American shares his experience during Spain's lockdown

Mark Rossini. Credit: WINK News.

It’s been more than a week since the safer-at-home order went into effect in Florida. As health officials brace for a surge in cases, there is hope, that by staying at home, we’re flattening the curve. Just take a look at Spain.

We spoke to a former FBI colleague of our Safety & Security Specialist, Rich Kolko, who has been living under lockdown in the outskirts of Madrid, Spain.

Friday marks a month since Spain went under lockdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

“The government told us that it’s another two weeks minimum to continue the lockdown conditions,” Mark Rossini told WINK News.

But, unlike here in Southwest Florida, the conditions are strict in Spain. Grocery stories, pharmacies and those working in elder care are limited to one person at a time.

“You cannot have two people or three people or more in an automobile. Only you, so only I can drive to the market, the pharmacy etc. The other person will get a fine. It’s that strict. Moreover, you cannot walk on the street,” Rossini said. “I could walk but I better have my shopping bags with me and my identification.”:

The Government of Spain is even limiting where people can take their dog when it has to go outside.

“If you have a dog, you could walk your dog only within 100 meters, 200 meters of your front door that you’re allowed to circulate,” Rossini said. “Otherwise, you can’t just go take a walk.”

And the police are making sure the rules, are enforced.

“You have the police shifting their locations all the time, one to another,” Rossini said. “And they stop you. They stop every car, kind of like a DWI roadblock that you have in America.”

Spain’s health minister says the lockdown has helped mitigate the spread, and the number of deaths has stopped increasing daily. Spain is allowing the return of non-essential workers to their factories and construction sites next week. Restaurants and shops will remain closed.

Meanwhile, Rossini offers advice for us back home.

“Do not sit all day staring at the TV, waiting for the latest numbers,” Rossini said. “You’ll make yourself crazy. Take a break.”

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