
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Hope the flights OK B&W, it's somebody's good idea to check documents before allowing boarding, saves all the hassle at UK entry.
Were back over on 28th for another week, unless another scarient appears.
Had a call from Track n Trace this afternoon explaining the quarantine process and do i understand it, have I got day 2 and 8 tests arranged and by implication the consequences of not being in should somebody knock on the door.
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Sounds very straightforward. We are flying out from Bristol tomorrow. Hope it’s an easy journey to get there. First time in 15 months
Make sure you take some mozzy repellent and itch cream. The insects are very active after the rain last week.
Oh yes we have plenty of that thanks
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All paperwork done and completed ready to attempt my return to UK tomorrow. Had my covid test up the life resort doctors today negative. But it did feel she pushed to right up my nose held it in for five seconds then turned it a few times for good measure.
Walking around now feeling like I’ve had a cucumber up there.
Hopefully tomorrow will go smoothly
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Hello just arrived in GA and we haven’t any electricity. Does anyone know of an electrician please. We have tried to reset on the box outside to no avail. Thank you
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Gary or Clive who both advertise in GA advertiser , have used both in past but don’t have numbers
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I’ve had this before the smart meter shut down try ringing Iberdrola on 900171171 they speak English . They wanted my NIE number address and customer ref number on bill and turned it on remotely instantly hope that helps
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Thank
You I’ll look on the advertiser
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I’ve had this before the smart meter shut down try ringing Iberdrola on 900171171 they speak English . They wanted my NIE number address and customer ref number on bill and turned it on remotely instantly hope that helps Thank you I I’ll try this first
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All paperwork done and completed ready to attempt my return to UK tomorrow. Had my covid test up the life resort doctors today negative. But it did feel she pushed to right up my nose held it in for five seconds then turned it a few times for good measure.
Walking around now feeling like I’ve had a cucumber up there.
Hopefully tomorrow will go smoothly
My experience was similar, as the swab went up my nose the nurse turned to talk to my wife and forgot to stop pushing; almost took my eye out from inside and I banged my head on the wall behind me as I recoiled.
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I’ve had this before the smart meter shut down try ringing Iberdrola on 900171171 they speak English . They wanted my NIE number address and customer ref number on bill and turned it on remotely instantly hope that helps Thank you I I’ll try this first
All working now thank you gave them a call. Getting through Alicante airport was a breeze
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Brilliant glad to help
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Hi Spurs, be prepared for calls from track n trace. We got home Monday evening and have been contacted both days since then.
Just phone calls so far but we have no intention of breaking the quarantine anyway, we're well prepared and stocked up.
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Cheers Dave I’ve no intention of breaking be interesting to see how many calls I get
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So the journey home . Got to AlC early dropped off hire car . Got masked up and braved the terminal. Straight through security, no issues got a coffee and played with EMail etc
About 2 hours before departure my boarding pass on my phone sent me a message saying gate 27b never had this type of message before or a gate so early before. Went through the auto booths into B Gates had my passport stamped again with exit stamp. With a little help from me he managed to get both stamps on the same page but not the right way up still it’s early days yet About 1.5 hours before flight time RyanAir staff came over and went through all my paperwork with me UK entry form. Negative Covid Test. Pre booked and paid for day 2 and day 8 tests. The actually wanted proof of payment for these , I guess that’s to stop people cancelling them . After she checked everything I was given a piece of printed paper and told all I needed to board was my passport, boarding pass and this piece of paper. Boarded plane early only about 45 passengers had a choice of seats. Plane took off on time I still get a buzz when it accelerates down the runway even though I done it thousands of times now . Flight brilliant on time.seatbelt light on for whole flight
Stansted no problem only interested in gov location form and passport straight through didn’t even ask for proof of negative test or 2 and 10 day test
Sent from my iPad
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Apparently the 10 days isolation only applies to us plebs. Joe Biden has flown in from an Amber country and he is out for a walk with Boris on the news. No social distancing no masks.
Yes I’m sure he’s been tested but so have I
I think when test and trace ring me I will ask why he is different
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Hi Spurs, similar experience to me on your return - what a good idea to check documentation before boarding, it saves all the hassle at the UK end.
Called again by T&T today- they say they will call everyday and part of the message is "we may call round". Getting a bit boring now because it's the exact same speech everyday and they won't deviate from it; you can't engage them in any conversation or get them to deviate from the script.
What a boring senseless waste of money.
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I suppose if someone is out and about spreading the virus it might not be such boring waste of money.
Just had my flight cancelled by Ryanair for July. Am I sorry? no as I can get my money back hopefully. I would not have gone anyway until the Government advice changes and does not advise against all but essential travel.
Is it worth the cost of three tests and ten days quarantine well not to me!
Derek
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I'm double vaccinated, tested negative before I boarded a plane full of fellow negative passengers and fully intend to quarantine. The senseless waste of money is the daily repetitive phone calls. But the whole idea is to keep everybody in the UK for economical reasons. The Times leader yesterday said as much.
Strange Ryanair cancelling July flights, lack of demand I suppose.
And no it's not worth the tests and quarantine but I'm selling my house so have no choice and I suppose other forum members have their own reasons especially to check on properties they may not have seen for twelve months.
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I suppose if someone is out and about spreading the virus it might not be such boring waste of money.
Just had my flight cancelled by Ryanair for July. Am I sorry? no as I can get my money back hopefully. I would not have gone anyway until the Government advice changes and does not advise against all but essential travel.
Is it worth the cost of three tests and ten days quarantine well not to me!
Derek
i think we all know your views Derek but why should we not go . I’m also double vaccinated have had 1 test in Spain and 2 more to come in next 10 days I will also quarantine fully (which is more than Joe Biden has done ) I have money invested in property out there and as long as I’m allowed to go I will . Boris wants us to make the decisions once we know the facts . I read all the facts and details and decided .
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Monday, negative antigen test in Spain, today result of day 2 pcr test is negative but still have to test again on day 8 and remain in quarantine until this time next week. Meanwhile 8 EU countries will let me visit with no restrictions on proof of full vaccination. EU citizens can roam far and wide with proof of vaccination. On release from quarantine I'm at more risk going 5 miles up the road to Oldham.
Anyone who says the UK's entry requirements are not politically motivated is deluding themselves. Teresa May said as much in parliament yesterday. Rant over, the grass needs cutting.
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Monday, negative antigen test in Spain, today result of day 2 pcr test is negative but still have to test again on day 8 and remain in quarantine until this time next week. Meanwhile 8 EU countries will let me visit with no restrictions on proof of full vaccination. EU citizens can roam far and wide with proof of vaccination. On release from quarantine I'm at more risk going 5 miles up the road to Oldham.
Anyone who says the UK's entry requirements are not politically motivated is deluding themselves. Teresa May said as much in parliament yesterday. Rant over, the grass needs cutting.
hi Dave what’s your understanding on when day 1 of quarantine is the gov website is as clear as mud . I’m thinking the day I arrived back home is day 1 or is it the next day ?
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Due to some personal work commitments, I will need to do a day 5 test and release. As if proof were needed that the testing process is simply designed to a) put you off travelling b) make money I was surprised to find after you pay extra for the day 5 test to release you still have to pay for and take the day 8 test.
I can't think of a good scientific reason for that!
If the test on day 5 is safe and good enough why quarantine for longer and take a day 8 test?
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Hi Spurs, on my test kit instructions it says the day you arrive is day 0. The following day is day 1.
Hi Beachlife, there is no scientific reason only the reasons you note in a) and b).
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Sshhh people.
You’re not allowed to suggest that the marvellous U.K. governments travel policy is at all aimed at keeping the great British on their island.
I mean, allowing 17,000 people who provide a clear test on arrival into Edgbaston for the test match with little in the way of any masks or social distancing, then allowing them to just travel back to their homes and work all over the country, is far less dangerous than people arriving by plane from foreign shores with the same negative test.
Ask any government scientist and they’ll confirm that, hence the need for the additional tests and the quarantine period, it’s all about protecting the public.
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I might be missing something so forgive me, why can’t you use the free NHS tests on returning to uk or any other time when travelling Or are they not reliable enough. If so why are we using them ???????
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I might be missing something so forgive me, why can’t you use the free NHS tests on returning to uk or any other time when travelling Or are they not reliable enough. If so why are we using them ???????
hi Steve no you cant use the NHS supplied ones it says all over the Govt website that you must book and pay for private tests and they will issue with a Code to put into your UK entry document .
I suspect it’s the same test they certainly look the same as the ones my grandson has for school . So the logical reason is that it’s a deterrent to stop people travelling.
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I might be missing something so forgive me, why can’t you use the free NHS tests on returning to uk or any other time when travelling Or are they not reliable enough. If so why are we using them ???????
Steve, you are not allowed to use the NHS free tests as that would ruin Boris's plan completely and Cornwall would be empty this summer. You have to book your tests prior to leaving (in this case) Spain and put the PIN number provided on your locator form. I was reading the other day an interview with a fairly emminent microbiologist who estimates the cost + overheads of a laboratory PCR sample test at between £10 and £15; apart from someone opening your sample and loading it to the production line the system is automatic. In France they are free, in Greece they are €40. I seem to recall one of Boris's incompetents saying they would reduce the cost of these tests - I suppose any chance of his retaining his cabinet seat in the next reshuffle went out the window at that point.
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I can't actually see how they are free. Surely you are not suggesting that tax payers that don't wish to travel to Spain should pay for your test.
Derek
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Got my first call from test and trace today . Reading from a script really pointless questions can’t believe they feel the need to ask do I know I must quarantine at the address I’m at for 10 days ? No I’ve never seen that in any of the research I did before going . Here hoping tomorrow’s call will be from an adult
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I can't actually see how they are free. Surely you are not suggesting that tax payers that don't wish to travel to Spain should pay for your test.
Derek
The cost of providing free testing to uk citizens wishing to travel is a mere drop in the vast ocean of debt that Billy Smart and the other bufooneries have saddled us with. This latest chaos caused by Mr Maestros lack of action should in my opinion mean free tests as a consequence for lack of leadership and clarity. Why should I be out of pocket for such Tom foolery.
I bet Big Joe didn’t buy a Ryanair Amber travel pack.
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Got my first call from test and trace today . Reading from a script really pointless questions can’t believe they feel the need to ask do I know I must quarantine at the address I’m at for 10 days ? No I’ve never seen that in any of the research I did before going . Here hoping tomorrow’s call will be from an adult
It's all bad news Spurs - it's exactly the same script every day, never changes and completely humourless. When they ask where you are you could be anywhere, without physically checking how do they know your not in the pub or at work. I suppose if they actually called round they could get seriously hurt by someone who has had to put up with the rubbish for a few days. I had an Irish guy for the first two days, an Asian for the third and a Scottish lady today - had to keep telling them it was a bad line and to repeat themselves, because of the accents I couldn't understand what they were saying first time around. Be prepared for a call on your alternate number as well, they call me on my wifes phone.
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Got my first call from test and trace today . Reading from a script really pointless questions can’t believe they feel the need to ask do I know I must quarantine at the address I’m at for 10 days ? No I’ve never seen that in any of the research I did before going . Here hoping tomorrow’s call will be from an adult
It's all bad news Spurs - it's exactly the same script every day, never changes and completely humourless. When they ask where you are you could be anywhere, without physically checking how do they know your not in the pub or at work. I suppose if they actually called round they could get seriously hurt by someone who has had to put up with the rubbish for a few days. I had an Irish guy for the first two days, an Asian for the third and a Scottish lady today - had to keep telling them it was a bad line and to repeat themselves, because of the accents I couldn't understand what they were saying first time around. Be prepared for a call on your alternate number as well, they call me on my wifes phone.
They almost certainly use the simplicity of current technology which anyone who has an iPhone will know locates your phone to within a metre anywhere on the planet. You could say I’m at home but they on mapping would see the phone is actually 5 miles away at Tesco’s. Landlines are easy so no fiddling, the reason for ringing wife’s phone or vice versa is obvious, you leave your phone at home and go shopping, they ring no answer “in the shower” , so ring on alternate numbers you aren’t both going to be “busy” at the same time, and you should be together constantly ,no answers or suggestion of popping out and a knock on the door. Bear in mind if you pop out, it’s almost impossible to not be located or found out. My advice is do your 10 days and stick to the rules.
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It is easy to see why there are empty seats on the planes to Spain. For the average person to add the cost of three tests per person, which I think is goodbye to about £220 each plus if you are working you need to add on the loss of not doing so for 10 days.
I wonder if employers are obliged to pay their staff who, against government advice, travel to Spain and then can't go to work. Would this be a case of disciplinary action against the member of staff?
Not that I now employ anyone but when if did I would be a little pissed off if staff did not return to work after their holidays because they were putting their feet up at home awaiting a call from the track and trace people.
Derek
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It is easy to see why there are empty seats on the planes to Spain. For the average person to add the cost of three tests per person, which I think is goodbye to about £220 each plus if you are working you need to add on the loss of not doing so for 10 days.
I wonder if employers are obliged to pay their staff who, against government advice, travel to Spain and then can't go to work. Would this be a case of disciplinary action against the member of staff?
Not that I now employ anyone but when if did I would be a little pissed off if staff did not return to work after their holidays because they were putting their feet up at home awaiting a call from the track and trace people.
Derek
don’t think it’s the cost that will put me off Derek but the naughty boy phone calls from the Test and trace that might !
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Spurs
The cost will put a lot of people off. Young family with two teenage kids for example could be adding nearly a thousand to the holiday cost for tests alone.
A lot of people do not have that sought of money.
Derek
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You have to give Ryanair credit for trying, they are now offering several types of all inclusive travel packs, the green and amber kits. The price has come down again as it usually does. I think some form of testing is going to be with us for years, any hope we in the uk had of the war will be over by Xmas has now disappeared. The only chance of travelling normality might be very tight travel corridors like what Bozo and Big Joe are talking about. It needs to be run by a quick thinking decisive person who gets things done, that excludes 99% of Whitehall and Westminster, it also has to run as not for profit which rules out 99% of business leaders which leaves us up a smelly creek with a short paddle.
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Spurs
The cost will put a lot of people off. Young family with two teenage kids for example could be adding nearly a thousand to the holiday cost for tests alone.
A lot of people do not have that sought of money.
Derek
Derek it was a joke a flippant comment aimed at the robots from T and T
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It is easy to see why there are empty seats on the planes to Spain. For the average person to add the cost of three tests per person, which I think is goodbye to about £220 each plus if you are working you need to add on the loss of not doing so for 10 days.
I wonder if employers are obliged to pay their staff who, against government advice, travel to Spain and then can't go to work. Would this be a case of disciplinary action against the member of staff?
Not that I now employ anyone but when if did I would be a little pissed off if staff did not return to work after their holidays because they were putting their feet up at home awaiting a call from the track and trace people.
Derek
Prices have dropped €40 here in Spain for test to return and £99 for day 2and 8 tests. Flights were £39 return so for both of us it’s less than £180 return. We have paid that in July last minute before
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Just landed at BHX. £20 flight, 40 euro antigen test and £104 for the 2 and 8 day test (Thanks Spurs).
Filled in the forms and uploaded all my docs to the Ryanair website. Straight through security and passports at Alicante. In the queue at the gate the Ryanair lass checked for antigen test and UK Locator form and gave us a slip to hand it at the gate.
At Birmingham a quick passport check and out, no check on the Locator form.
Probably 10 minutes in and out on arrival at Alicante and Birmingham.
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No call from test and trace today obviously they and the virus don’t work Saturdays
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They work Sundays - just had a call 11.10 am
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They work Sundays - just had a call 11.10 am
They forgot me yesterday for the first time but called Mrs G twice. Got me again today to remind me it's day 8 tomorrow and don't forget your test. As if.
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Got my first call from test and trace today . Reading from a script really pointless questions can’t believe they feel the need to ask do I know I must quarantine at the address I’m at for 10 days ? No I’ve never seen that in any of the research I did before going . Here hoping tomorrow’s call will be from an adult
It's all bad news Spurs - it's exactly the same script every day, never changes and completely humourless. When they ask where you are you could be anywhere, without physically checking how do they know your not in the pub or at work. I suppose if they actually called round they could get seriously hurt by someone who has had to put up with the rubbish for a few days. I had an Irish guy for the first two days, an Asian for the third and a Scottish lady today - had to keep telling them it was a bad line and to repeat themselves, because of the accents I couldn't understand what they were saying first time around. Be prepared for a call on your alternate number as well, they call me on my wifes phone.
They almost certainly use the simplicity of current technology which anyone who has an iPhone will know locates your phone to within a metre anywhere on the planet. You could say I’m at home but they on mapping would see the phone is actually 5 miles away at Tesco’s. Landlines are easy so no fiddling, the reason for ringing wife’s phone or vice versa is obvious, you leave your phone at home and go shopping, they ring no answer “in the shower” , so ring on alternate numbers you aren’t both going to be “busy” at the same time, and you should be together constantly ,no answers or suggestion of popping out and a knock on the door. Bear in mind if you pop out, it’s almost impossible to not be located or found out. My advice is do your 10 days and stick to the rules.
Hi Wilson, Iv'e done the crime so I'll do the time. It's planned for, cupboards were stocked before we left, beer in the fridge and any work I do is from home so it's not really a big deal.
I'm not at all a technophobe but I'm sure you can only be tracked by tracing your phone mast to mast - hardly worth it for breaking quarantine. Unless of course you select to allow another phone to access you. But then again I may be wrong.
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Day 4 of quarantine and for 3rd day running no call from Test and Trace , I reckon I was so convincing that they have put me to bottom of pile. Day 2 test was done and sent In such a lovely task
The list of jobs the misses has given me is being done but every time I finish one she seems to add two . I saw humans out of the window today !!!
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Whether you enable location sharing or not , your provider knows exactly the location of your phone is, I can't imagine though that track and trace have access to your phone location though, it's all bluff.
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Here we go again, another 4 weeks to wait, does anyone know if spain has got the delta (indian) variant yet and what rate is it going at ??
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Here we go again, another 4 weeks to wait, does anyone know if spain has got the delta (indian) variant yet and what rate is it going at ??
steve I suspect most of the world has the delta variant, and as with the Kent one will go on to be dominant there are only 2 countries in the world the UK and Denmark that can actually accurately find new variants .which explains why we found the Kent variant as well as this variant . The UK has done proportionately more tests per person than just about any other country , you would expect to find more cases if you do more tests. As an example the UK have done nearly 3 tests per person compared to France at 1.3 per person.this also explains why the death rate looks high in UK as the measure is death for any reason within 28 days of a positive test. So if you don’t test like India the death is not included in the numbers . The real measure will be excess deaths by country after it’s all stable
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Whether you enable location sharing or not , your provider knows exactly the location of your phone is, I can't imagine though that track and trace have access to your phone location though, it's all bluff.
The mandatory quarantine period, forms part of current Covid legislation, your locator forms gives the relevant authorities the legal authority and ability to locate you and be satisfied that you are complying, the technology used is really quite standard in the emergency service world. Not enabling certain accesses doesn’t change a thing, your only chance is using a Nokia 8210 on 2G with no gps or WiFi/internet and even then your probably only up to 250 yards. Suggesting it’s a bluff could be costly so compliance is essential.
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I'm not suggesting you dodge quarantine, we stayed at home for 14 days last October, I'm saying it's unlikely that track and trace have access to your phone providers location tracking. I know people who had track and trace turn up on their doorstep recently after flying back to Stansted.
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The cost of this surveillance must be enormous. I find it hard to understand the risk if passengers are tested before they leave Spain.
I wonder if it is overkill or really necessary. The total cost of the tests and the not going out for ten days once back in the UK must put a lot off from going.
I've got a new car over in GA that has not moved for over a year and what a waste of money that was. The house fortunately does not cost much to lay dormant. Others like myself must think should I cut and run.
I just cannot see travel ever being allowed again. What would you do in my position?
Age also has a bearing on this at 78.
Derek
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Derek I’ve been mulling over what to do with my flat in Spain, like yours it costs very little to leave it dormant but for the last 11 months I’ve had this little nagging concern about leaving it that long all that money tied up and not able to use it .This is main reason I went last week.
Having been and looking back on it I’m not sure what I’m going to do from now on , sell it or keep it i mean . With half of GA closed it was not the same as it’s been
My conclusion is that I’m not making any decision until the winter mainly to see if the lockdowns and borders closed etc are a thing of the past . If we get another lockdown , travel ban I may well push button and sell it .
I’m sure all us owners are having the same thoughts
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Hi If one was to travel to the UK for less than 8days is there a way to only pay for the 2nd day test or is it a package.? Asking for a friend..
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With half of GA closed it was not the same as it’s been
Yes it’s quieter in terms of numbers, and there’s a number of bars closed. But if that equates to half of GA closed I’d hate to think what the % in the U.K. is.
Life isn’t just about bars, and over here you’ve still been able to pretty much shop anywhere, see doctors, hairdressers, bank staff and whoever face to face ( albeit wearing a mask ) throughout, we haven’t been reduced to a life of telephone consultations or zoom meetings as seems to now be the norm in the U.K.
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It wasn’t the bars being closed that bothered me it was no family out this year testing has made that impossible for most. I used to visit about once every 5 weeks this time was first in 11 months Lack of neighbours etc most apartments were empty . Brexit hasn’t helped being a second class citizen at the border wasn’t what I signed up for. And as for the face masks god they are terrible.
I hope covid vaccinations work and that we can return to normal but if I can’t visit again at some point for months on end I may well pull the trigger
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Hi Spurs.
It is nice to know that I am not alone with my thoughts.
I seriously cannot afford the cost of testing and the quarantine period. Yes I used to go over about ten times a year for a cheap holiday and the novelty is now wearing off very quickly.
I might make a final trip and put it on the market and sell the car. It has only done about 1,200 kilometers.
Derek
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I have no intention of selling up in Spain as long as Ryanair can get me there and back at a reasonable cost. I go out for about 10 days every month and I like to see the calendar filled with Spanish trips way in advance.
Testing and the extra cost is a pain but I'm at the age where I don't consider it my money anymore. I'm not cutting down just to leave the kids a few quid more. I will continue to go until either the Spanish government, our government or my health forces me to stop.
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I don't know what to do with our house at the bottom on avenue Polonia,whether to sell or not and we have a car as well .We haven't been out since February last year.
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I'm not giving up Spain, enjoy it too much , we are scheduled to go out end of July, hang the expense.
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Unfortunately, how long all the extra testing and quarantine costs are going to be in place is pretty much in the hands of the U.K. government.
They’re the ones insisting up on them, and as yesterday’s latest ‘U turn’ illustrates, they seem to have no problem making it up as they go along in order to keep people spending in the right place.
The situation with apartments may be slightly different, but the urbanisations with houses and bigger properties in GA now have a larger % of full time residents if anything, with many Spanish moving out here from the cities over recent months in fear of another lockdown and the cramped conditions they experienced last year.
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The goal posts are being moved all the time, now is as good as it will ever be re the virus so we need to just get on with it. What the government should be doing is telling people to get fit, lose weight and excercise, there's no doubt that we as Brits are an unhealthy lot and this has massively contributed to deaths, me and the missus are in a walking group and use an excercise bike, it does have big health benefits, I might add that all our friends and most of our extended family are totally sedentary, it doesn't bode well for the NHS.
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From Sky news Labour calls for all amber countries to be put on red list
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds MP is speaking at a Labour press conference.
He is highly critical of the government's border policy, slamming it for being slow to put India on the travel red list, and claiming the delay in lockdown easing in England is the fault of Number 10.
He even goes as far as to call the Delta variant - which emerged in India - the "Johnson" variant.
Mr Thomas-Symonds says Labour will be calling for a debate on travel in the Commons alongside the following measures:
Scrapping the amber travel list – and putting all amber countries on the red list
https://news.sky.com/story/covid-news-live-boris-johnson-delays-final-lockdown-easing-for-four-weeks-to-19-july-unless-far-more-dangerous-variant-emerges-12332073
Continuing with a "limited" green list
Working with international partners to create global standardised vaccine passport for travel
Negotiating financial support deal for the aviation industry(see link)
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Derek,
Typical labour rubbish, want to shaft travel industry even more. The public are more interested in when theatres, night clubs will open plus large weddings not that crap
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The good thing about being in opposition is that you can constantly come up with things like that knowing you won't have to put them into practice, go round saying what they would have done, and criticise everything just for the sake of it.
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Yes I wondered how this would gain them any more support. I think I prefer Jeremy Corbyn's Free Broadband.
Derek
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Should we sell or should we stay has been a frequent question on this forum for many years. The pandemic has shown the vulnerabilities of overseas property ownership. We have a tidy sum tied up in property and business in Spain and since the financial collapse it’s been the annual conundrum. I believe that we are going to have years of this variant issue, it’s how we manage getting back to normality that matters to me. The good news is that GA is deemed by the city living Spanish as the place to move to so that’s a positive, it’s never should have been on the tourist map it wasn’t back in 2000 so if the closure of that element happens then no sad loss in my opinion. Ironically I said in 2010 after the crash give it a year or two to get better, that was 12 years ago.
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Three calls in three days so far.
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I’m on day 5 now and only had 1 call on day 1 done my 2 day test and got back negative result . That’s 2 tests in 6 days !!! I’ve had both jabs 2nd one 4 weeks ago yet I’m in quarantine but probably safer than the people near you in Tescos
Someone tell me how this makes sense ?
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It doesn't make sense and whatever it's costing is the real scandal. I've just done my day 8 test and have been called everyday except one. My wife was called today by a guy who was barely coherent and couldn't read off the script whereas I was called by a real person and we managed to pass the time of day quite amicably.
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Hi Spurs.
It is nice to know that I am not alone with my thoughts.
I seriously cannot afford the cost of testing and the quarantine period. Yes I used to go over about ten times a year for a cheap holiday and the novelty is now wearing off very quickly.
I might make a final trip and put it on the market and sell the car. It has only done about 1,200 kilometers.
Derek
Mine is sold.
After buying the house in 2002 we usually visited one a month; then in February 2016 (before the referendum) I put my retirement plan into practice and for the following four years drove over to Spain, staying about 9 or 10 months and the balance in the UK. Then came Let's Get Brexit Done and the 90 days in 180 came into force. Am I bitter. Absolutely.
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Dave
That is the problem. If you had stayed in Spain for 1 day in excess of 6 months you should have applied for residency. Also taking your UK car to Spain for over 6 months was also illegal. Many Brits abused the system and now a few have been sent home they don't like it.
I also dislike the UK being outside Europe but I do think Brits ought to play by the Spanish rule book when buying a property in Spain.
Derek
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Hi Derek, yes I know the rules as do the other nationalities on my urb who also stay for long periods so spare me the lecture.
The Spanish government knew full well the situation and turned a blind eye as people like me were retired, self sufficient, taking nothing out of the Spanish economy but putting plenty in. I'm not the criminal element or working and paying no tax. With freedom of movement it's an impossibility to keep track of everyone and why bother providing no crime is committed.
I wasn't abusing the system at all just playing outside the hard and fast rules with the tacit approval of the government. I'm sure also plenty of Spanish nationals did the same and overstayed visits to the UK.
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With half of GA closed it was not the same as it’s been
Yes it’s quieter in terms of numbers, and there’s a number of bars closed. But if that equates to half of GA closed I’d hate to think what the % in the U.K. is.
Life isn’t just about bars, and over here you’ve still been able to pretty much shop anywhere, see doctors, hairdressers, bank staff and whoever face to face ( albeit wearing a mask ) throughout, we haven’t been reduced to a life of telephone consultations or zoom meetings as seems to now be the norm in the U.K.
To be honest we have been out a week and I’m finding it difficult to remember we are in a pandemic. Everything apart from wearing the mask on the street which I find totally over the top is pretty much normal. It’s a small sacrifice to wear it for everything else which is open. True there are not many visitors but Monday night they were partying and singing in the little Dutch restaurant until about 9.30 pm by the Gran Mundo. Beaches were busy in Santa pola yesterday. Definitely feels less restrictive than the UK
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Four calls in the four days so far. It's getting a bit boring now. To lighten the mood I said 'I'm glad you've rung early as I'm waiting to go out.' Result stunned silence on the other end of the phone. These people have no sense of humour.
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I'm on day 9 today and have been called everyday except one. Today when the robot asked was I OK to continue the call in English I said no I would prefer Spanish - she didn't lose her stride at all and asked could I wait for an interpreter. At that point I gave up the joking.
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I’m feeling very neglected day 6 and still only the one call on day 1 . Feel like I’m missing out on something.
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Just a point on testing for all . I’ve been very impressed with them for £99 +pp I think I will be using them again if we have to do this long term
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The do exactly what they say on the tin. They state they are a 'not for profit' organisation which might be why they're cheaper than the rest. I'm not going to answer the phone tomorrow to see if I get a visit.
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https://mol.im/a/9695927
We live in hope
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Groundhog day tomorrow. Cheated a bit, went for a walk at 9pm instead of waiting until 2359. Hope the virus can't tell the time.
Called today, third time, on my wife's phone, clever that, they get both of you in one hit. Are they that clever?
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Five days, five calls.
I've now started to interrupt them by asking questions to throw them of their stride. They're obviously not used to it.
First question as soon as he said 'Are you quarantining at the address you gave on the form?
Me -'Can't you tell? Aren't you tracking the phone?'
Apparently the people who rang haven't got the means of GPS tracking where you are so I pointed out I could have been in Tesco's car park. That flummoxed him and he waffled for a bit before returning to script.
I also pointed out that unlike yesterday he hadn't asked if I'd had my Day 2 test result. Again cue a bit of waffle from his end.
I'm now starting to enjoy this game.
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I’m still being neglected by them day 8 today and still only the 1 call on day 1 . I’m starting to wonder if maybe I should call them to let them know I’m ok and still following the rules .
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May has it right. Me thinks the mode is changing see here;
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy7hhqM2mfE
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You may be right Derek the mood music is changing ever so slightly as the EU opens up and we can't because Boris delayed putting India on the red list.
Also what will be the effect on the publict of letting European VIP's into the UK exempt from quarantine to watch the EUFA semi finals and final at wembley.
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You may be right Derek the mood music is changing ever so slightly as the EU opens up and we can't because Boris delayed putting India on the red list.
Also what will be the effect on the publict of letting European VIP's into the UK exempt from quarantine to watch the EUFA semi finals and final at wembley.
Latest word is not just Very Important Payers, but ordinary fans will be allowed in for the knock out phases as long as they have negative test and adhere to their social bubble.
I will say for the umpteenth time, the U.K. government has made decisions led by the pound not the science or public health.
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And for the umpteenth time I agree with you.
All starting to unravel for Boris with a bit of luck. Couldn't someone around him see this coming? It's not like the football was arranged yesterday.
Football fans staying in their bubble and not the pub!! Joke of the year. Look at the Scottish fans paying attention to the do not travel advice.
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You may be right Derek the mood music is changing ever so slightly as the EU opens up and we can't because Boris delayed putting India on the red list.
Also what will be the effect on the publict of letting European VIP's into the UK exempt from quarantine to watch the EUFA semi finals and final at wembley.
Feel slightly aggrieved when we return to the UK that we will have to quarantine when he is thinking of letting in 2,500 VIP’s and fans in to watch the final at Wembley without quarantine !
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That is what equality and levelling up the country means. Surely you do not expect the virus to infect the wealthy.
We must do as we are told and respect those in power can get away with most of it.
Derek
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That is what equality and levelling up the country means. Surely you do not expect the virus to infect the wealthy.
We must do as we are told and respect those in power can get away with most of it.
Derek
It’s the old 80/20 rule, we’ve got 10% of the population that consistently undermine everything during the pandemic and 10% who have been allowed to carry on with their lives with little restriction or inconvenience, then we have the 80% who have complied and done everything that’s been asked of us. I even had to agree with what Teresa May said that she’s hacked off with still not having her life back despite both jabs etc. Billy Smart and the other passengers in the clown car need to get a grip.
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A little unfair on Billy Smart Wilson. Billy Smart appeared to be quite successful in running his circus so the association you place there is strange!
Derek :-*
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A little unfair on Billy Smart Wilson. Billy Smart appeared to be quite successful in running his circus so the association you place there is strange!
Derek :-*
Our great leader has also been very successful throughout his varied career, he’s just incompetent as a Prime Minister though I’m sure when he’s thrown out of number 10 he will resume his success.
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A 'Full House' 10 days, 10 calls off Track and Trace. I've never felt so wanted.
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I've just noted that the Spanish Government website has changed from giving a date of their latest update to 'constantly under review'.
They now appear to be letting anyone in as long as they have a vacination certificate.
For the purposes of the provisions of articles 6.1.e) and 14 of the Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), any third-country national will be subject to denial of entry, for reasons of public order or public health, unless they belong to one of the following categories:
k) Persons with a vaccination certificate, that the Ministry of Health recognizes for this purpose, after verification by the health authorities, as well as their accompanying minors (under 12 years of age).
Us Brits still also qualify under (j)
https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/spth.htm