ARCHIVED - Cartagena cancels or postpones almost all public events

The measures in Cartagena are in line with those being announced in other municipalities of Murcia

The Town Hall of Cartagena has followed suit with the majority of the other 44 municipalities in the Region of Murcia and announced a wholesale cancellation or postponement of almost all public events for as long as is required during the coronavirus crisis in Spain.

On Thursday Mayoress Ana Belén Castejón announced a raft of measures which is very similar to that decided upon by her counterpart José Ballesta in the city of Murcia the evening before, including the following:

- All official events involving more than 50 people are cancelled.

- Council-run infants schools are closed.

- The main street markets are cancelled including those in El Bohío, Los Dolores, El Algar, Cabo de Palos, el Cenit and Urbanización Mediterráneo. Others may be suspended as the situation develops.

- The elderly are advised to stay at home in order to reduce the risk of contagion.

- Centres for the elderly are closed.

- Activities at Centros de Mujeres, neighbours’ associations, the Universidad Popular, municipal libraries and municipal sports facilities are suspended.

- Guided tours and activities at the main museums in Cartagena are cancelled.

- The number of guests at weddings held in municipal premises is restricted to 25.

At the same time the Mayoress warned that this list may not be definitive, depending on how the situation develops, and that the measures outlined will be in force until at least 31^st March. She also joins her colleagues at the head of other Town Halls in thanking the population for collaborating with the measures enforced, which are designed to slow down the spread of the virus and limit its effects as far as possible.

For more local news, events and other information go to the Cartagena section of Murcia Today.

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Click here to keep abreast of the latest official figures regarding the coronavirus epidemic in Spain and the measures implemented by the national and regional governments.

What to do if you are in the Region of Murcia and believe you may have contracted the virus

The regional government has set up a special helpline to supply information to members of the public (900 121212), and also urges people to call the 112 emergency services line if they suspect that they may have contracted the virus rather than going straight to hospital or to a medical centre. Medical staff will be sent to your home to test for the virus.

Sensible precautions

The advice being issued to members of the public by medical authorities all over the world coincides on the following points:

- Wash hands frequently with either soap and water or a sanitiser gel

- Catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues – and throw the tissues away immediately after use before immediately washing your hands!

- If you don’t have a tissue, use your sleeve – and wash the item of clothing used at the next opportunity

- AVOID touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

- AVOID close contact with people who are unwell

- Don´t panic!