SUN, SAND & TESTS

Ibiza calls for holidaymakers to be asked for proof they are coronavirus-free before being allowed onto island

HOLIDAYMAKERS heading to Ibiza will have to prove they are free of coronavirus before they are allowed onto the Spanish island.

Ibiza President Vicent Mari said today that ‘Covid-19 Free’ certificates will be utilised to ensure there is not a new outbreak on the holiday isle.
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Mr Mari, leader of the Island Council, said Ibiza would play a “fundamental” part in the country's battle against the pandemic when it opens up to foreign tourists nearly four months after shutting its borders.

He told local media the national government would control the system where travellers would have to arrive with their certificates.

Earlier this week, Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez's administration caused holiday bookings to quadruple after it committed to a July 1 date to allow foreign tourists to return to the country.

Holidaymakers from Britain account for a quarter of Ibiza's total tourist income.

Spain has been one of the worst-hit countries during the coronavirus pandemic and was placed under a nationwide lockdown on March 14.

BEATING THE BUG

It has so far seen more than 280,000 cases of the virus and at least 28,752 people killed.

The UK is enforcing 14-day quarantines for anyone entering the country, including returning nationals, which may put a stop to holiday plans.

Portugal could be the first country to form an air bridge with the UK, which would allow quarantine-free travel between two countries.

Talks between the two sides are in an “initial phase”, according to The Times.

Earlier this week, it emerged Ibiza has been hit by an invasion of Asian tiger mosquitoes four times bigger than normal.

Experts say the bugs have likely thrived since the closure of hotels and holiday villas amid the coronavirus lockdown meant many swimming pools being left untreated.

The mosquitoes take 10 to 12 days to hatch, but when they do can be a particular nuisance to humans.

The flying bugs typically emerge during the day, not just dawn and dusk, and are able to bite through clothing.

They can also carry diseases like Zika virus, West Nile virus, and dengue fever.