Wendy's life in Tenerife - looking forward to partial lifting of lockdown

Royton mother of two Wendy Muldowney has lived on the sunshine island of Tenerife, one of the UK's favourite  holiday destinations, for nearly 30 years.

Here she gives an update on life for the Brits living in the front line in Los Gigantes, a pretty village and a choice of many long stay visitors.

Wendy said: ‘I’m looking forward to next Monday (April 27)  when the confinement of the children will be slightly lifted.

“It will mean under 14 year olds will be able to leave the house - but only to accompany their parent to go to the chemist, supermarket or medical centre using protective masks and gloves, and hand washing remains an important part of the permission.

“There is a possibility of going for a short walk, but we have yet to hear of the boundaries and oficial guidelines.

“After asking friends who have children if they would now be taking their children to the supermarkets, every one of them said no - no way.

“They would sooner wait until they know everything is ok rather than chance the possibility of their young children coming into contact with the virus.

“Parks, beaches and mountain leisure areas all remain closed.

"All other shops remain closed too.

“And 14 to 18 year olds can leave the house, under parents / legal guardians' permission and only to go to the supermarket / chemist / doctors.

"They can’t meet up with friends on the street or visit friends.

“We still have to abide by the rules and respect social distancing laws.

“We can still only take rubbish to the communal bins between 8pm and 10 pm every day.”

And she highlights work problems.

“I have been placed on a temporary stoppage (ERTE - paused work contract for three months) since March 24  when all hotels in Spain closed until further notice," added Wendy.

“The authorities are saying the department of tourism / hotels / bars / restaurants will be the very last to open here and that the ERTE’s will need to be extended for all the people involved, possibly until the end of the year!

“How on earth am I meant to cope financially being a divorced mum with two daughters, two dogs and two mortgages for ono house with one income? 

“Coming from Oldham I check on a regular basis the Coronavirus numbers in the borough and compare them to the island.

"Here in Tenerife, we have approximately 1,400 people that that have been covid-19 positive, whereas Oldham have just under 500.

"I seriously hope the curve starts to downturn and people stay home and stay safe and protect the NHS and front line workers .

“On a positive note, our lockdown has been extended until May 10 when then hopefully we will start seeing the torchlight at the end of this coronavirus tunnel  - and seeing all family and friends on the other side.”