Formentera logs new arrivals and pleads with authorities to start port checks immediately

foto 2020 Estat AlarmaThe Consell de Formentera reports that from today ferry companies will give all passengers arriving on Formentera a questionnaire so that a log can be created with personal data, contact information, provenance, reason of visit and expected date of departure, as the case may be. Pamphlets will be distributed with urgent measures under the state of alarm and other Covid-19 containment measures, and travellers will be asked to voluntarily self-isolate.

The pamphlet has been in the works since Friday, when the Formentera began urging recent arrivals to contact the island’s government by phoning 971321087. Besides receiving the same information that is currently being dispatched to ferry companies, callers will be asked to voluntarily self-isolate. Since rollout of the safety mechanism, 110 calls have been received from persons recently arrived on Formentera from varying affected areas.

Harbour checks
The Consell de Formentera will use the lists to monitor each new arrival’s case, periodically reaching out to see if individuals are experiencing urgent needs and if they are well. Alejandra Ferrer, president of the island government, described it as a temporary measure while the people of Formentera “wait for national agencies and security forces to begin implementing checks at our port of entry”. “The administration has been urgently pleading with the relevant government agencies and it is our understanding that efforts are under way to that end.”

Speaking to residents and business owners who have voiced frustration over the absence of more restrictive entry measures or controls on new arrivals, Ferrer pointed out the Consell’s lack of jurisdiction in Port de la Savina, an area that is controlled by national and regional authorities. “We’ve been asking for control over entry from day-one”, said the president, “and yesterday we managed to activate minimum services regulations that make controlling entry a little easier”. Officials are currently looking at ways to reduce ferry connections even further.

The island’s president insisted that transport of goods of basic necessity would continue guaranteed, and asked residents to heed the state of alarm by staying home and leaving the house only when strictly necessary. “We’re working to see to it that during these times of public health crisis Formentera remains the safest island possible. And if everyone steps up to a part of personal responsibility, it will help us do that.” “Commendable” was how she described the efforts and understanding of residents and local business owners, both of whom are on the hook for measures under the state of alarm, and she acknowledged that the current moment was “a difficult one, but we hope to be going back to normal in the weeks ahead”. Ferrer also had a word of thanks for “our healthcare workers, who are literally risking their lives to keep us safe”.

15 March 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera